New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that his government at the Centre is running a campaign for 100 per cent empowerment of the poor. “Today, when our government is completing eight years, the confidence of the country and the confidence of the countrymen in themselves is unprecedented. Last eight years have been devoted to the welfare and service of the poor. Now the poorest of the poor are confident about getting benefits. To increase this trust, our government is now running a campaign of 100 per cent empowerment,” said Modi while releasing the benefits under PM CARES for Children Scheme via video conference.
The Prime Minister empathised with the difficulties in the lives of those children who lost their loved ones due to Corona. “Every day’s struggle, every day’s challenges! It is difficult to put into words the pain of the children who are with us today, for whom this program is happening,” he said, adding that he is speaking as a member of the family, not as a Prime Minister.
In such a scenario, the Prime Minister said, “PM CARES for Children is a small effort to reduce the difficulties of such corona affected children who lost both their mother and father. PM CARES for children is also a reflection of the fact that every countryman is with you with the utmost sensitivity.” He informed that if someone needs an education loan for professional courses or higher education, then PM-CARES will help in that too. For other daily needs, arrangements have also been made for 4 thousand rupees every month for them through other schemes.
Apart from Rs 10 lakh on attaining the age of 23 years the children will be given health coverage through the Ayushman Card and emotional counselling through Samvad helpline for psychological and emotional help. He saluted the children for facing the most painful impact of the pandemic so bravely and said that nothing can compensate for the love of the parents. “Maa Bharati is with all you children in this hour of difficulty. The nation is trying to meet its responsibility through PM CARES for Children,” he said.
The Prime Minister remarked that even in the darkest atmosphere of despair, if we believe in ourselves, then a ray of light is definitely visible. He cited that our country itself is the biggest example of this. He advised the children not to allow despair to turn into defeat. He asked them to listen to their elders and their teacher. He also said that in these difficult times good books can be their reliable friends. He also asked them to stay disease-free and get involved and lead the ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’ movements.
Referring to the welfare policies like Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana or Har Ghar Jal Abhiyan, the Prime Minister said that the government is moving with the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.’ The last eight years have been devoted to the welfare and service of the poor, he said. “As a member of the family, we have tried to reduce difficulties and improve the ease of living for the poor of the country,” the Prime Minister added. /BI/
