PM launches Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) Portal

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PM launches Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) Portal

Analysis

1. Context and Significance
   • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched a nationwide initiative aimed at providing credit support to marginalized communities.
   • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was the Chief Guest, marking the formal launch of the PM-SURAJ Portal, a step toward empowering socially and economically disadvantaged sections.
2. Objective of PM-SURAJ
   • The Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal seeks to extend credit assistance to 1 lakh entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Backward Classes (BCs), and Safai Mitras.
   • It aims to institutionalize social upliftment through livelihood generation and financial inclusion.
3. Key Features of the Initiative
   • Provides a single-window digital platform for access to various welfare and credit-linked schemes under the Ministry.
   • Focuses on entrepreneurship development, self-reliance, and capacity building for historically underserved groups.
   • Reflects the government’s commitment to the principle of “Vanchiton Ko Variyata” (Priority to the Deprived).
4. Integration with Existing Schemes
   • Beneficiaries under schemes like NAMASTE, VCF-SC, VCF-BC, and ASIIM interacted with the Prime Minister.
   • The initiative brings together multiple welfare efforts to create a comprehensive empowerment ecosystem for marginalized communities.
5. Support to Safai Mitras
   • Ayushman Health Cards and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits were distributed under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE).
   • These provisions aim to enhance health safety, dignity, and occupational protection of sewer and septic tank workers.
6. Ayushman Health Card – Overview
   • Issued under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
   • Enables cashless, paperless healthcare access at empaneled hospitals.
   • Ensures financial protection for the economically weaker sections against medical expenses.
7. PPE Kits – Significance
   • Comprise protective gear like masks, gloves, goggles, gowns, and face shields.
   • Vital for worker safety in hazardous environments, reducing occupational health risks.
8. Vision and Broader Impact
   • Embodies the government’s “Viksit Bharat” vision — promoting inclusive growth and ensuring social justice.
   • Encourages credit-based empowerment rather than welfare dependence.
   • Reinforces financial dignity and social mobility for marginalized citizens.
9. Participation and Public Engagement
   • Over 3 lakh individuals attended physically and another 3 lakh joined online, showing extensive public involvement.
   • Highlights a collective national resolve to achieve equitable growth and empowerment for all.

Static Information

• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Major Schemes Integrated: NAMASTE, Venture Capital Fund for SCs (VCF-SC), Venture Capital Fund for BCs (VCF-BC), Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)
• Flagship Vision: “Vanchiton Ko Variyata” – Prioritizing the underserved in policy design and implementation
• Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY: Launched in 2018 to provide ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• NAMASTE Scheme: Aims for the safety, welfare, and dignity of sanitation workers through mechanization and alternative livelihood opportunities.

Updated - 13 Mar 2024 ; 10:44 PM | PIB

[News Source: PIB]