PM Modi Launches Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign, Expands Welfare Benefits for 2.3 Lakh Beneficiaries

Surat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Surat, marking a major step toward ensuring food and nutrition security for the poor and marginalized. As part of the initiative, the Prime Minister distributed benefits under the National Food Security Act to more than 2.3 lakh beneficiaries.

Addressing a large gathering, Modi praised Surat’s unique culture of collective growth and mutual support. He emphasized that Surat has always been a city where people work together, ensuring prosperity for all. “Surat is not just a city of commerce, but also of compassion. It is leading Gujarat and India in guaranteeing food security for the underprivileged, and this campaign will serve as an inspiration for other districts across the country,” he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the food security saturation approach aims to leave no one behind. The Surat administration has identified over 2.5 lakh new beneficiaries, including elderly citizens, widows, and differently-abled individuals, ensuring that they now receive free rations and nutritious food. Modi congratulated all the new beneficiaries and stressed that the government’s efforts are designed to provide food security without discrimination or exploitation.

Reflecting on his personal understanding of poverty, the Prime Minister said, “The pain of worrying about food is something I have seen closely, not just read in books. That is why, over the years, our government has made food security a top priority.” He recalled how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana ensured that millions of families continued to receive free food grains. The scheme, he noted, remains in effect, with the government spending nearly ₹2.25 lakh crore annually to keep kitchens running for the poor.

Modi underlined the importance of nutrition in India’s development journey. He spoke about the PM Poshan Scheme, which provides nutritious meals to approximately 12 crore school children, and the Saksham Anganwadi Program, which focuses on the health of young children, mothers, and pregnant women. The PM Matru Vandana Yojana, which offers financial assistance to pregnant women for nutrition, was also highlighted as a key government initiative.

Beyond food, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in ensuring a healthy society. He praised Surat’s efforts in maintaining cleanliness and emphasized that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has led to a reduction in diseases in rural India. He also pointed out that the Har Ghar Jal campaign, spearheaded by C.R. Patil in Gujarat, is ensuring access to clean drinking water, further reducing waterborne diseases.

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the transformation in India’s public distribution system over the past decade. He noted that before his government’s reforms, millions of fake ration cardholders exploited the system, while genuine beneficiaries struggled. “Today, more than 5 crore fake ration cards have been eliminated, and Aadhaar-linked distribution ensures that the rightful beneficiaries receive their full share,” he said.

He also emphasized the success of the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme, which has benefited migrant workers in cities like Surat. “Earlier, migrants had to leave their families’ ration benefits behind. Now, regardless of where they are in India, they can avail their food entitlement,” he explained.

Over the past decade, the government has implemented a mission-mode approach to uplift the poor. Modi highlighted various measures taken to provide affordable housing, toilets, gas connections, and tap water to households. He also spoke about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which offers free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh for nearly 60 crore people, and government insurance schemes, which have already paid ₹16,000 crore in claims to poor families.

The PM Mudra Yojana, which provides collateral-free loans, has revolutionized entrepreneurship among marginalized communities. “Under Mudra Yojana, nearly ₹32 lakh crore has been provided in loans without guarantees. This has empowered millions of small entrepreneurs, especially women, SC/ST, and OBC entrepreneurs,” the Prime Minister said. He also highlighted the PM SVANidhi Yojana, which has helped street vendors secure financial support and grow their businesses.

Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which provides training, financial assistance, and modern tools to traditional craftsmen. He noted that over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade through these initiatives.

Acknowledging the contribution of the middle class to the country’s growth, the Prime Minister highlighted the tax relief measures introduced in the recent budget. “Many never expected that income up to ₹12 lakh would be tax-free. Additionally, employees with incomes up to ₹12.87 lakh are now exempt from taxes. These changes will enable middle-class families to save and invest in their future,” he said.

Surat, a major hub for MSMEs, will also benefit from government initiatives supporting small and medium enterprises. Modi emphasized the ₹2 crore loan scheme for SC/ST, tribal, and women entrepreneurs, which will strengthen the local supply chain and boost employment in the region.

The Prime Minister praised Surat’s immense contribution to India’s development, particularly in textiles, chemicals, and engineering. He pointed out major infrastructure projects that will further enhance the city’s economic potential, including:

• New Integrated Terminal at Surat Airport
• Western Dedicated Freight Corridor
• Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
• Upcoming Bullet Train Project
• Surat Metro Project

These projects, he noted, will transform Surat into one of the most well-connected cities in India, improving trade and boosting employment.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Modi encouraged women across India to share their stories on the NaMo app. He announced that he would hand over his social media accounts for the day to inspirational women who have significantly contributed to society.

He also emphasized Gujarat’s long-standing tradition of women’s empowerment and shared that he would be attending a major event in Navsari dedicated to the cause. The Prime Minister acknowledged the large number of women present at the Surat event, expressing his belief that they would be key beneficiaries of the government’s continued focus on economic inclusion.

Concluding his speech, Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to the growth and prosperity of Surat, calling it a “mini India” and a symbol of unity and progress. “For a city as dynamic as Surat, only the best will do. I congratulate all beneficiaries of today’s initiatives and wish them continued success,” he said.