New Delhi, February 19 (HS): Union Rural Development and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) on Wednesday, said, India is a country that believes in world brotherhood. We have a feeling of harmony and world welfare among all living beings. India believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, it asks us to go beyond our homes and our communities, our countries, our universe and consider the entire universe as one family. Our sages have also said that not only we but everyone should be happy, healthy and everyone should be happy and everyone should be well, the Modi government is trying to bring this feeling on our land.
In a session held at Lalit Hotel, Chauhan said that a large part of the world still lives in villages. A large part of India also lives in villages. Unless the villages progress, no country can progress. The 77th session of the Executive Committee meeting will definitely form the basis for the upcoming ministerial conference, when AARDO will analyze its various programs. Another ambitious three-year period will be considered for 2025-2027 which will include a comprehensive mid-term evaluation and review of the strategic framework of AARDO.
Chauhan said that the Lakhpati Didi initiative is the cornerstone of our government's efforts to uplift women in rural areas by empowering them economically and socially. Under this initiative, our goal is to ensure that the Didis of self-help groups earn at least Rs 1 lakh per year through sustainable livelihood. Our government has set a target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, out of which 1.15 crore Lakhpati Didis have been created so far. Our Lakhpati Didis are not just earning income, they are also playing an effective role in the progress of their families and communities. They have become role models for others showing the path of self-reliance. Thousands of women in various districts are now financially self-reliant and earning regular income from agriculture, dairy farming, entrepreneurship and other related activities.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
