NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday termed the ' Mudra Yojana ' an "eye-opener" for any govt, as he interacted with the scheme's beneficiaries - ranging from those who have invested in renewable energy ventures, pet care businesses to opening cafes and restaurants.
The interaction at the PM's residence marked 10 years of the scheme that has disbursed over Rs 33 lakh crore through more than 52 crore collateral-free loans - a scale unmatched globally. "You read in the newspaper that this is a govt of the rich. Even if you add up the total of all the rich, they would not have received Rs 33 lakh crore. This has been given to the common people of the country...the youth, the entrepreneurial skills they have, if they get a little help, then very big results are achieved. This yojana is an eye-opener for any govt. The maximum number of women have come forward for this (scheme)," he said.
During the meeting, while Gopi Krishnan from Kerala told the PM about his successful renewable energy venture that has helped households save on electricity bills while earning him Rs 2.5 lakh a month, a Mudra loan beneficiary from Kashmir shared how he started a cafe that now employs 42 people in Baramulla.
"We have become job creators from job seekers...," Bake My Cake owner Mudasir Naqasband said. Krishnan said his business continues to bring renewable energy solutions to households and offices while creating job opportunities.
Contrasting his govt's approach with previous dispensations, Modi said, "Most govts launch schemes and forget. We check the results, even 10 years later. Earlier, people needed political letters, collateral or bribes. Now, they walk into banks with just an idea-and walk out with dignity."
While talking to a beneficiary, Modi asked, "Have you become your own boss now?" She replied, "Yes, sir". "How much do you earn now? Don't worry, the income tax people won't come after you," Modi said in a lighter vein, setting the tone for a candid interaction with Mudra loan beneficiaries, including women who had once struggled to afford basic needs but are now run thriving businesses.
For a woman coming to the interaction was a "big occasion" - she had taken her first flight. Talking about her pet care venture 'K9 World', she quipped, "If you're not an animal lover, you can't live in my building", and shared how her income doubled.
The interaction at the PM's residence marked 10 years of the scheme that has disbursed over Rs 33 lakh crore through more than 52 crore collateral-free loans - a scale unmatched globally. "You read in the newspaper that this is a govt of the rich. Even if you add up the total of all the rich, they would not have received Rs 33 lakh crore. This has been given to the common people of the country...the youth, the entrepreneurial skills they have, if they get a little help, then very big results are achieved. This yojana is an eye-opener for any govt. The maximum number of women have come forward for this (scheme)," he said.
During the meeting, while Gopi Krishnan from Kerala told the PM about his successful renewable energy venture that has helped households save on electricity bills while earning him Rs 2.5 lakh a month, a Mudra loan beneficiary from Kashmir shared how he started a cafe that now employs 42 people in Baramulla.
"We have become job creators from job seekers...," Bake My Cake owner Mudasir Naqasband said. Krishnan said his business continues to bring renewable energy solutions to households and offices while creating job opportunities.
Contrasting his govt's approach with previous dispensations, Modi said, "Most govts launch schemes and forget. We check the results, even 10 years later. Earlier, people needed political letters, collateral or bribes. Now, they walk into banks with just an idea-and walk out with dignity."
While talking to a beneficiary, Modi asked, "Have you become your own boss now?" She replied, "Yes, sir". "How much do you earn now? Don't worry, the income tax people won't come after you," Modi said in a lighter vein, setting the tone for a candid interaction with Mudra loan beneficiaries, including women who had once struggled to afford basic needs but are now run thriving businesses.
For a woman coming to the interaction was a "big occasion" - she had taken her first flight. Talking about her pet care venture 'K9 World', she quipped, "If you're not an animal lover, you can't live in my building", and shared how her income doubled.
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