Team Blitz India
Over the past decade, India’s economic journey has been one of remarkable resilience and progress. Scaling dizzying heights of growth, navigating global storms, and emerging as the fifth-largest economy in the world – the nation’s spirit of hustle, innovation, and ambition is undeniable. But for this growth to be truly sustainable, it needs to be inclusive.
Market forces alone often fail to address the deep-rooted challenges faced by the underprivileged. Systemic barriers, limited access to resources, and historical inequalities can trap individuals and communities in cycles of poverty and marginalisation. This is where the transformative power of well-designed policies and schemes comes in, acting as a bridge, offering a level-playing field, and empowering everyone to not just survive, but thrive.
To address these systemic barriers, the Government implemented various policies and schemes over the last ten years. These initiatives targeted the most vulnerable sections of society, focusing on empowering them to break free from cycles of poverty and contribute actively to the nation’s growth.
Better lives, livelihoods In the last 10 years, dedicated and consistent efforts have been made to improve the lives and livelihoods of the poor. Over 80 crore households are receiving free foodgrain every month under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. Over four crore pucca houses have been built under the PM Awas Yojana (Rural & Urban) and 2.8 crore households electrified under the Saubhagya Yojana.
A total of 55 crore beneficiaries have been targeted with an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation under Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Aarogya Yojana. Over 14 crore rural households have been provided with tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission and over 10 crore women are now breathing easier, thanks to free gas connections under the PM Ujjwala Yojana.
Besides, aound 12 crore toilets have been built under the Swachh Bharat Mission and around 52 crore Jan Dhan accounts have opened doors to financial inclusion. Over 62 lakh urban street vendors have been provided with collateral-free loans under the PM SVANidhi Scheme and 10.04 crore women have been mobilised into 90.76 lakh Self-Help Groups under Deendayal Antyodaya YojanaNational Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY– NRLM).
Schemes’ effectiveness
More importantly, around 25 crore people have escaped multidimensional poverty in the last nine years– a testament to the effectiveness of various welfare schemes. Additionally, millions have benefited from access to healthcare, skill development programmes, and affordable housing initiatives.
As a result, India is likely to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of halving multidimensional poverty well before 2030. The Government’s persistent dedication and resolute commitment to enhancing the lives of the most vulnerable and deprived have been instrumental in this accomplishment.
However, the journey towards inclusive growth is ongoing. Recognising the complexities involved, the Government consistently evaluates and updates its interventions to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently and effectively.
Affordable healthcare
Healthcare access and affordability have long been critical challenges in India, particularly for the underprivileged. However, the country has embarked on a transformative journey to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to its citizens.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana: The scheme provides health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 55 crore individuals. As of March 14, 2024, 33 crore Ayushman cards have been issued, and more than 6.50 crore hospital admissions facilitated.
Ayushman Arogya Mandir: As of March 13, 2024, over 1.69 lakh primary healthcare facilities have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandir (erstwhile AB-HWCs), bringing quality healthcare closer to rural communities.
Affordable medicines: The Government has established 11,096 Janaushadhi Kendras (as of March 13, 2024) across the country. These pharmacies offer essential medicines at 50-90 per cent cheaper rates compared to market prices.
Combating deadly diseases: Initiatives like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme have yielded impressive results, with a 16 pc decline in TB incidence and an 18 pc reduction in mortality between 2015 and 2022.
Maternal health: Under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), cash incentives are provided directly to the beneficiary via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Under the scheme, over Rs 14,888 crore has been paid to more than 3.32 crore beneficiaries.
By building on these successes, addressing existing challenges, and attracting continued investment in affordable healthcare solutions, India is moving closer to achieving its vision of universal healthcare.
