Thu Nov 14 08:41:32 UTC 2024: ## Union Finance Minister Highlights Empowerment in Welfare Schemes at Dharmasthala
**Dharmasthala, November 14, 2024:** Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today emphasized the shift towards empowerment in government welfare programs, stating that these initiatives now enable beneficiaries to create and earn with dignity.
Speaking at the Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) profit distribution program, Ms. Sitharaman announced the distribution of ₹605 crore in profits to women and other self-help groups (SHGs). She contrasted the earlier approach of providing welfare in kind with the current focus on empowerment, which involves leveraging taxpayers’ money and NGOs to provide market access, infrastructure development, and credit facilities.
Ms. Sitharaman highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening traditional farming practices and providing farmers with better market access through AI Centres for Excellence in agriculture. She expressed confidence in India achieving the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The event was attended by prominent figures including NABARD President K.V. Shaji and Rajya Sabha member D. Veerendra Heggade, the Pattadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
First Piper 