NDA govt second aniversary: BJP highlights its 'achievements'

Top BJP leaders led by the party chief Amit Shah today highlighted the "achievements" of Narendra Modi government during its two years in office, claiming they included empowerment of the poor, infrastructure growth and youth-led devlopment.

Top echelon of the government including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, besides Shah, were present as Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a presentation to highlight its performance at an interaction with senior editors from various media houses here.

The presentation also claimed that the common man has "benefited" due to "low inflation" and "stable price" regime and India has emerged as a "bright spot" in the world with high growth rate of 7.6 per cent.

In the power-point presentation on a whole range of economic and social issues, BJP claimed that the nation is "transforming" and moving ahead in all spheres.

"IMF calls India a bright spot," according to the presentation. The country has become the highest recipient of foreign direct investment and insurance sector alone has attracted Rs 9,000 crore froam abroad, it said.

Besides, Sitharaman said, the government has taken various initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and Deen Dyal Upadhyay Antyodaya Yojana for empowering poor.

Many other social security schemes have also been announced by the government which provide insurance at affordable premium for the poor.

As per the presentation, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) has been subscribed by 2.96 crore, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) by 9.43 crore and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 26 lakh since its launch.

Pradhan Mantri Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Yojana has benefited 3.48 beneficiaries by providing collateral free loans to small entrepreneurs worth Rs 1.37 lakh crore.

Direct Benefit Transfer has also benefited the poor as it has eliminated leakage, as per the presentation.

Subsidies and benefits of 59 schemes being transferred thorough DBT and government has been able to save about Rs 36,000 crore.

On infrastructure development, the presentation said 6029 km of highways were constructed in 2015-16 and 7,108 villages are electrified. India has become the world's clean energy capital, as per the presentation.

With regard to initiatives in the farm sector, the government has launched many schemes including Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana and E-platform for National Agriculture Market to help farmers fetch the best price for their produce.

On black money, it said, many steps have been taken including passage of Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.

Besides, enhanced enforcement measures resulted in unearthing of tax evasion of approximately Rs 50,000 crore of indirect taxes and undisclosed income of Rs 21,000 crore and prosecutions launched in 1,466 cases.

With emphasis on youth employment, the government has provided training to 19.55 lakh under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

The government has been able to pass various key legislations and economic reforms including Insolvent and Bankruptcy Code.