In a virtual address on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of uplifting the poor, drawing parallels with the narrative of Lord Ram, as he released Rs 540 crore as the first installment of welfare funds for one lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G). This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).
Modi, alluding to the upcoming Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22, stated, “The story of Ram is not possible without the welfare of the poor.” He underscored the simultaneous celebration of Diwali in Ayodhya and among one lakh people from extremely backward tribal communities, who are beneficiaries of the housing scheme.
The Prime Minister said, “We dedicated 10 years to the poor. In 10 years, we have built four crore permanent houses for the poor.” He said that the welfare of the underprivileged is an integral part of both historical and contemporary narratives, be it the tale of Raja Ram in Treta Yug or the present-day Ram story.
Speaking about the PM-JANMAN campaign, Modi shared key achievements, including the distribution of 80,000 Ayushman Bharat cards, linking 30,000 farmers from extremely backward tribal communities to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and opening bank accounts for 40,000 beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to spend more than Rs 23,000 crore on the PM-JANMAN campaign. Regarding housing for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), he mentioned the direct transfer of funds to tribal beneficiaries, providing up to Rs 2.5 lakh for a pucca house with essential amenities.
Modi outlined his government’s efforts in tribal development, noting a fivefold increase in the budget for Scheduled Tribes schemes. He pointed out the establishment of over 500 new Eklavya Model Schools in the last decade and the inclusion of 90 forest produce under the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing the government’s commitment to socio-economic welfare, stating, “PM-JANMAN focuses on 11 critical interventions through nine ministries to improve the socio-economic conditions of PVTGs, providing basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, education, health, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.”
