PM flays oppn for blaming ‘the poor for graft’
Modi addresses beneficiaries assembled at 651 locations in Uttar Pradesh
A day before the first phase of polling in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a frontal attack on the opposition for blaming the poor for corruption and said the poor had never compromised on honesty and self-respect.
“Those indulging in politics in the name of the poor have created an atmosphere giving an impression that loans given to the poor will not be returned…they (opposition) have indulged in scams, accepted commissions and have tried to blame the poor for all the corruption. The poor of our country have never compromise on honesty and self-respect. With PM Svanidhi scheme, the poor have set an example of honesty before the nation,” said Modi while addressing beneficiaries assembled at 651 locations in Uttar Pradesh.
Modi used the occasion to urge people to follow the ‘Do gaz ki doori, mask zaroori’ mantra during the festival season. He said with all the precaution
being taken by people, the country would soon be able to defeat the Covid-19.
“When Covid-19 attacked, there were apprehensions around the world. All efforts of the government focused on how to minimise people’s hardships…the Garib Kalyan Yojna involving Rs 1.70 lakh crore was launched. No one should sleep hungry remained the focus of the scheme. Subsequently, an economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore was also launched. The common man has proved that he/she has the strength of winning over such big problems,” he added.
Modi said the street vending business had helped in checking the exodus of people from Uttar Pradesh. “This is why UP is number one in the country in benefitting people under the PM Svanidhi
Yojna. The largest number of street vendors has applied from this state,” he said.
Modi, who earlier held a virtual dialogue with three beneficiaries in Agra, Varanasi and Lucknow, said: “When I was speaking to you, I saw how poorly educated and poor Preeti (of Agra) is learning modern technology with confidence and how she is taking her business ahead while working for her family with concern.”
“When I spoke to Arvind of Varanasi, there was a learning from him - whatever he prepares (momos), he gives one item (momo) free for following social distancing. I believe even welleducated people in the country will learn from him. How this vendor is doing such a big work…what an inspiration he is for others,” said Modi. About his
interaction with Lucknow’s Vijay Bahadur, the PM said he has a ‘thela’ (cart) and with business management skills, was following everything minutely. “Such persons are our strength,” he added.
The Prime Minister said after being launched on June 1, 2020, applications of the Svanidhi Yojana were available online by July 1, 2020, reflecting the faster pace of implementation of schemes.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who was present at the virtual programme, praised PM for his guidance in the ‘successful’ fight against Covid-19. Yogi said seven lakh vendors had registered for loans. He said 6.53 lakh of them applied and loans for 3.70 lakh had been sanctioned. Loans were disbursed to 2.73 lakh beneficiaries on Tuesday.