PM’s address during the interaction with beneficiaries of ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (Urban)’ in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 17 Dec, 2023

People across the country, involved in government, political, and social activities, are dedicating their time to make the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ (Developed India Resolution Journey) successful. Therefore, as a Member of Parliament, it was my responsibility to also contribute my time to this program. So, today, I have come here just as a Member of Parliament and your ‘sevak’, ready to participate in this program, much like you. In our country, governments have come and gone, numerous schemes have been formulated, discussions have taken place, and big promises have been made. However, my experience and observations led me to believe that the most critical aspect that requires attention is ensuring that the government’s plans reach the intended beneficiaries without any hassles. If there is a ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’ (Prime Minister’s housing scheme), then those who are living in jhuggis and slums should get their houses. And he should not need to make rounds of the government offices for this purpose. The government should reach him. Since you have assigned this responsibility to me, about four crore families have got their ‘pucca’ houses. However, I have encountered cases where someone is left out of the government benefits. Therefore, I have decided to tour the country again, to listen to people’s experiences with government schemes, to understand whether they received the intended benefits, and to ensure that the programs are reaching everyone as planned without paying any bribes. We will get the real picture if we visit them again. Therefore, this ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ is, in a way, my own examination. I want to hear from you and the people across the country whether what I envisioned and the work I have been doing aligns with reality and whether it has reached those for whom it was meant. It is crucial to check whether the work that was supposed to happen has indeed taken place. I recently met some individuals who utilized the Ayushman card to get treatment for serious illnesses. One person met with a severe accident, and after using the card, he could afford the necessary operation, and now he is recovering well. When I asked him, he said: “How could I afford this treatment? Now that there is the Ayushman card, I mustered courage and underwent an operation. Now I am perfectly fine.”  Such stories are blessings to me. The bureaucrats, who prepare good schemes, expedite the paperwork and even allocate funds, also feel satisfied that 50 or 100 people who were supposed to get the funds have got it. The funds meant for a thousand villages have been released. But their job satisfaction peaks when they hear that their work has directly impacted someone’s life positively. When they see the tangible results of their efforts, their enthusiasm multiplies. They feel satisfied. Therefore, ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ has had a positive impact on government officers. It has made them more enthusiastic about their work, especially when they witness the tangible benefits reaching the people. Officers now feel satisfied with their work, saying, “I made a good plan, I created a file, and the intended beneficiaries received the benefits.” When they find that the money has reached a poor widow under the Jeevan Jyoti scheme and it was a great help to her during her crisis, they realise that they have done a good job. When a government officer listens to such stories, he feels very satisfied. There are very few who understand the power and impact of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’. When I hear people connected to bureaucratic circles talking about it, expressing their satisfaction, it resonates with me. I’ve heard stories where someone suddenly received 2 lakh rupees after the death of her husband, and a sister mentioned how the arrival of gas in her home transformed her lives. The most significant aspect is when someone says that the line between rich and poor has vanished. While the slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’ (Remove Poverty) is one thing, but the real change happens when a person says, “As soon as the gas stove came to my house, the distinction between poverty and affluence disappeared.” It’s incredible how the confidence of a person can soar when they say, “I have moved into a proper house.” The impact is profound, not just on the individual but on their children as well. Previously, living in a makeshift dwelling, the children would feel embarrassed and lacked self-esteem. Now, with a solid home, their life is full of confidence. The real change is evident when you hear it from the beneficiary’s own words. That’s when you realize that a life has truly transformed. It’s amazing to see the enthusiasm of individuals like Gupta ji, who can’t stop talking about the positive changes. When people receive benefits directly, whether it’s 10,000 rupees from the bank or any other financial assistance, their confidence soars. Otherwise, they would suffer tremendously if they borrowed money from a moneylender. It’s crucial for every citizen to feel a sense of ownership and pride in institutions like banks, railways, hospitals, and government offices. When this sense of ownership is instilled, the desire to contribute to the country is awakened. The efforts being made are like planting seeds. The seed signifies the acknowledgment that our parents faced difficulties, we faced challenges, but we don’t want to force our children to endure hardships. No parent wishes for their children to face the same difficulties they went through. Even if they couldn’t receive an education or faced hardships, parents don’t want their children to be uneducated or face the same struggles. When people have access to information about these government schemes, they realize that now is the time to take action. When this mindset permeates the hearts of 1.4 billion people, the nation will undoubtedly move forward. The country gained independence through a united atmosphere across the nation. Some spun the charkha, and when asked why, they replied, “For freedom.” Some left their education, shouting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” They faced police batons and, when questioned about the reason for their sacrifice, they declared, “For the freedom of the country.” Some served the elderly, and when asked, “What are you doing?” They replied, “Working for freedom.” Some wore khadi and were asked, “Why are you doing this?” Their response was, “For freedom.” Every person in Hindustan began to say, “I am working for freedom.” Whether fasting or working hard, educating children, doing sanitation work, or driving a rickshaw, all were doing it for freedom. A fever of freedom gripped the nation, instilling confidence in every heart, leading to the departure of the British. The country has risen. If all 140 crore citizens are filled with this spirit that now we have to lead the country forward; we cannot stay like this. Every life needs to change, every individual’s power should be respected, and that power should be utilized to move the country forward. Once these seeds are sown in the minds, a prosperous Bharat will be established by 2047. Your children will start enjoying the fruits. The shade of this tree will be enjoyed by your children, and hence, every citizen should develop the mindset, determination, and if the mindset is developed, the goal is not far away. ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ is not the work of any political party. Those who engage in this work are doing a sacred task. They should understand that they are missing an opportunity by not participating in it. Although I am the Prime Minister of the country, I am very excited to be among you today, I am very happy that I have become a part of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ today. I also feel satisfied that I have also done this work. Every one of you should do it. The ‘yatra’ which is going to the next village or city should be welcomed warmly. Everyone should come, everyone should listen to beneficiaries, everyone should come forward to benefit from the plans, and those who have benefited from the plans should share their success with confidence. Even sharing positive stories creates a good environment. And that is why I want that the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’is a big dream, a big resolution and we have to fulfil this resolution with our own efforts. I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet you and listen to your experiences. Everyone should make an effort to make this ‘yatra’ more successful.  We should instil this spirit and confidence in the minds of the citizens. We have seen that when there is a lack of money at home, many things cannot be done, even if there is a desire. One feels like buying nice shirts for the children, but he can’t, because he does not have enough money. Just like it happens in a home, similarly it happens in a country. The country should also have money, if there is money then every citizen will fulfil his wishes. About four crore poor people have received homes, and those who have been left out are guaranteed by Modi that they will get it in the future. Those who have received an Ayushman card get free medicine. Those who needed a gas stove are getting it from the government. The government is providing subsidies for the gas stove. Why? Because, the government has now got the power to give! When Bharat becomes developed in 25 years, these troubles will not be there, and we will be free from difficulties. And this path to freedom from difficulties is to fulfil the commitment of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Therefore, I assure my fellow citizens of Kashi that as your ‘sevak’, as your Member of Parliament, I will work. With the blessings of Mahadev, I will never lag behind in the work for the country. May Mahadev’s grace be upon all of us, and this ‘yatra’ should be very successful in our Kashi. There should be no laxity. Every member of a family should participate in the program. No one should be left behind in the ‘yatra’. Spend an hour or two, but become a part of the program. For this, I request all of you to help and strengthen the resolve of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Thank you very much. Namaskar!