Pro-MASS News Bureau: Dec 27, 2015:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed satisfaction over the successful implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. Addressing the nation in his 15th edition of All India Radio’s Mann Ki Baat programme, PM Modi said nearly 40 thousand crore rupees have reached beneficiaries’ accounts under various schemes. Noting that DBT is the largest programme of its kind in the world, he said, 35 to 40 schemes are being included under the DBT initiative. It has found its place in Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest scheme of direct benefit transfer. He said nearly 15 crore LPG customers have already joined PAHAL (Pratyaksha Hastaantarit Laabh) scheme by the end of November and the subsidy is going directly in their accounts. PM Modi said the scheme has eliminated middlemen and plugged leakages.
The Prime Minister announced that government will unveil action plan of Start Up India, Stand Up India on 16th of January. All the youths of IITs, IIMs, central universities and other institutes will be brought together through live connectivity under the programme. He said, Start Up India, Stand Up India should spread to every corner of the country and not remain restricted to a few cities. Mr Modi also requested state governments to take the scheme forward. He said, the scheme has a lot for the youth and asked banks to provide financial assistance to the youth to start their enterprise.
He urged the people to use Divyaang for persons with disabilities saying they are endowed with extraordinary power in certain other ways. The Prime Minister also spoke about the recently launched Accessible India programme to make transport, hospitals, school buildings, parkings and lifts disabled friendly. He recounted a phone call by Ahmedabad resident Dilip Chauhan telling the Prime Minister how he celebrated Accessible India in his school.
On the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations, Prime Minister called for launching a campaign to espouse the people to think and write something about duties which are enshrined in the Constitution. He asked students in schools and colleges and members of society to organize essay competitions, debates and poem recitals on duties of a citizen and also send their views at MyGov.in.
The Prime Minister also suggested citizens to clean statues and memorials of great personalities on this Republic Day. He expressed concern on lack of cleanliness and proper upkeep in such premises. He said, such statues are inaugurated with much pomp and show but thereafter, they are forgotten.
On the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda which is celebrated as National Youth Festival on 12th of January every year, the Prime Minister invited everyone, specially youths, to send their suggestions about the festival through Narendra Modi App. He said the Festival will be organised from 12th to 16th January in Raipur, Chhattisgarh and its theme is Indian Youth: of Development Skill and Harmony. Extending his greetings on Christmas and New Year, PM said country’s economy is festival driven and festivals become a source of economic activity for poor sections of the society. He wished that the new year herald happiness and joy and make the world free from terrorism, global warming and natural calamities.
