PM Modi plans India unity scheme

With his government facing heat on the issue of “intolerance”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he proposes to put in place an “Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat” scheme aimed at strengthening India’s unity and harmony and invited suggestions in this regard.

“Internal vigilance is the price of liberty. Unity of the nation — this culture should continue... On the occasion of Sardar Patel’s anniversary on October 31, I had talked about Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat (One India, Supreme India) ... I want to give Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat the shape of a scheme,” the Prime minister said.

The Prime Minister asked people to give suggestions on the portal mygov.com on what should be its structure, the logo, and how to increase public participation. “It is expected to be a very specific scheme. Apply your creative mind and give suggestions as to how to connect each and every Indian with the mantra of unity and harmony and Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat,” the PM said in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

He said suggestions should be about what kind of scheme it should be, the kind of programme under it, and what should the government, society and civil society do. His proposal to start a scheme to enrich the culture of unity and harmony assumes significance against the backdrop of allegations by some sections that “intolerance” is growing and that the government is doing nothing about it.

The PM also exhorted people to come forward in greater numbers to donate organs and talked about how people with disabilities can be a source of inspiration as they overcome their weaknesses. In this context, he specifically highlighted the case of one Javed Ahmed of Kashmir who was disabled by spinal injuries sustained when shot by terrorists in 1996. “He lost the capacity to stand on his feet again. The biggest thing was that an innocent had to suffer in such a manner, his youth was endangered, but there was no anger or outrage,” Mr Modi said while narrating Ahmed’s story.

“But he did not accept defeat. He converted this crisis into opportunity to serve the masses and devoted his life to social service. For the last 20 years he has been teaching children and also working to see how infrastructure for the disabled can be improved,” the PM said .

“He has become a messiah for the disabled. His devotion is being specially remembered on the occasion of Disability Day on December 3. There are several like Javed Ahmed in every corner of the country who keep inspiring us,” he said.

Referring to the MUDRA Bank scheme launched some time back for the benefit of small entrepreneurs, he said, “The speed I want is yet to come but the beginning has been good.” He said the scheme is focused on three Es — enterprises, earning and empowerment — and about 66 lakh people have got Rs 42,000 crore from it. He said he was happy to note that out of these 66 lakh, 24 lakh are women and most of those helped belong to the SC, ST and OBC categories.”