The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2024 is the theme of the Mahotsav. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister greeted all the people present a very happy 2025. He mentioned that the grand organization of the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav takes place at the beginning of the year. It gives a glimpse of India’s development journey. It is also creating an identity for India. He congratulated NABARD and other associates for the organization of the event. 

PM Highlights Village Life’s Essence, Challenges

The Prime Minister remarked that those of us who were born and raised in the villages understand their potential. He added that the spirit of the village also resides in those who live in the villages. He further added that those who have lived in the villages understand its true essence. They know how to live the true life of a village. Modi said that he was fortunate to have spent his childhood in a small town with a simple environment. He added that he spent time in the countryside later when he left the town. “I have experienced the difficulties and am also aware of the possibilities of the village”, said the Prime Minister.

He added that since childhood he observed that the people of the village are hardworking. However, they miss out on the right opportunities. The lack of capital is the reason for this. He further added that despite the villagers having diverse strengths in various fields, their strengths are lost. This happens in the quest to satisfy their basic amenities.

Grameen Bharat Mahotsav : PM Pledges Support for Farmers “

The Prime Minister noted that there were diverse challenges like natural calamities, lack of access to markets facing the farmers. He added that he saw all these challenges. He then resolved his mind. This encouraged him to tackle the challenges faced by them. He further added that development works in rural areas today are inspired by village lessons. These works draw from the experiences of the villages. Shri Modi said that since 2014, he has been constantly in the service of rural India. “Ensuring a dignified life for the people of rural India is the priority of my Government”, exclaimed the Prime Minister.

Grameen Bharat Mahotsav : Govt Programs Ensuring Amenities, Housing, Water, Health, and Telemedicine”

He added that their vision was to ensure an empowered rural India. They aim to provide ample opportunities for villagers. They strive to reduce out migration and ensure ease of life for the people of villages. Therefore, he said, the Government had implemented a program in each and every village to ensure basic amenities. Shri Modi highlighted that every house was provided with a toilet as part of Swachh Bharat Mission. Crores of people in rural India were given pucca houses as part of PM Awaas Yojana. Lakhs of houses in villages were ensured safe and clean drinking water through Jal Jeevan Mission. 

“Today, Health facilities are being provided in more than 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to the people”, said the Prime Minister. He added that Telemedicine, assisted by digital technologies, has ensured the option of best doctors and hospitals to the villages. Crores of people in the rural areas have benefited from the telemedicine through e-Sanjeevini, he further added. Shri Modi remarked that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the world wondered how India’s villages would cope. He added that however, the Government ensured that vaccines reached the last person in every village.

Grameen Bharat Mahotsav : PM Stresses Inclusive Rural Policies Driving Economic Growth”

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of creating economic policies. These policies must consider every section of rural society. This is essential to strengthen the rural economy. He was pleased with the government’s efforts over the past 10 years. They have formulated special policies and made decisions for every section of the village. Modi noted that just a few days ago, the Cabinet approved an extension. They agreed to extend the PM Crop Insurance Scheme for another year. They also decided to continue the subsidy on DAP. He emphasized that the government’s intentions, policies, and decisions are infusing new energy into rural India.

“PM Highlights Support for Farmers, Villages, and Employment Growth”

The Prime Minister underscored the goal of providing maximum economic assistance to villagers within their villages. This assistance will allow them to engage in farming. It will also help create new employment and self-employment opportunities. He noted that through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, farmers have received approximately ₹3 lakh crore in financial assistance. Noting that over the past 10 years, the amount of agricultural loans has increased by 3.5 times, Shri Modi mentioned that now livestock and fish farmers are being provided with Kisan Credit Cards. He added that in addition, more than 9,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the country are receiving financial assistance. He further underlined that the government has consistently increased the MSP for several crops over the past 10 years.

Modi highlighted the launch of campaigns like the Swamitva Yojana, through which villagers are receiving property papers. He remarked that over the past 10 years, several policies have been implemented to promote MSMEs. The Prime Minister emphasized that MSMEs have benefited from the Credit Link Guarantee Scheme. Over one crore rural MSMEs are reaping its benefits. He noted that today, rural youth are receiving support from schemes like the Mudra Yojana, Start-Up India, and Stand-Up India.

PM Highlights Cooperatives’ Role in Rural Transformation and Skill Development”

The Prime Minister highlighted the significant contribution of cooperatives in transforming the rural landscape. He remarked that India is on the path to prosperity through cooperation. The Ministry of Cooperation was established for this purpose in 2021. He observed that around 70,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being computerized. This ensures that farmers and villagers get better value for their products. It strengthens the rural economy.

Shri Modi emphasized that apart from agriculture, various traditional arts and skills have been prevalent in our villages. These include blacksmithing, carpentry, and pottery. He remarked that these occupations have significantly contributed to the rural and local economy, but were previously neglected. He added that the Vishwakarma Yojana is being implemented to enhance their skills. This initiative provides affordable assistance. It gives lakhs of Vishwakarma artisans an opportunity to progress.

“Rural Progress: Rising Consumption and Reduced Disparities, Says PM Modi”

“When intentions are noble, the results are satisfying”, said Shri Modi. He added that the country is now reaping the benefits of the hard work done over the past 10 years. Shri Modi cited a recent large-scale survey. It revealed several important facts. He noted that compared to 2011, consumption in rural India has nearly tripled. This indicates that people are spending more on their preferred items. He noted that previously, villagers had to spend more than 50% of their income on food. However, for the first time since independence, the expenditure on food in rural areas has fallen below 50%. He explained that this meant the  people are now spending on other desires and needs, improving their quality of life.

The Prime Minister highlighted another significant finding from the survey. It revealed that the gap in consumption between urban and rural areas has decreased. He remarked that it was previously believed that urban individuals could spend more than those in villages. Continuous efforts have reduced this disparity. He emphasized that numerous success stories from rural India inspire us.

PM Highlights Decades of Neglect, Prioritizes Rural and Border Development”

The Prime Minister noted that these achievements could have been realized during previous governments’ tenures. However, for decades after independence, lakhs of villages were deprived of basic necessities. He pointed out that the majority of SC, ST, and OBC populations live in villages. Previous governments neglected them. This led to migration from villages, increased poverty, and a widening gap between rural and urban areas. Shri Modi provided an example. He talked about the previous perception of border villages as the last villages of the country. He said his government has given them the status of the first villages. They launched the Vibrant Villages Scheme for their development. He highlighted that the development of border villages is increasing the income of their residents. He emphasized that those who were previously ignored are now being prioritized by his government.

PM Highlights Rural Development, Poverty Reduction, and Women’s Empowerment”

The Prime Minister mentioned the launch of the PM Janman Yojana. It aims for the development of tribal areas. It ensures equal rights for regions deprived of development for decades. He remarked that over the past 10 years, his government has corrected many mistakes of previous governments. He emphasized that the government is moving forward with the mantra of national development through rural development. Shri Modi highlighted the success of these efforts.In the past 10 years, people have lifted 25 crore people out of poverty. The majority of these individuals are from rural areas.

He mentioned a recent study by the State Bank of India. It revealed that rural poverty in India has decreased from approximately 26% in 2012. This has fallen to less than 5% in 2024. He noted that some people have been chanting slogans to eradicate poverty for decades. Now, the country is witnessing a real reduction in poverty.

Modi Highlights Women’s Role in Rural Economy and Modern Village Transformation”

Modi emphasized the significant role of women in India’s rural economy. He highlighted the government’s efforts to expand this role. He remarked that women are redefining rural life as Bank Sakhis and Bima Sakhis. They are leading a new revolution through self-help groups. He noted that 1.15 crore women in villages have become Lakhpati Didis and the government aims to make 3 crore women Lakhpati Didis. He implemented special schemes for women from Dalit, deprived, and tribal communities.

The Prime Minister underscored the unprecedented focus on rural infrastructure.He highlighted that highways, expressways, and railways now connect most villages. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 4 lakh kilometers of roads were constructed. These roads were built in rural areas over the past 10 years. “Villages are becoming modern 21st-century villages in terms of digital infrastructure”, said the Prime Minister. He noted that over 94% of rural households now have access to telephones or mobile phones. Banking services are also accessible. Technology like UPI is available in villages.

NABARD will continue to play a crucial role in fulfilling the nation’s goals.

Modi highlighted the number of Common Service Centers. They have increased from less than 1 lakh before 2014 to over 5 lakh today. These centers provide dozens of government services online. He underscored that this infrastructure was accelerating village development, creating employment opportunities, and integrating villages into the nation’s progress.

NABARD’s senior management plays a significant role in the success of various initiatives. This ranges from self-help groups to Kisan Credit Cards. Modi emphasized that NABARD will continue to play a crucial role in fulfilling the nation’s goals. He highlighted the strength of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and their role in ensuring better prices for farmers’ produce. He stressed the need to create more FPOs and move forward in that direction. The Prime Minister remarked that milk production is currently providing the highest returns to farmers. He emphasized the need to establish 5-6 more cooperatives like Amul, with a nationwide reach. The country is advancing natural farming in mission mode. He urged the inclusion of more farmers in this initiative.

Prime Minister emphasized the need to work on diversifying rural income

Modi highlighted the importance of linking self-help groups with micro and small industries (MSMEs). This connection is crucial to meet the demand for their products across the country. He emphasized the need for proper branding and marketing of these products. He also stressed the importance of focusing on the quality, packaging, and branding of GI products.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to work on diversifying rural income. He highlighted the importance of making irrigation affordable and promoting micro-irrigation. He also stressed creating more rural enterprises. Maximizing the benefits of natural farming for the rural economy was crucial. He urged for time-bound efforts in this direction. 

PM stressed the importance of every villager participating in this initiative

Modi urged that the entire village should collectively take care of the Amrit Sarovar built in their village. He mentioned the ongoing ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He stressed the importance of every villager participating in this initiative. This involvement is crucial to plant more trees. He further highlighted the significance of harmony and love in village identity. Shri Modi noted that some people are trying to spread poison in society in the name of caste. They aim to weaken the social fabric. He urged everyone to thwart these conspiracies. It is important to preserve the shared culture of the village.

The Prime Minister concluded the speech. He emphasized the need to continuously work towards empowering villages. It is important to ensure that the resolutions reach every village. He expressed confidence that the development of villages will lead to the realization of a developed India.

The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, was present among the dignitaries. Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, was also there.

Background

The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 will celebrate Rural India’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage. Grameen Bharat Mahotsav will be held from 4th to 9th January. The theme is ‘Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047’. The motto is “गांव बढ़े, तो देश बढ़े”. Mahotsav aims to celebrate Rural India’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage.

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