Key initiatives in the budget include an extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028, with a goal of achieving 100% rural water supply coverage and improving the maintenance of existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the Bharatnet Project will expand broadband connectivity to all rural government secondary schools and primary health centres, ensuring better access to education and healthcare.

India Post will be pivotal in the growth of rural economies, offering services like micro-enterprise credit, digital services, and logistics support to entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and self-help groups. This aligns with the government’s push to empower rural communities through greater economic inclusion.

Another significant announcement is the launch of the Rural Prosperity and Resilience Program, which aims to tackle under-employment in agriculture by promoting skill development, technology adoption, and investments. This program is designed to support rural women, young farmers, marginalized communities, and landless families.

The rural development initiatives have already shown considerable results, such as a reduction in the multidimensional poverty rate from 24.85% to 14.96%. Additionally, rural internet users have increased to 398.35 million, while wages have steadily grown across both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

In terms of rural infrastructure, programs like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) have provided all-weather roads, and the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) has delivered housing to those in need. The Mission Amrit Sarovar has rejuvenated over 68,843 ponds, ensuring sustainable water resources, while the National Rural Health Mission continues to offer quality healthcare to rural populations.

The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) continues its efforts in the second phase to maintain open defecation-free status and manage waste, contributing to a cleaner, healthier rural environment. Alongside, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has received Rs. 86,000 crore in the FY 2024-25, securing rural livelihoods and providing much-needed employment opportunities.

The budget also emphasizes programs like the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, PM-JANMAN, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, and Gram Nyayalayas Act, all of which aim to further uplift rural India. With these initiatives, the government is steadfast in its vision to build a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.

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In her heartfelt post, Tahira wrote, “And that’s life! And you make the most of it. And in making the most of it you realise how humbling the experience is. I know so many brave women who have fought with all their might. I bow my head in respect to all of them.” She further emphasized the importance of valuing life and spreading awareness about cancer prevention, adding, “Let everyone’s experience be a reminder to value our lives. To know how significant each one of us is. To know nobody else on the face of the earth can do what you can do. Spread the awareness. Early breast cancer detection is curable not just treatable. Love and hope and joy to all. Life is to celebrate gratitude all the way.”

Tahira also took a moment to speak about the challenges faced during her cancer journey, highlighting the impact of government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY. These programs aim to make cancer treatment accessible, especially for people from underprivileged backgrounds. “On World Cancer Day, I want to commend the Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY initiatives for making timely cancer treatment accessible to many, regardless of their financial background. Cancer is a journey that tests your strength, resilience, and faith. Early diagnosis and affordable treatment are, however, key to survival, and thanks to such government schemes, millions can now hope for a better future. Let’s continue to support one another and raise awareness about early breast cancer detection because together we can beat cancer,” she said.

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, serves as a reminder to unite individuals, communities, and organizations to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The global initiative encourages collective action and provides much-needed support for those affected by cancer, including patients and their families.

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The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 will kick off at 10:30 AM today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. In addition to inaugurating the event, PM Modi is also scheduled to address the gathering. The theme of this year’s Mahotsav is ‘Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047,’ reflecting the government’s vision for a sustainable and thriving rural economy.

The Mahotsav, which will run from January 4 to 9, is aimed at celebrating Rural India’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage. It will serve as a platform for discussions, workshops, and masterclasses, with a focus on enhancing rural infrastructure, building self-reliant economies, and fostering innovation in rural communities. According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s office, the festival will play a vital role in promoting economic stability and financial security in rural areas, with particular attention to the North-East region.

The event aims to address financial inclusion and promote sustainable agricultural practices, two crucial elements in ensuring the long-term prosperity of rural populations. A special emphasis will be placed on empowering rural women through entrepreneurship, offering them the tools to contribute more effectively to their communities’ economic growth.

Moreover, the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, thought leaders, rural entrepreneurs, artisans, and rural community members. These stakeholders will collaborate to create a roadmap for collective rural transformation. The festival will also feature vibrant cultural performances and exhibitions showcasing India’s rich heritage, providing a glimpse into the traditions that make rural India unique.

In a related development on Friday, PM Modi inaugurated 1,675 newly constructed flats for residents of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project. He also handed over keys to eligible beneficiaries at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar, Delhi, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of urban poor communities.

As the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav unfolds, it is poised to become a significant event in shaping India’s rural future, advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed, self-reliant India by 2047.

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The announcement came during a meeting of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) at the Secretariat on Wednesday. CM Dhami expressed that the state government was fully prepared to roll out the UCC, fulfilling a key resolution passed earlier.

Reflecting on the decision, the Chief Minister noted that in the first cabinet meeting of the newly-formed government in March 2022, it was resolved to form an expert committee to study and recommend the implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand. Following this, a five-member expert committee, led by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, was established to explore the matter. Based on their recommendations, the Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024 was passed by the State Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024.

The bill later received assent from the President, with the notification issued on March 12, 2024. In preparation for its implementation, the state government also finalised the rules under the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand 2024 Act, ensuring a smooth transition for the law’s enforcement.

CM Dhami directed officials to ensure proper training for personnel responsible for the implementation of the UCC provisions and to provide all necessary facilities for its smooth rollout. Additionally, he stressed the importance of maximizing online services to facilitate public convenience.

To further ease the process, a dedicated portal and mobile app have been developed, enabling the public to access services like registration and appeals online.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the State Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in January 2025, underscoring that the law aligns with the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” and would usher in transformative changes for society. He highlighted that the UCC would particularly empower women and children in Uttarakhand, creating new opportunities for their growth and development.

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The Bima Sakhi Yojana aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering women for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The initiative is expected to focus on fostering economic prosperity among women, though specific details of the scheme have not yet been disclosed by LIC.

The inauguration ceremony will witness the presence of several dignitaries, including Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and other ministers from both the central and state governments.

The event underscores the government’s commitment to women-centric initiatives and aims to enhance financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women across the country. Further information about the scheme is anticipated during its official launch.

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