New Delhi, Oct 11 (ANI): Congress Party has welcomed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran Lal Krishna Advani's statement lauding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Scheme, which is the ruling UPA Government's flagship programme.
Congress spokesperson Renuka Chaudhary said Advani is making a point for the BJP to understand.
"There is a big difference. His thinking is different from that of his party so what he is saying is correct. This is the truth and that is the reason why we brought the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) programme," she said.
In his statement during the General Debate in the Third Committee, 67th UN General Assembly, Advani said 'achieving inclusive growth underpinned by empowerment of people, especially women, good governance, and investments in social sectors, education and health, skills training, affordable housing are a major focus in India'.
"Since 65 percent of India's population is located in rural areas, special emphasis has been placed on rural development initiatives. There are also several programmes targeted to the needs of the women and vulnerable groups," said Advani.
"The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is the world's largest cash for work programme, which responds to the needs of 53 million poor rural households by ensuring them 100 days employment per year. At least 50 percent of the work is reserved for women. This programme has helped break down social inequalities, empower rural people, build up rural infrastructure and revive economic growth," he added.
Advani further said initiatives in the field of education has led to India attaining nearly full enrolment in primary grades of schooling for both boys and girls and narrowing of gender gaps in middle and higher education.
"Similarly, health interventions have led to increased life expectancy, increased rates of immunization of children, and substantial decline in infant and maternal mortality rates," said Advani.
"Our targets for economic growth are anchored in measurable performance indices relating to poverty, education, health, women and children. These targets, disaggregated State-wise, which implement most programmes, have helped monitor, assess and improve them," he added.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act aims at enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing hundred days of wage-employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. (ANI)
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