Benefits worth Rs.10,500-Cr distributed to 80-L beneficiaries through 900 GKM so far

“Exploiters of poor have once again came into open with the ‘schemes-on-paper’ in their hand and election in their mind, like it was done by the past governments” ~ Narendra Modi

Addressing the state-wide Garib Kalyan Mela (GKM) through video conference today Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the exploiters of poor have once again came into open with the schemes-on-paper in their hand and election in their mind, like it was done by the past governments. But, he said, the present government has been endeavoring committedly since last ten years for providing home and bread to the poor with a view to provide them a steady life.

He said the present government has distributed benefits worth Rs.10,500 crore to around 80 lakh poor through 900 GKM so far. Besides, the government has handed over 16 lakh houses and 3.25 lakh plots to poor since 2001 till now. During GKM, an amount of Rs.2000 crore will be given to nearly 4.25 lakh poor as a part of first installment for houses.

“This government is distributing money from its exchequer to the poor who are entitled for receiving benefits, whereas the past Congress governments allowed the middlemen to exploit the poor”, he said while giving details of the work done under State government’s various pro-poor schemes.

No single section of poor has been left for which the government does not have one or other welfare scheme. “If we can remove poverty, malnutrition and gutkha addiction from the lives of poor, come in will be the education and prosperity”, the Chief Minister said. He expressed faith that various pro-poor programmes of the state government will bring out the poor from poverty.

He said that during the approaching September 5 to September 11, the state government will observe ‘Gutkha Mutki Saptah’ with a view to save poor, especially youths, from the deadly disease of Cancer. State government’s announcement of putting ban on gutkha has received huge welcome from the women. “If the gutkha be shunned, poverty will also go with it. Youths will get opportunities for skill development and employment; poor will come out of poverty and their dreams will be actualized”, he added.

The Chief Minister also gave details of state government’s efforts to deal with the present water scarcity including making available fodder for speech-less animals, drinking water, various water conservation works and giving employment through NREGA scheme.

He said the state government is committed to making every one partner in the state’s development. Through empower programme, thousands of youths have been given computer training. Rising beyond the party politics, the present government has also initiated to honour former representatives of panchayats, keeping in view the golden jubilee of panchayati-raj, the Chief Minister said.