PM Modi promises support to Maharashtra farmers facing drought
The Prime Minister stated that the NDA government is standing with farmers during the natural crisis while highlighting India's poverty reduction progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday promised that the central government would provide all possible aid to farmers in drought-affected parts of Maharashtra. Speaking virtually during the inauguration of the Pune Metro’s Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Line 3, Modi said he was aware of the difficult conditions facing the state's farmers, according to the Hindustan Times.
Modi told the gathering that the NDA government is supporting them during this natural crisis. He noted that the state government has given advance aid and the central government has deposited PM-Kisan funds, telling farmers not to worry.
The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens across India to support farmers during the upcoming festival period. He mentioned that the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme provides eligible families with annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000 in three instalments via direct benefit transfer.
Regarding national progress, Modi cited a World Bank report stating that approximately 50 crore people in India have moved out of extreme poverty over the last 10-12 years. He said the country's approach has shifted from slogans to achieving tangible results on the ground.
Modi added that economic growth and poverty reduction are linked, as investments in welfare and infrastructure create jobs and improve lives. He also recalled the Garib Kalyan Mela initiative from his time as Gujarat chief minister, which aimed to deliver welfare schemes directly to beneficiaries.