PM launches Stand Up India initiative

In a bid to boost entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched the Stand Up India initiative. The initiative envisages loans to at least two aspiring entrepreneurs from these categories. The loan shall be in the range between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore. As many as 5,100 e-rickshaws were also distributed on the occasion.

The Prime Minister paid homage to Babu Jagjivan Ram, former Union minister, on his birth anniversary, and recalled his great contributions and service to the nation at crucial periods in various official capacities.

Explaining his vision for converting job seekers into job creators, the Prime Minister said the Stand Up India initiative will transform the lives of the Dalits and Adivasis.

The Prime Minister said that India’s development journey will be stronger when it is scripted by the poor. He urged the gathering to educate their children, and especially the girl child.

Earlier, the Prime Minister interacted with the families of some of the beneficiaries, over a cup of tea. The beneficiaries explained how e-rickshaws would change their lives for the better. The Prime Minister exhorted them to ensure that they educate their children.

The Prime Minister booked an e-rickshaw, and took a brief e-rickshaw ride towards the stage, making the payment for the ride through a cellphone.