PM Modi Emphasizes the Transformation of Villages into Thriving Growth Hubs at Grameen Bharat Mahotsav

New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at the city's Bharat Mandapam on Saturday, emphasizing the necessity of transforming villages into dynamic centers of growth and celebrating the spirit of rural India.

The six-day festival, running from January 4 to 9, will showcase workshops, discussions, and cultural performances that highlight India's heritage while advancing sustainable agricultural practices and economic resilience in rural regions. The event, themed "Building a Resilient Rural India for Viksit Bharat 2047" with the motto "Gaon Badhe, Toh Desh Badhe" (If the village progresses, the country progresses), seeks to empower rural communities through innovation, infrastructure development, women's empowerment, and financial inclusion, with a special emphasis on the North-East.

During his address, PM Modi underscored the potential of rural India, stating, "Those of us connected to villages understand their immense power. The village thrives within those who inhabit it."

He acknowledged his government's efforts over the last decade to uplift rural India, from economic policies to targeted initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

The Prime Minister recognized the challenges faced by farmers, particularly the increasing global costs of DAP fertilizers, assuring them of the government's dedication to alleviating their hardships.

"Our objective is to provide maximum economic support for villagers while generating new employment and self-employment opportunities. More than Rs 3 lakh crore has been allocated to farmers through PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and agricultural loan amounts have surged 3.5 times in ten years," he stated.

PM Modi also emphasized the significance of cooperatives in revitalizing rural economies, noting that 70,000 cooperative societies are being computerized to ensure better prices for farmers. He highlighted the Vishwakarma Yojana, which supports artisans like blacksmiths, carpenters, and potters by training them in modern skills, enhancing productivity, and providing affordable assistance.

"In the last decade, we have consistently raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops. Programs like the Svamitva Scheme have also provided property documents to villagers, while policies promoting MSMEs and the Credit Link Guarantee Scheme have stimulated local economies," PM Modi remarked.

The Prime Minister shared insights from a recent survey, noting that rural consumption has nearly tripled since 2011.

"The purchasing power of rural households has significantly improved. For the first time, rural spending on food has dipped below 50 percent of income, allowing for greater spending on other essentials," he explained.

Highlighting the decreasing disparity between rural and urban areas, PM Modi stated, "The gap in consumption between urban and rural communities is narrowing. Efforts over the past ten years have yielded tangible results. A recent study by the State Bank of India indicates that rural poverty, which stood at 26 percent in 2012, has now fallen below 5 percent."

PM Modi stressed the significance of border villages, rebranding them as "first villages" and advocating for equitable development for tribal regions under the PM JANMAN Yojana.

"For decades, rural SC, ST, and OBC communities faced neglect, leading to migration and poverty. Our initiatives are reversing these trends," he remarked.

Women's empowerment was another significant focus, with PM Modi commending the role of "Bank Sakhis" and "Insurance Sakhis" in reshaping rural economies.

"We have empowered 1.15 crore women as 'Lakhpati Didis,' earning over Rs 1 lakh annually. Our ambition is to uplift 3 crore women to this status while implementing specialized programs for Dalit and tribal women," he explained.

He noted the transformation in rural infrastructure, highlighting the construction of nearly 4 lakh kilometers of rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He also pointed out the digital revolution in villages, with over 94 percent of rural households now having access to mobile services.

"Banking services and UPI are accessible in villages, and Common Service Centres have expanded from fewer than 1 lakh in 2014 to over 5 lakh today, providing a multitude of government services online," he added.

The Prime Minister also praised the contributions of NABARD in supporting initiatives like self-help groups and the Kisan Credit Scheme. He advocated for the establishment of more Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives similar to Amul to enhance agricultural profitability.

"Milk production is now among the highest revenue generators for farmers. We are advancing natural farming in mission mode to ensure sustainable practices," he concluded.

The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage of rural India while fostering economic stability, financial security, and gender equality. With a focus on North-East India, the event aims to prepare rural populations to contribute to India's advancement and realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.