AMN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday unveiled three social security schemes under Jansuraksha programme – two on insurance and one on pension at a function organised in Kolkata.
The schemes were launched simultaneously at 115 places in the country with Central and State Chief Ministers and senior ministers attending the functions.
Speaking on the occassion of the launching ceremony in Kolkata Prime Minister said that progress is not complete if fruits of development do not reach the hutments of the poor.
He remarked that although we all speak about poverty, but we must change our mindset about the poor.
What the poor wants is not charity, but empowerment and the government is determined to give them power and dignity.
Quoting from Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, he said that was also the vision of the poet, and that is why these projects are launched on his birthday in his city.
He explained all the three projects and emphasised how these projects would change lives of millions.
Speaking about the Pension Scheme he said the scheme is for the youth of today who will have his old age secured with this pension scheme.
The Prime Minister said it is a wrong concept that big business and industry create employment.
Actually, five crore small businessmen and entrepreneurs are the pivotal force behind our economy as they feed 14 crore people.
Unfortunately, no bank or major financial institutions give them loan to expand their business and that is why the government has come up with the concept of the Mudra bank.
Mr. Modi pointed out that hardly 35 lakh people get pension in this country and some of the pension amounts are ridiculously low.
The new project will change this. He also said that 85 to 90% people of our country is not covered by any kind of insurance and now by spending the minimum amount of Rs. 12, they will get the benefit of Rs. 2 lakh.
He also called upon the financially affluent sections of society to provide such coverage to people dependent on them.
He told the meeting that five and a half crore people have already come under the schemes and he urged the people to join the schemes by 30th August.
Mr. Modi pointed out that hardly 35 lakh people get pension in this country and some of the pension amounts are ridiculously low. The new project will change this. He told the meeting that five and a half crore people have already come under the schemes and he urged the people to join the schemes by 30th August.
Before the event the Prime Minister also garlanded a bust of Tagore.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the function. She said governments must always work for the people.
Ms. Banerjee said Centre and states have to work together for the good of the nation.
Let us dedicate this programme to the people of India, she said.