PM Modi releases first installment to 1 lakh PMAY(G) beneficiaries

New Delhi, Jan 15: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today released the first instalment to 1 lakh beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY - G) under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) via video conferencing.

The Prime Minister also interacted with the beneficiaries of PM-JANMAN on the occasion.

Mankunwari Bai from Jashpur district in Chhattisgarh, who is involved in agricultural work with her husband informed the Prime Minister that she is acquiring training to make Dona Pattal by engaging with self-help groups while also creating awareness about PM-JANMAN related schemes as Janman Sangi by conducting door-to-door campaigns. She is part of the self-help group called Deep Samuh which comprises 12 members.

Mankunwari also informed the Prime Minister about her plans to sell the produce created in self-help groups at Van Dhan Kendras. She further spoke about the benefits received and mentioned pucca house, water, gas and electricity connection and Ayushman Card where her husband received free treatment for ear ailment and her daughter received treatment worth Rs 30,000. She also mentioned receiving benefits related to Forest Rights Act (FRA), Kisan Credit Card and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Mankunwari said that the tapped water connection is protecting her from consuming contaminated water and thereby saving her and her family from water-borne diseases, the gas connection is helping her save time and eliminating the smoke emitted from firewood. She thanked the Prime Minister and said “The work which wasn’t taken up in the last 75 years has now been completed in 25 days.”

Modi also enquired about interest in sports and asked for a show of hands by young women and girls among the crowd. He emphasized indulging in sports and said that most of the sports awards in recent times are being bagged by athletes from the tribal community. The Prime Minister expressed delight that Mankunwari is receiving benefits under several schemes and they are making her life easier. “You have not only availed the benefits but also created awareness among the community”, the Prime Minister said as he underlined that the impact of government schemes increases manifold when it sees the participation of the masses. He concluded his interaction by reiterating the government’s effort to include every single beneficiary and not leave anyone behind.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his clarion call to carry out cleanliness campaigns in all temples and urged the students to show enthusiastic participation in their region. The Prime Minister drew attention to the festive mood in the entire nation as he mentioned Uttarayan, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bihu celebrations. He said that today’s occasion makes the festive period even more impactful and the interactions with the beneficiaries have transcended him into a joyous mood. “On the one hand, Diwali is being celebrated in Ayodhya, while 1 lakh people from the extremely backward tribal community are also celebrating Diwali”, the Prime Minister said as he mentioned the transfer of funds into their bank accounts for the construction of pucca homes and congratulated them on the occasion.