"Transgender community, senior citizens to come under Ayushman Bharat scheme": PM Modi

NEW DELHI: In a landmark move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to bring the transgender community and senior citizens above 70 years of age whether poor, middle class or upper middle class, under the ambit of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Addressing the gathering of leaders at party headquarters in the national capital after the unveiling of the manifesto, 'Sankalp Patra', PM Modi said, "BJP has decided to bring transgender community also under the ambit of Ayushman Bharat scheme. Now BJP has resolved that every elderly person above the age of 70 years will be brought under the ambit of Ayushman Yojana."

"Every senior citizen above the age of 70 years, whether poor, middle class or upper middle class, will get free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh," he added.

The Prime Minister said that the party's focus is on the dignity of life, quality of life and jobs through investment.

"The entire country waits for the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra'. There is a big reason behind it as in the last 10 years, the BJP has implemented every point of its manifesto as a guarantee on the ground. This 'Sankalp Patra' empowers all four strong pillars of developed India- Youth, women, poor and farmers. Our focus is on the dignity of life, quality of lives and jobs through investment," PM Modi said.

He further announced that the BJP has decided to increase the amount of the MUDRA Yojana loan from 10 lakh to 20 lakh.

"In past years, MUDRA Yojana has turned crores of people into entrepreneurs. Looking at this success, BJP has taken one more 'sankalp' - under MUDRA Yojana loans up to Rs 10 Lakhs were provided. Now the BJP has decided to increase the limit to Rs 20 Lakhs. I am confident that this will be used as a new strength towards building the kind of ecosystem that is required for the era of Industry 4.0," he said.

He also said that the existing free ration scheme will continue for the next five years.

"Modi guarantees that the free ration scheme will continue for the next 5 years. We will ensure that the poor person's food plate is nutritious, satisfying, and affordable," the Prime Minister said.

BJP's manifesto declaration coincides with Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti.

Referring to this, the PM said, "This is a very holy day. Several states in the country are celebrating the 'nav varsh'. Today, on the 6th day of Navaratri we pray to Maa Katyayani. She holds the lotus in both her hands. This coincidence is a huge blessing. Even better, it is Ambedkar Jayanti too."

The Lok Sabha polls in India are scheduled to take place from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024, to choose the 543 representatives for the 18th Lok Sabha. These elections will be conducted over seven phases, with the outcome being declared on June 4.

Around 970 million individuals, out of a total population of 1.44 billion, are eligible to take part in the elections. The legislative assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim will coincide with the general election. Additionally, there will be by-elections for 35 seats across 16 states.