AHMEDABAD, Dec 7: Prior to 2014, governments approached the goal of a welfare state in a fragmented manner, but this vision was solidified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated Union minister Amit Shah on Saturday.
He emphasized that Modi recognized the essential truth that “India’s development is hindered by the poverty of its 60 crore citizens,” leading to efforts that lifted 25 crore individuals out of poverty over the past decade.
“Nevertheless, such significant endeavors cannot be accomplished by the government alone. If trusts, individuals, and service organizations unite, we can swiftly overcome these challenges,” remarked the Union Home Minister during the annual Gujarat Lok Seva Trust event in Ahmedabad.
Shah recalled that after a thorough discussion, Constituent Assembly president Rajendra Prasad concluded that the establishment of a welfare state should be the fundamental aim of the Constitution.
He stated that the core objective was to ensure the welfare of every individual, promote equal development, and grant every family a dignified life.
“Each administration (before 2014) contributed to achieving the welfare state goal within its capacity, yet, from my analytical perspective as a statistics student, I believe that the government worked in a piecemeal fashion before 2014,” Shah explained.
According to him, past governments implemented various schemes for housing the poor and discussed initiatives for drinking water, gas cylinders, healthcare, and free rations individually. However, it was Narendra Modi who transformed the welfare state idea into a reality.
“Once elected by the people in 2014, Modi committed to eradicating the absence of toilets in homes, ensuring that no one would go without a home or a gas cylinder.
“He pledged that no person should sleep on an empty stomach, providing 5 kg of grains monthly to 65 crore people at no cost. This accomplishment is unparalleled globally,” Shah stated.
He noted that Modi has made the welfare state vision outlined by the Constitution’s framers a tangible reality by providing essential services to 60 crore citizens since 2014.
“As a result, 25 crore out of these 60 crore individuals have risen above the UN’s poverty line in just 10 years. Still, I maintain that the government cannot tackle such a massive undertaking on its own,” Shah mentioned.
He asserted that collaboration among various trusts, individuals, and service groups will enable India to overcome poverty swiftly.
Shah pointed out that Gujarat sets a precedent with numerous educational institutions and gurukuls contributing to this anti-poverty movement.
“Gujarat leads in terms of the highest number of charity hospital beds, organizes the most blood donation camps in relation to its population, and boasts significant organ donor registries,” Shah remarked.
He commended the Gujarat Lok Seva Trust, which is marking its 35th anniversary.
Additionally, he congratulated Rohan Gupta, who transitioned from Congress to BJP after being nominated for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections; Gupta’s family operates the Lok Seva Trust.
Shah cited Swami Vivekanand on the essence of altruistic service and authentic wisdom.
He also shared his conversation with cricketer Vinod Kambli, who expressed that teaching children to play cricket brings him immense joy. (PTI)
