Jaipur
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the Narendra Modi government has helped lift about 30 crore people above the poverty line through welfare schemes focused on poor welfare and direct benefits.
He was speaking at a night choupal and village programme in Bhiluda village of Dungarpur district. He said many families who once struggled with poverty are now living with dignity due to central government schemes.
He recalled the Covid 19 period when Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured no poor person slept hungry by starting a free ration distribution programme.
Under this scheme, free food grains were provided to nearly 80 crore people across the country and the support continues even today.
He praised the Rajasthan government led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for appealing to financially stable families to voluntarily surrender their BPL cards so that benefits can reach the needy. He said around 80 lakh people in Rajasthan gave up their BPL cards, saying they no longer needed support.
Shekhawat said this shows positive social change through welfare policies. He also highlighted the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme under which farmers receive Rs 6000 every year directly in bank accounts. He added that Rajasthan has increased assistance to Rs 10000 under a double engine government model. He said the government is also focusing on youth through education, skills and healthcare programmes to create better jobs and stronger future opportunities for the country.
He said these efforts together reflect inclusive governance and aim to reduce inequality while strengthening rural economy and ensuring long term development across India with continued welfare support for citizens nationwide.
