Empowerment for Poverty Alleviation: Finance Minister’s Perspective

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke at an interactive session organized by the Thinkers Forum on Saturday, where she highlighted the importance of empowerment over entitlement for poverty alleviation in the country. In response to a question from a student of the Malleswaram Ladies’ Association First Grade College for Women, Nirmala stated that providing basic facilities such as housing, access to water and primary healthcare facilities, as well as skilling opportunities, are more effective measures for uplifting the poor than simply giving freebies.

The Finance Minister emphasized that recognizing the need for citizens to access basic facilities is one way to ensure poverty alleviation. She explained that the government is working to provide access to housing, water, electricity, basic toilet facilities, health services, and without having to pay or prove identity, access to medical aid. This way, the poor can decide their own path towards betterment with dignity and self-respect.

Nirmala stated that the government is determined to improve the standard of living of the poor, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts are a testament to that. The government is currently working towards providing basic facilities that can help uplift the poor and empower them to become better.

Re-reported from the story originally published in https://www.newindianexpress.com/