The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Interim Union Budget 2024, emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering the poor, aligning with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath’ to eradicate poverty.
Key Points from the Budget Presentation:
Shift in Poverty Alleviation Approach: Smt. Sitharaman noted that the earlier method of addressing poverty through entitlements had limited success. She stressed that empowering the poor as active partners in development significantly enhances the government’s capacity to assist them.
Impact of Sabka Saath: Over the last decade, the government’s initiatives have helped 25 crore people escape multi-dimensional poverty. The Minister highlighted that government efforts are now amplified by the energy and enthusiasm of these empowered individuals, lifting them out of poverty.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Success: The Finance Minister stated that DBT worth Rs. 34 lakh crore, facilitated through PM-Jan Dhan accounts, has led to government savings of Rs. 2.7 lakh crore by preventing leakages. These savings have been redirected to further aid poverty alleviation under ‘Garib Kalyan’ initiatives.
PM-SVANidhi Scheme: This scheme has provided credit assistance to 78 lakh street vendors, with 2.3 lakh receiving credit for the third time, demonstrating the scheme’s reach and impact.
PM-JANMAN Yojana: This scheme focuses on particularly vulnerable tribal groups, extending development benefits to those who were previously marginalized.
These initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to lifting the poor out of poverty by empowering them with the necessary resources and support, thereby contributing to the overall welfare and progress of the nation.