Opinion Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is about fulfilling Modi Ki Guarantee
The government is committed to ensuring its programmes reach people's doorsteps
In the pursuit of Amrit Kaal, the Prime Minister aptly underscores the significance of four foundational pillars: Naari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, Kisaan, and the poor families of India. The government is unflinching in its support of them.(Express File Photo) In the last 10 years, the Government of India has focused on the execution and delivery of various schemes in mission mode. It has ensured that the vulnerable, marginalised, and the poorest of the poor can avail of every scheme that it has conceived. This approach has resonated with every Indian, including those who may not have been its direct beneficiary. It reflects the can-do attitude of the government and its empathetic nature. The government has always underlined the welfare of every individual.
Today, as a result of this untiring effort led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is on target to accomplish all its welfare schemes. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched to “reach the unreached” and more than 10 crore citizens have participated. It is the most extensive outreach initiative anchored in the vision of antyodaya and inclusive governance.
India has been leading by example over the past decade. The country has demonstrated its scientific prowess in becoming the first to land a mission near the Moon’s South Pole. At the same time, we are equally determined to ensure that every household has access to affordable power, clean drinking water, sanitary living conditions and quality health and education. Some of the schemes such as the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programme, the Jan Dhan Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana have become international case studies and are acknowledged for their transformational nature. Our openness to share the underlying platforms and templates with other countries bears testimony to our commitment to the precept Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. Our journey to being a vishwaguru – a global leader, has been grounded in being a vishwamitra – a universal friend.
One significant departure from the past is the government’s active attempt to find synergies across ministries and ensure that the silo-based approach makes way for an outcome-based “whole of government” approach. This manifested in the outcomes we have seen in various schemes that not only show significant quantitative progress but also exceptional qualitative transformation that directly improves the well-being and socioeconomic conditions of people. This commitment to quality over quantity is evident across welfare schemes.
The Jal Jeevan Mission promotes regular testing of water samples at source and delivery points while covering more than 13 crore households. The PM Awas Yojana with over 4 crore rural and urban beneficiaries, actively addresses all household needs of the beneficiaries and builds synergies with other government schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Yojana, MGNREGA, Saubhagya Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana. Similarly, the 81 lakh street vendors availing loans through PM SVANidhi were promised insurance benefits under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, along with pension benefits under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana.
Another significant change under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership is a visible shift from patronage-based opacity to transparent, rule-based eligibility while deciding on beneficiaries. Moreover, schemes such as Stand Up India, loans under MUDRA Yojana or the drone pilot training of 15,000 SHG Groups under the Drone Didi programme go beyond mere financial assistance, actively involving individuals in shaping their aspirations. They do not provide mere financial assistance but also help in shaping entrepreneurs who will become role models.
From a time when only 15 paise out of every government rupee reached the poor, we are now confidently advancing towards achieving 100 per cent coverage across all schemes. Currently, significant percentages of beneficiaries in various schemes — 71 per cent in Fasal Bima Yojana, 80 per cent in PM-KISAN, 45 per cent in rural housing, 58 per cent in scholarships and 51 per cent in MUDRA loans — belong to the Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe or OBC communities. Many schemes that failed under the previous government have found traction because the Prime Minister inspires credibility. India had only 80 Jan Aushadhi Kendras till 2014 while today we have close to 10,000 such kendras that provide affordable, quality generic medicines with the renewed target of taking this number to 25,000. These statistics highlight targeted service delivery and a commitment to reaching the marginalised sections of society.
In the pursuit of Amrit Kaal, the Prime Minister aptly underscores the significance of four foundational pillars: Naari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, Kisaan, and the poor families of India. The government is unflinching in its support of them. This emphasis reflects a holistic vision for national development, recognising the pivotal roles these pillars play in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future. Every Indian has an unshakable faith in the assurance of the Prime Minister that is now popularly known as “Modi ki Guarantee”. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is an inspiring journey that fulfils the sankalp (resolve) of the government to bring its services to the doorsteps of every citizen.
The writer is Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of the Northeast region. He represents the Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency
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