The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Surat, today. The Prime Minister also distributed the benefits under the National Food Security Act to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized the unique spirit of the Surat city, highlighting its strong foundation of work and charity. He expressed how the city’s essence cannot be forgotten, as it is defined by collective support and celebrating the growth of all.

Shri Modi stated that Surat is known for its culture of mutual support and progress, where people work together for the benefit of everyone. He emphasized that this spirit is visible in every corner of Surat. The Prime Minister pointed out that today's program aims to further promote and strengthen this spirit, fostering unity and growth for all in the city. “Surat is a leading city in Gujarat and India, and now also taking the lead in ensuring food and nutrition security for the poor and marginalized. The city’s food security saturation campaign will serve as an inspiration for other districts across the country” Shri Modi added.

Shri  Modi  emphasized that the campaign ensures no one is left out, no one is cheated, and there is no discrimination. It moves beyond appeasement and focuses on the noble spirit of satisfaction for all. “When the government reaches the beneficiary's doorstep, no one will be excluded. With a commitment to benefit everyone, those attempting to exploit the system are kept away”, Shri Modi added.

The Prime Minister highlighted that under the food security saturation approach, the Surat administration has identified over 2.5 lakh new beneficiaries. Among them are many elderly women, elderly men, widowed women, and differently-abled individuals. These new family members will now receive free rations and nutritious food. The Prime Minister congratulated all the new beneficiaries for being included in this important initiative.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the pain of the poor worrying about food is not something he needs to learn from books, but something he can experience. “And this is why over the past years, the government has focused on addressing this very concern by ensuring food security for those in need. The government has stood with the poor as a true partner and servant”, Shri Modi stated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country needed support the most, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana was launched to ensure that the poor’s kitchens continued to function. This scheme, one of the largest and most unique in the world, is still ongoing. He also expressed happiness that the Gujarat government extended the scheme by increasing the income limit to allow more beneficiaries to benefit. The government is spending nearly ₹2.25 lakh crore annually to ensure that the poor’s kitchens stay lit.

Highlighting the crucial role of nutritious food in India’s journey towards development, Shri Narendra Modi stated that the government's goal is to provide adequate nutrition to every family in the country to eliminate issues like malnutrition and anemia. “Under the PM Poshan Scheme, approximately 12 crore school children are being provided with nutritious food. The Saksham Anganwadi Program focuses on the nutrition of young children, mothers, and pregnant women. Additionally, under the PM Matru Vandana Yojana, pregnant women are provided with financial support for nutritious food” Shri Modi highlighted.

The Prime Minister  emphasized that nutrition goes beyond just food, with cleanliness being an essential aspect. He praised Surat for its efforts in maintaining cleanliness. “The government's continuous effort is to ensure that every city and village in the country works towards eliminating filth. The global organizations have acknowledged that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has helped reduce diseases in rural areas” Shri Modi added. He also highlighted the importance of the "Har Ghar Jal" campaign, led by Shri C.R. Patil, which aims to deliver clean water to every household, contributing to a decrease in various diseases.

Shri Narendra Modi acknowledged the significant impact of the government’s free ration scheme, which has made life easier for millions. He noted that today, the rightful beneficiaries are receiving their full share of ration, a possibility that wasn’t available 10 years ago. He pointed out that the government has removed over 5 crore fake ration cardholders and linked the entire ration distribution system to Aadhaar cards. The Prime Minister addressed the issue faced by migrant workers in Surat, who previously couldn’t use their ration cards in other states. “The "One Nation, One Ration Card" scheme was introduced to ensure that no matter where a person’s ration card is from, they can avail benefits in any city across the country. Many workers in Surat are now benefiting from this scheme, which demonstrates that when policies are made with true intentions, they benefit the poor” Shri Modi added.

The Prime Minister outlined the government's efforts over the past decade to empower the poor through a mission-mode approach. He emphasized the creation of a safety net around the poor, ensuring they never have to beg for help. Providing concrete homes, toilets, gas connections, and tap water connections has instilled new confidence in the poor.The government also introduced insurance schemes for poor families, ensuring that nearly 60 crore Indians have access to free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh. “Life and accident insurance, which were previously out of reach for poor families, are now a reality. Today, more than 36 crore people are enrolled in government insurance schemes. Over ₹16,000 crore in claims have been paid to poor families, helping them during difficult times” Shri Modi highlighted.

Shri Narendra Modi recalled how, in the past, the poor faced immense challenges in starting their own businesses, with banks refusing to offer loans without guarantees. Shri Modi highlighted how he personally took  the responsibility to guarantee loans for the poor, launching the Mudra Yojana. “Under the Mudra Yojana, nearly ₹32 lakh crore has been provided as loans without any guarantee, directly benefiting the poor. This initiative has helped millions of people, despite the opposition’s lack of understanding of the magnitude of such an amount”, the Prime Minister emphasized.

Addressing the struggles of street vendors and workers who previously had no financial support,  Shri Narendra Modi mentioned that these individuals often had to borrow money from moneylenders, only to pay back more than they borrowed. The government’s PM SVANidhi Yojana has helped these vendors by providing them access to bank loans. The Prime Minister further announced in this year's budget the introduction of a special credit card for such workers. “The introduction of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which supports traditional craftsmen by providing them with training, modern tools, and financial assistance to improve and expand their skills. These efforts contribute to the country’s development through inclusive growth, with over 25 crore people moving out of poverty in the past decade” Shri Modi stated.

The Prime Minister  acknowledged the significant contribution of the middle class to the country’s development, especially in Surat, where a large number of middle-class families reside. He outlined the government's efforts in the past decade to empower the middle class, including the relief provided in this year's budget.  “The tax relief given, particularly the zero tax on income up to ₹12 lakh, is a step many never expected. Additionally, employees will now be exempt from taxes on income up to ₹12.87 lakh. New tax slabs have also been introduced to benefit all taxpayers. This will allow middle-class families in Surat, Gujarat, and across the country to retain more of their earnings, which they can invest in their needs and their children's future”, the Prime Minister highlighted.

The Prime Minister recognized Surat as a hub for entrepreneurship with a significant number of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which provide employment to millions. He highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen the local supply chain by offering substantial support to MSMEs. “The budget announced loans up to ₹2 crore for SC/ST, Dalit, tribal, and women entrepreneurs, helping them thrive in the MSME sector. The youth of Surat and Gujarat should take advantage of these opportunities, and the government stands ready to support them” Shri Modi stated.

Shri Modi acknowledged Surat’s significant role in India’s development, particularly in the textiles, chemicals, and engineering sectors. He highlighted the government's efforts to expand these industries in the city. “The new integrated terminal building at Surat Airport, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, and the upcoming Bullet Train, the Surat Metro project, will further enhance the city’s connectivity, making it one of the most well-connected cities in the country. These initiatives are improving the quality of life for Surat’s residents and making their lives easier”, Shri Modi emphasised.

Shri Narendra Modi urged women across the country to share their inspiring stories on the NaMo app. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister announced that he will be handing over his social media accounts to some of these inspirational women who have contributed significantly to the country’s and society’s development. He highlighted the role of women in various sectors, especially in Gujarat, and emphasized that this day is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements. He also shared that he will be attending a major event in Navsari dedicated to women’s empowerment. The Prime Minister acknowledged the large number of women attending the event in Surat, noting that they would benefit greatly from the ongoing program.

The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to the continued development of Surat as a mini India and a remarkable city on the global stage. “For vibrant and dynamic people like those in Surat, everything must be exceptional. I congratulate all beneficiaries of the ongoing initiatives, wishing them continued success and progress” Shri Modi concluded.

Background

The Prime Minister launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Surat and distributed the benefits under National Food Security Act to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries.

Women empowerment has been a cornerstone of the work done by the government. Guided by the vision of the Prime Minister, the government has been committed to taking steps towards their all round development.

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MJPS/VJ