PM Modi launches Stand-Up India for betterment of Dalits

Noida: As a proactive step towards the welfare of Dalits, tribals and women, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched the ‘Stand-Up India’ initiative in Noida of Uttar Pradesh.

The beneficiaries will be given loans from Rs 10 lakh to a crore under the ‘Stand-Up India’ initiative. The PM also awarded ‘kits’ to as many as ten candidates, who already received approval letters for the loan.

What the PM said:

• The PM said that all 1.25 lakh branches of Indian banks will now sanction loans to at least one woman, Dalit or a member of tribal community.
• Every bank has been directed to provide loans to at least two of the local candidates of the mentioned categories to set up their own businesses.
• I can envision better lives of Dalits as they will be employing people rather than begging for employment.

Prime Minister’s message to e-rickshaw drivers:

• The Prime Minister said that he wanted the e-rickshaw drivers to make a promise to him that they will educate their children.
• “The other politicians might come to you asking for votes but I only beg of you to provide your children, especially girls, with appropriate education," said Modi.
• He also said that they would not have to drive e-rickshaws in the future if they listen to him today.

Babu Jagjiwan Ram devoted his life to the welfare of Dalits:

• Modi said that it was the birth anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, who was born in a Dalit family and dedicated his life to uplift the poor & marginalised.
• The central government is launching the ‘Stand-Up India’ initiative on the occasion of the legend’s birth anniversary.
• Jagjivan Ram, popularly known as Babuji, was an outstanding politician from Bihar whose sacrifices have been forgotten by the nation.
• He played a great role in foundation of the All-India Depressed Classes League (AIDCL), an organisation dedicated to attain equality for untouchables in 1935.
• He was elected to Bihar Legislative Assembly after which he organised the rural labour movement in 1937 and also served as the deputy Prime Minister in 1977-79.

Dalits are deprived of opportunities:

• What will the Dalits and other backward classes do if they are continued to be treated the same way?
• The society should always give opportunities to those who are backwards and deprived of facilities.
• The ‘Stand-Up India’ initiative has been taken with the same motive to facilitate such classes of the society.