Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is making steady progress across various sectors, particularly in healthcare and social protection. He cited major milestones such as the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the country Trachoma-free and the significant increase in the number of people covered under social security schemes.
Addressing the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM Modi said that India is advancing in every sphere – from healthcare to social security – with a strong focus on inclusion and achieving saturation.
He began by highlighting the nation’s success in eliminating Trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can lead to blindness, calling it a major public health achievement.
“A lot of you must have heard about Trachoma. There was a time when it was common in many parts of India. If neglected, this disease could lead to blindness. But we resolved to eliminate it, and I am delighted to share with you that the World Health Organization has declared India Trachoma-free,” PM Modi said.
He credited the success to the relentless efforts of health workers and initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
“This success belongs to our health workers who fought this disease tirelessly. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan played a major role in its elimination. The Jal Jeevan Mission also contributed significantly. As clean water is reaching households through taps, the risk of such diseases has greatly reduced,” he noted.
The Prime Minister added that the WHO appreciated India not only for eliminating the disease but also for addressing its root causes.
Turning to social security, PM Modi cited a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
“According to a recent ILO report, more than 64 per cent of Indians are now covered under some kind of social protection. Social security coverage in India is among the largest in the world,” he said.
“Today, around 95 crore people are benefiting from various social security schemes, whereas in 2015, the number was less than 25 crore. This reflects a significant shift towards social equity,” he said.
The Prime Minister said such achievements are a testament to India’s commitment to inclusive growth.
“From health to social security, the country is moving forward with the goal of saturation. This is also a reflection of our commitment to social justice. These successes inspire confidence that the future will be brighter and India will become even stronger at every step,” he said.
(IANS)
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