Athawale highlights Centre’s welfare initiatives, calls Constitution India’s soul

PNS

Ranchi

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Saturday underscored the importance of the Constitution, social justice and inclusive development while highlighting the Centre’s welfare initiatives during a press conference in Ranchi after reviewing the implementation of social welfare schemes in Jharkhand.

Athawale held a meeting with officials of the Jharkhand government’s Social Welfare Department at the State Guest House in Ranchi before addressing the media. He described the Constitution, drafted by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, as the “soul of India” and said it has provided a strong foundation for the country’s unity and integrity. Referring to the teachings of Lord Buddha, he said Buddhism, which originated in India, has spread across the world carrying the message of peace, equality and humanity.

Highlighting the Centre’s development initiatives, the Union minister said India has witnessed rapid progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed that the country has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy since 2014 and that nearly 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty through various government interventions.

Athawale said the Centre has been implementing several welfare schemes aimed at empowering all sections of society. He stated that nearly three crore women have become “Lakhpati Didis” while around 58 crore beneficiaries have availed assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. He also claimed that India’s exports have reached a record Rs 79 lakh crore, with defence exports registering significant growth. Expansion of road, rail and air connectivity has further accelerated the country’s overall development, he added.

Speaking about the impact of Central schemes in Jharkhand, Athawale said around 2.56 crore beneficiaries in the state have been covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. He added that nearly 1.73 crore people have benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, while about 39.82 lakh families have received LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

Earlier in the day, Athawale attended a one-day national seminar at Radha Govind University in Ramgarh on “Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Holistic Vision in the Context of Economic Inequality and Unemployment” as the chief guest. Addressing students and academicians, he said Dr Ambedkar’s vision extended beyond social equality and encompassed economic justice, education and self-reliance for building a strong India.

Calling upon the youth to embrace Dr Ambedkar’s ideals, the Union minister urged them to actively contribute to nation-building through education, social responsibility and inclusive development.