Page 15 - NIS English 1-15 June, 2026

Cover Story
Welfare of the Poor
Years
of Vikas Yatra
From Welfare for the

Poor to a Life of Dignity

Today, whenever the achievements of the government in India are discussed, the welfare of the poor stands paramount. Over the past
12 years, the central government made the welfare of the poor its primary objective—an approach grounded not in appeasement, but in
genuine fulfillment. In this context, the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana serves as yet another protective shield for a vast segment of the
country’s population. Numerous schemes, designed to realize the pledges of ‘Garib Kalyan’ (Welfare for the Poor) articulated by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, have brought about a transformative change in the lives of villagers and the underprivileged. Credible
global reports indicate that poverty in India has declined rapidly; this is because, in every decision taken by the top leadership, the welfare
and empowerment of the poor—guided by the philosophy of Antyodaya—have become an enduring mindset.

PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 120 million toilets have been constructed
81 under the Swachh Bharat Mission, making

the country Open Defecation Free (ODF).
This marks a significant advancement in

crore people are public health and sanitation.
receiving free
ration under the
PM Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana.
5 years extension to Pradhan Mantri Garib

Kalyan Anna Yojana from January 1, 2024.

n By March 2024, the supply of fortified rice was
successfully implemented, replacing custom-milled Financial Security
rice with fortified rice.
n Under the National Food Security Act, 100% digitization
of ration cards has been achieved across the country. 58.12
n The ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme has 32.21
been implemented for beneficiaries across all States crore Pradhan Mantri Jan
and Union Territories. Over 207 crore portability Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
transactions till March 2026. accounts were opened Crore (55.8%)
as of April 15, 2026. These of the Jan Dhan
accounts hold a total accounts belong
Under the leadership of PM Modi deposit balance of to women, and
25 crore citizens have overcome poverty approximately ₹2.94 Lakh 45.17 Crore
approximately
and emerged from it. In his third term,
Crore.
(78.2%) of
the campaign to empower the poor has
advanced with even greater momentum. the PMJDY
accounts have
been opened in
19% was the social security coverage in the rural and semi-
country in 2015 and reached 64.3%
urban areas.
in 2025. More than 94 crore people
currently benefit from at least one
social security scheme.