Below Poverty Line Status will Fall to 3% by 2022

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Union Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said that the country population of families Below Poverty Line (BPL) will come down to three per cent (3%) by 2022, even as he butters up the Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiatives to make India command the world in the 21st century.

Speaking at a function related with the SHRAMDAAN (part of Swaachahta Hi Seva) held at Mawklot village around 10 kms from Shillong, Akbar alluded to a number of schemes undertaken in the past four years which he claimed has re-generated hopes among the masses and to attain economic prosperity.

Stating that the government with a radical mission towards economic prosperity and a better future for the future generations, the Union Minister stated, “ We will continue with radical ideas to transform our dreams of a prosperous India.” He was categorical in claiming that India will command the world in the 21st century.

Referring to Swachh Bharat Mission and the programme that he was part of this evening, Akbar said that like any another mission that starts with a vision should have no end. He opined that the Swachh Bharat mission should become a part of the public daily lives. “It’s not only for us the old aged, middle aged but the most important part it is for the benefit of the future generations for which we are working today”, the Union Minister said.

In his repeated reference to the Prime Minister and the schemes related to the emancipation of women from indignity, poverty, sufferings and others, the Union Minister underscored on the role of women and education of children as a road to economic prosperity. He said, when we invest in men we invest in our economy but when we invest in women we invest in the future, a note that positively struck the women folks in the Khasi matrilineal society. The minister also spoke on economic prosperity that is not to create wealth for the rich but economic progress for the poor.