NEW DELHI, Jan 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering rural India by transforming villages into vibrant centers of growth and opportunity. Speaking at the inauguration of the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Modi reaffirmed that since 2014, his government has been focused on providing a dignified life to the people of rural India. The Mahotsav, held from January 4 to 9, 2025, carries the theme, ‘Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047’.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the government’s priorities include ensuring basic amenities in every village, with ongoing initiatives to strengthen rural infrastructure and enhance the livelihoods of rural citizens. “Our government’s policies and actions have infused rural India with new energy,” he stated. Modi also mentioned that the Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana until 2025-26 and emphasized the Rs. 3 lakh crore financial assistance provided to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Additionally, agricultural loans have increased 3.5 times over the past decade, and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops has been consistently raised.
Modi referred to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, PM Awas Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission as key components of the government’s focus on rural development. He emphasized the government’s effort to ensure that clean drinking water reaches every household in millions of villages and that more than 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have improved health services in rural areas. The Prime Minister also highlighted the use of digital technology to connect rural areas with top doctors and hospitals across India, facilitating telemedicine services.
The Prime Minister noted that the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav, launched at the beginning of 2025, marks a significant milestone in India’s development journey, contributing to the creation of a new identity for the country. He congratulated NABARD and other organizers for their role in conducting the event.
During the event, PM Modi interacted with artisans showcasing their work at the Mahotsav. The event aims to enhance rural infrastructure, foster self-reliant economies, and encourage innovation within rural communities. The Prime Minister’s address was followed by comments from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Sitharaman reiterated that under Modi’s leadership, the government has implemented numerous schemes for the welfare and empowerment of rural populations, particularly farmers, youth, and women. She also highlighted the achievement of over 650 GI (Geographical Indication) tags since 2003, with 50 GI-tagged products showcased at the event, including items from tribals and North East India.
Sitharaman further emphasized that the Mahotsav would feature products from rural entrepreneurs and artisans, many of whom have benefited from collateral-free bank loans. The event seeks to empower rural women, particularly through entrepreneurship, and will bring together government officials, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to collaborate on a roadmap for rural transformation.
The Mahotsav also features vibrant performances and exhibitions showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage, with a special focus on promoting economic stability, financial security, and entrepreneurship within rural communities, especially in North-East India. The event marks a collective effort towards building a resilient and prosperous rural India.
