Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the PM-SURAJ national portal today and interacted with the beneficiaries where he approved credit assistance to one lakh entrepreneurs from the disadvantage communities.
Nagaland also joined the launching program at DC’s Conference Hall in Kohima, DIPR has informed. The event was graced by Advisor CAWD & Taxes, Kudecho Khamo as the special guest and C Manpon Konyak, MLA as the Honoured Guest.
Advisor Kudecho Khamo expressed gratitude for organising the significant program for the safai karamcharis who clean the towns adding that many people can’t do the job. On behalf of the State government, he expressed gratitude to all the safai karamcharis for sacrificing their health and risking their lives to keep the towns clean.
He said under Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the government is working towards bringing development to every section of the society since a nation can become progressive only when the lowest sections are taken care and uplifted. He sought cooperation to realise this dream of making India a developed nation.
Expressing gratitude to the bureaucrats, and the nodal department officials, he asked to ensure the schemes reach the targeted people. He also urged the beneficiaries of the schemes to make timely repayment of the loans and sincerely utilise them.
C. Manpon Konyak, speaking as an honored guest, hailed the launch of the PM-Suraj Portal as a significant milestone for marginalized communities. He emphasized its potential to uplift those who have long been neglected and considered of low status in society. Konyak highlighted the portal as a transformative tool, offering equal opportunities for all citizens to thrive.
He stressed the importance of transparency within the implementing agency to ensure the resolution of disparities between different societal strata. Konyak urged for the education of stakeholders on their responsibilities and the provision of proper guidance to uplift the marginalized.
Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant. IAS mentioned once the wastes are thrown out of the house, people forget about their waste, however, the safai karamcharis are the people who take care of the waste and make sure the towns are clean. He added that the Prime Minister has taken note of their plight and the program was being held to help them and their families.
Ramnikant expressed gratitude to the cleaners from Dimapur and Kohima who were present to witness the program and urged them to come forward for any clarification or help. He also said PM- SURAJ is like a light shone to the downtrodden. He asked the Urban Development, Social Welfare, KMC along with Administration to ensure the schemes reach them.
In her address, Martha R. Ritse, IAS, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, highlighted the significance of the PM-Suraj Portal as an outreach program aimed at providing credit support to socially disadvantaged groups. She emphasized that beneficiaries from scheduled castes, safai karmacharis, and backward classes would receive assistance through the Social Welfare Department, designated as the nodal department.
Ritse further disclosed that under the ongoing national program, concessional loans would be disbursed to one lakh beneficiaries through corporations such as the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), and National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
Also, she highlighted a new scheme formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. The scheme, named National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), is envisioned to be implemented collaboratively with key stakeholders and line departments.
Advisor Kudecho Khamo also handed out PPE kits and Ayushman Health cards to Safai Karamcharis during the programme.
