Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscores the significance of addressing poverty comprehensively, beyond mere financial metrics. She emphasizes the need to consider factors such as employment opportunities, healthcare access, transportation, and access to essential amenities like clean water, housing, and education. Speaking at an interactive session in Bengaluru, Ms. Sitharaman highlights that over 25 crore people in India have been lifted out of poverty holistically.
The Finance Minister also highlights the substantial savings made in zero-balance Jandhan accounts, exceeding two lakh crore rupees, indicating an improvement in the economic status of the underprivileged. She emphasizes the importance of initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Yojana, which empowers small traders with direct access to loans, enabling them to conduct businesses independently and contribute to economic growth. These initiatives are shaping a more inclusive and equitable society, where individuals can achieve their economic and social aspirations.
