'Previous govts failed to eliminate poverty'

Previous governments that claimed to have eliminated poverty by coining the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’, have been unsuccessful opined D V Sadananda Gowda, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Statistics and Programme Implementation.

“Only the poverty of powerful people was eliminated,” he quipped sarcastically. He spoke during ‘Transforming India’--a national-level one-day conclave organised by Citizen’s Council at T V Raman Pai Convention Centre in Kodialbail, Mangaluru on Sunday.

“Today, India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a growth rate of 7.2% during the last quarter. We are ahead of China,” he added. As promised, 10 million houses were built in the country and 20 million houses would be built by 2022, he said. He added that Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme launched by the Centre provided medical coverage to 50 crore people and 10 crore families.

“Through Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana, generic medicines are being provided to patients at an affordable cost,” he said.

“The NDA-led Central government is reaching out to people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi often asks ministers to go to the remote corners of the country to interact with people and get their feedback,” the Union minister added.

Speaking at a session on Modi’s diplomacy, Shakti Sinha, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Director (and former private secretary to former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee), said that India was considered by other nations as a stable and trustworthy partner.

“Thanks to the able leadership of PM Modi, who considers diplomacy and foreign policy as tools for economic growth, India maintains good diplomatic relations with its neighbours,” he added.

“Due to border disputes, India is convinced of the necessity to strengthen its military, maintain peace and prevent conflict,” he observed.

“India has taken a firm stand on climate change. All countries need to strive together for the common cause of environmental protection,” Sinha said.

Sinha noted that India’s relations with ASEAN countries, West & Central Asian countries had also improved. “India has shown the world that it should be considered an economic power to reckon with,” he added. Company secretary and columnist Ashutosh Muglikar spoke on the effects of GST and demonetisation. A book ‘Vishwa Guru Bharata’ was released on the occasion.