Page 13 - NIS English 01-15 May,2023

Secured Life, Empowered Nation Cover Story

Let us know – on the occasion of the anniversary of the schemes related
to PM Ujjwala, Atal Pension, and Life Insurance in this fortnight, how
the policy and initiative of providing new opportunities along with the

security of life are empowering citizens.
“Earlier, when there was no gas, half of the day was spent lighting the stove and cooking. During the rainy
season, the earthen stove used to get filled with water. Even the wood used to get wet, it did not even burn. The
children could not even eat food and remained hungry. I could not give time to my children and family. But since
I got the gas connection under Ujjwala, I have not faced any problems during the rainy season and I am able to
give time to my family and children.” The relief on the face of Sushmita from Odisha's Mayurbhanj exemplifies
the experience of other beneficiaries. Rajjo Devi from Sirsa, Haryana says, “The family has got a gift of health.
Earlier, to light the stove, the wood had to be collected and brought. The smoke from the stove used to cause
illness. Now life has become easier with the availability of gas stoves. We thank the central government." Similar
success stories that take life from darkness to light are visible in every corner of the country. The reason for
such change is schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Yojana have brought revolutionary changes in the health sector. Sanjay from
Deoghar, Jharkhand says, “No money was spent on treatment because of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(PMJAY). This is a very good plan. In earlier times, even land was sold for treatment. Now the government has
started such a scheme which has benefited a lot.

Hilda Anthony from Patna, Bihar says, “First assessed about the quality of PM Jan Aushadhi medicine. Due to
taking medicines from this scheme, monthly medicines worth Rs. 1200-1500 are available for only Rs.250. The
money that is saved from medicine, I spend on other social work."
“I got financial assistance of Rs 5,000 in two installments from the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. The
first installment was Rs 3,000 during pregnancy and the second installment was Rs 2,000 after the child was born.
This financial help made it easier to take care of the child's nutrition and health. This is what Saubhagyani Sahu of
Cuttack, Odisha says about the benefit of the government's scheme.

Dr. Madan Mani says “I have completed MBBS from Jharkhand-Dhanbad and MD from Banaras Hindu University.
I am in the health department. Through e-Sanjeevani, I have done teleconsultations of hundreds of people in
rural areas. This gives a lot of satisfaction. It is a very pleasant experience to give consultations to patients. The
e-Sanjeevani app is helping a lot." Recently e-Sanjeevani has completed the target of 10 crore teleconsultations.

Kanta Devi from Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh says, “Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana helped in difficult times.
I didn't know anything about it before. My Husband passed away. Then came to know that there is an insurance
plan that costs less money. After this went to the bank, where the information was given. Then took up this plan."
Kamlesh Kumar Manjhi, a farmer from Jaipur, Rajasthan, says, “I am very happy with the benefits of PM Kisan
Samman Nidhi Yojana. During the Corona period, this scheme not only helped in buying seeds and fertilizers, but
it also helped in meeting household expenses. Earlier one had to go to the post office or other places to collect the
money, now the money comes directly into the account. The middlemen have now vanished."

“While in college got success in increasing the mileage of my motorcycle based on which developed the
technology in 2017-18. Used this technology on the bus. This reduced 40% of emissions, which was patented. Got
a grant of Rs 90 lakh from the Atal New India Challenge and began the startup. Now making a device to increase
the mileage of vehicles and reduce pollution. I have become self-sufficient and am giving employment to others.
This is what Mayur Patil, a young entrepreneur from Pune, Maharashtra says.
Sumitra from Ramganj-Mandi, Rajasthan says, “I work as a labourer. I have opened a bank account under Jan Dhan
Yojana and since then I deposit my wages in this bank account.”

New India Samachar May 1-15, 2023 11