Lucknow, Nov 03 (HS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath on Tuesday distributed LPG cylinder refill subsidies to over 18.9

million eligible families under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. He said that

before 2014, there was corruption and bribery, but after Prime Minister

Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, the country has seen rapid development. A

recent World Bank report shows that 400 million out of the country's 155

million people have come out of the poverty line. Today, a subsidy of Rs 1500

crore is being given in Uttar Pradesh under the Ujjwala Yojana so that people

can celebrate Diwali happily and take advantage of the government's welfare

schemes.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was addressing the

distribution ceremony for LPG cylinder refill subsidies to over 18.9 million

eligible families under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana at Lok Bhavan on

Tuesday. He presented symbolic cheques to the beneficiaries. He specifically

mentioned India's culture and festivals, noting that prior to 2014, when the

Congress government was in power, bribes were required for gas connections.

Furthermore, news of numerous scams, including the 2G scam, the coal scam, and

the Commonwealth Games scandal, were commonplace. However, when Narendra Modi

became Prime Minister in 2014, he initiated numerous welfare schemes, including

the Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emotionally

remarked that mothers and daughters suffer from various diseases due to cooking

with wood, but that receiving free cylinder connections would help them stay

healthy and improve their quality of life.

Modi government gave free gas connections: The Chief

Minister said that the Modi government has provided free gas connections under

this scheme. Refilling a cylinder costs Rs. 938.45, with the central government

providing a subsidy of Rs. 333. Thus, consumers have to pay Rs. 648.55 out of

pocket. However, the Uttar Pradesh government has already paid Rs. 648.55 to

gas companies for each consumer's gas cylinder for Diwali. Now, consumers can

buy gas from the gas agency, celebrate the festival, and use the remaining Rs. 650

to purchase sweets and lamps.

Before 2014, farmers used to commit suicide: Chief Minister

Yogi said that before 2014, farmers were forced to commit suicide. They neither

received fertilizers nor electricity on time. They didn't even get the right

price for their produce, and they were mired in debt. They were forced to

commit suicide, but since the double-engine government came to power, various

welfare schemes, including the Kisan Samman Nidhi, have been implemented.

Farmers in Uttar Pradesh will not only receive compensation for crops damaged

by recent hailstorms, storms, rain, and other causes, but the state government

will also provide them with a special package, which will benefit approximately

40 million families.

40 crore people came above the poverty line: Chief Minister

Yogi Adityanath said that before 2014, during the Congress regime, people were

troubled by bribery and corruption. They lacked basic amenities. However, after

Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, welfare schemes for all sections of

society were launched. With corruption and bribery eradicated, India is rapidly

progressing towards the goal of a developed India. He added that a recent World

Bank report stated that 400 million people in India have come out of poverty.

This is an achievement of the double-engine government.

Before 2017, riots would erupt in Uttar Pradesh before the

festival: Discussing the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh

before 2017, the Chief Minister said that law and order existed virtually

nonexistent at that time. People were concerned about protecting their

property. Daughters-in-law and daughters were not allowed outside after sunset.

Riots were the hallmark of the state. However, since 2017, when the

double-engine government came to power, those who harass daughters-in-law and

daughters now know that their path leads directly to hell. Women are now

working night shifts. Numerous schemes are underway to empower them, and the

government is ready to support them at every level. Only by empowering half the

state's population economically and socially, will Uttar Pradesh become a

developed state, and India will achieve its goal of a developed India.

Many schemes including Annapurna Bhawan, Atal Residential

School: He said that free rations are being provided in the state. The

commissions of ration dealers have been increased. The honorarium of various

workers, including Anganwadi workers, cooks, home guards, and watchmen, has

been increased. A large number of Atal residential schools have been opened.

Annapurna canteens are being established so that workers can get food of their

choice.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and

Food Minister Manoj Pandey also highlighted the government's achievements.

Chief Minister's advisor Avnish Awasthi, Legislative Council member Lalji

Prasad Nirmal, MLAs Yogesh Shukla, OP Srivastava, Jai Devi, Mayor Sushma

Kharkwal, along with several officials and a large number of beneficiaries were

present at the program.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi