PM interacts with beneficiaries of social security schemes

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 27, 2018, interacted with the beneficiaries of various social security schemes from across the country through video bridge. The interaction covered four major social security schemes namely Atal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and Vaya Vandana Yojana. This was the eighth interaction in the series by the Prime Minister through video conference with beneficiaries of various Government schemes.

Expressing happiness over interacting with people who fought adversities and emerged much stronger, PM Modi said that Social security schemes empower people. He added that these social security schemes of the present Government not only help people effectively deal with the uncertainties of life, but also empower them to rise over the financially difficult situations of the family.

The Prime Minister outlined various measures being pursued by the Government to ensure financial security for the poor and the vulnerable. They are – opening the doors of the banks for the poor- banking the unbanked, ensuring access to capital for small business and budding entrepreneurs- funding the unfunded, and providing social security cover for the poor and vulnerable – financially securing the unsecured.

Interacting with the beneficiaries, the PM said that the total number of 28 crore bank accounts opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana  during the period 2014 – 2017 is nearly 55% of the total bank accounts opened in the world. He also expressed happiness that more women have bank accounts in India now and that number of bank accounts in India has reached 80% from 53% in 2014, according to a PIB release.

Listening to the adversities faced by people, the PM said that even though the loss of a person can never be compensated, the Government has always strived to ensure economic security to the affected family. He said that more than five crore people have benefitted from Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana by paying a very low premium of around Rs 300.

Talking about the accidental insurance coverage scheme, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, the PM said that more than 13 crore people have availed the scheme. Under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, people can claim accidental insurance coverage of up to Rs 2 lakh by paying premium of just Rs 12 per year.

During the interaction, Prime Minister summarised various initiatives of the government in taking care of the old and elderly. He said that about three lakh elderly people have benefitted from  the  Vaya Vandana Yojana started  last year under which citizens above 60 years get 8 % fixed return for 10 years. In addition, the has Government also increased the basic limit of income tax from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh for senior citizens. He emphasized that the government is committed to the wellbeing of the elderly population.

Reiterating Government’s commitment to provide social security coverage to all, PM Modi noted that over 20 crore people have been brought under the three major social security schemes (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana ) in the last three years.

Interacting with the Prime Minister, beneficiaries of various social security schemes explained how these schemes helped them during the times of need. They also thanked the Prime Minister for the various schemes he had introduced and pointed out that most of the schemes have been a life changer for many.