PM Narendra Modi vows more welfare schemes for the poor

Hassan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday once again drew attention to his government's Ayushman Bharat Yojana, announced in the recent Union Budget to provide health insurance to the poor and promised to come out with more such welfare programmes for the needy. 

Mr Modi, who was here to attend the Mahamastabhisheka of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, explained that under the scheme  an ill member of a poor family would get Rs 5 lakh health coverage for a year to help him or her pay for medicines, an operation and hospital charges.

"This is the first scheme of its kind in the country after Independence and is unmatched by any other in the world," he said, addressing a gathering at the Chavundaraya Sabha Mantapa.  Noting that if one poor man fell ill, his  entire family suffered, he said such poor families needed support in times of crisis.

The Prime Minister said he was awed by  the majestic statue of Bahubali , which instinctively made  him want to bow before it. Appreciating  the efforts of spiritual leaders in providing education and healthcare, he observed  they were an integral part of the country's tradition and guided society through changing  times.

“Spiritual leaders have always strived hard for the welfare of  society and have fed the hungry. I am blessed to be  attending the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony when I am serving the country as Prime Minister. It has also given me an opportunity to seek your (people) blessings,” he added.

On his arrival, Mr Modi entered the Sabha Mantapa with folded hands and was welcomed by Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt pontiff, Charukeerthy Bhattaraka Swamiji. Introduced to Jain monks , he  took the blessings of Vardhamana Sagara Maharaj, who was seated on the dais.

Charukeerthy Swamiji later felicitated him, and presented him a shawl, a garland and a memento. Union Ministers, D V Sadananda Gowda and Ananth Kumar, Hassan district in-charge Minister, A Manju and others were present on the occasion