Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the massive expansion of India’s social security coverage over the past decade, saying the number of beneficiaries has increased from around 25 crore before 2014 to 100 crore within a decade.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said the goal of building a developed India would be achieved only when the benefits of development reach the last person.
“Before 2014, only 25 crore people had social security cover,” the Prime Minister said, noting that the country had provided social security coverage to 100 crore people within a decade.
Highlighting the impact of welfare measures on families, PM Modi referred to Ayushman Bharat, under which senior citizens aged 70 years and above are receiving free healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
The Prime Minister also underlined the expansion of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for India’s youth over the past decade. He said the Startup India initiative has helped the country cross the milestone of 2.5 lakh registered startups, enabling young entrepreneurs to create employment opportunities for themselves as well as others.
PM Modi also pointed to the ₹1 lakh crore Innovation Fund, Skill India and Digital India as key initiatives that have opened new avenues for young people in employment, skilling and entrepreneurship.
The opening up of sectors such as space and aviation, along with the National Drone Policy, has further expanded opportunities for India’s youth, he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s aviation ecosystem, saying the construction of new airports, expansion of air routes and growth in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and overhauling are generating employment opportunities for skilled workers.
Reiterating his vision of a Viksit Bharat, PM Modi said inclusive development remains at the heart of India’s development journey and stressed that the benefits of economic growth and government schemes must reach every section of society, particularly those at the last mile.
