Latest news with #JanAushadhi
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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
What did Modi govt do for middle class? NDA shares 11-year report card
Marking 11 years in power, the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a report on June 5 that highlights its efforts to support the middle class. Titled The Middle Class Story: Steady Progress and Supportive Governance, the report outlines reforms across taxes, housing, healthcare, transport, skill development, and digital services aimed at improving everyday life for millions of families. Major tax reforms and pension benefits for salaried class Tax relief has been a key focus of the government. The Union Budget 2025–26 raised the zero-tax threshold to ₹12.75 lakh, benefiting millions. The standard deduction was increased to ₹75,000, allowing individuals earning up to ₹12.75 lakh to pay no tax (excluding capital gains). Pre-filled Income Tax Returns and faceless assessments have simplified filing and reduced taxpayer harassment. ITR filings increased from 3.91 crore in 2013–14 to 9.19 crore in 2024–25. The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), launched in April 2025, offers an assured pension of 50 per cent of the average basic pay over the last 12 months, with a minimum monthly pension of ₹10,000. This is expected to benefit 2.3 million Central government employees and nearly 9 million more through state-level adoption. Urban infrastructure, housing and metro connectivity Urban development saw substantial investment under the Smart Cities Mission launched in 2015. As of 2025, 93 per cent of 7,545 approved projects have been completed, with investments crossing ₹1.51 trillion. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U), 11.6 million homes were sanctioned and over 9.272 million completed or handed over. India's metro network expanded from 248 km in 2014 to 1,013 km by 2025, serving 11.2 million daily riders. The UDAN scheme expanded air connectivity by linking 88 airports and serving 14.9 million passengers. Meanwhile, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) has helped resolve over 140,000 consumer complaints, improving transparency in housing markets. Affordable healthcare expands through Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has issued over 410 million Ayushman Cards, enabling 85.9 million hospital admissions valued at ₹1.19 trillion. Since October 2024, all senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for coverage, regardless of income. The Jan Aushadhi scheme expanded from 80 outlets in 2014 to over 16,469 by May 2025, offering medicines at 50–80 per cent discounts and saving ₹38,000 crore cumulatively for Indian families. Skilling, apprenticeships and ITI growth support employability The government's skilling programmes include the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which has trained 16.3 million youth, including women and marginalised communities. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) placed 4 million apprentices with direct stipends. The number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) rose from 9,977 in 2014 to 14,615 in 2025, with enrolments increasing from 950,000 to over 1.4 million. A new ₹60,000 crore National Scheme for ITI Upgradation was approved in May 2025 to modernise vocational training. Digital services grow with Aadhaar, DigiLocker and UMANG Digital governance saw dramatic expansion. Aadhaar now covers over 1.418 billion citizens, providing secure access to welfare and services. DigiLocker adoption rose to 525.1 million users, storing over 9.14 billion digital documents and reducing paperwork. The UMANG app offers over 2,297 government services to 81.9 million users, streamlining tasks such as bill payments, service requests, and health bookings.


New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Red Cross Society to open Jan Aushadhi stores at all Andhra Pradesh govt general hospitals
VIJAYAWADA: In a move to make essential medicines more affordable and curb profiteering, the State government has permitted the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) to set up Jan Aushadhi medical stores in all 26 district Government General Hospitals (GGHs). The decision follows concerns raised by the Director of Medical Education (DME), who noted irregular pricing and profiteering at generic medicine shops in teaching hospitals. Many of these outlets, initially allotted to Self-Help Groups, are now reportedly operated by private individuals offering inconsistent discounts. The Jan Aushadhi outlets will operate under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a Union government initiative that ensures quality generic medicines at affordable prices. The PMBJP model, overseen by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, sources medicines directly from manufacturers through a transparent tendering process. Drugs are sold at printed MRP with a fixed 15% margin, ensuring affordability and quality assurance. Hospital Development Societies, in consultation with the Roads and Buildings Department, will finalise lease rates for the Red Cross-operated outlets. The initiative is expected to regulate access to essential medicines statewide.


New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Union Minister of State Somanna flays closure of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Karnataka
BENGALURU: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V Somanna, criticised the Congress-led state government's decision to shut down Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the state, calling it an 'anti-poor' move that will hurt disadvantaged communities. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Somanna expressed disappointment, stating that the closure of these centres - which offer affordable medicines and surgical items - would affect the lives of the poor and backward classes who rely on the scheme for low-cost healthcare. 'I am deeply disappointed by the state's decision to not only stop accepting new applications for Jan Aushadhi Kendras but also to refuse renewal of licenses for the existing ones,' he wrote. Somanna pointed out that the Jan Aushadhi scheme has been running for over 15 years and was launched with the aim of reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses for the poor. He added that the initiative was being implemented under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite CM Siddaramaiah's long political experience, Somanna said the decision to shut the Jan Aushadi Kendras seemed to go against public welfare. 'I fail to understand what kind of advice or situation has led to such a move,' he said, urging the CM to reconsider and withdraw the order in the interest of the public. Recently, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had clarified that only the Jan Aushadhi Kendras functioning within the premises of government hospitals,180 of them, have been suspended and those operating outside government hospitals will continue to be operational. The minister said that all hospitals must provide medicines free of cost and the move to phase out all kendras running within hospital premises is to ensure the same.


Hans India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Siddaramaiah betrayed K'taka's interests by skipping NITI Ayog meet: BJP
Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP has slammed the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for skipping the NITI Aayog Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he (Siddaramaiah) betrayed the interests of the state. State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said that the Congress government under Siddaramaiah repeatedly make irrational decisions. He questioned Siddaramaiah's absence from a NITI Aayog meeting, pointing out that even the Chief Ministers from other Congress-ruled states like Himachal Pradesh and Telangana participated. 'By skipping the meeting, Siddaramaiah disrespected and betrayed the interests of Karnataka,' he claimed. He demanded clarification from Siddaramaiah on whether he represents the people of Karnataka or merely the Congress party, and condemned the state government's frequent confrontation with the Centre, calling 'unforgivable offence.' Vijayendra also criticised the state government for struggling with financial consolidation. He remarked that Karnataka has an excise policy unlike any other state in the country, pointing out that taxes have been raised by 200 per cent to 250 per cent. He questioned the outcome of such a policy, asking whether the government's goal to increase revenue was actually aimed at increasing the number of alcohol consumers. Vijayendra condemned the government's decision to shut down Jan Aushadhi centres in state-run hospitals, allegedly for technical reasons, calling the move foolish. He stated that Prime Minister Modi launched these centres in 2014 to provide affordable medicines to the poor. Former Union Minister late Ananth Kumar had helped implement the programme, and the country's first generic medicine store was opened in Karnataka. 'The centres have saved the poor Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 crore nationwide and created jobs for hundreds of youth,' said Vijayendra. He accused the state government of opposing central schemes and doing injustice to the poor. He asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi's background of hailing from a backward caste and his photo at the Janaushadi centres were intolerable to the current government. Vijayendra also criticised the decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bangalore South, questioning whether decisions were being made just to please individual ministers, and called it irrational and careless policymaking. Vijayendra also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 11 years of service as Prime Minister. He praised Modi's governance both as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and as India's Prime Minister, highlighting that he has led the country effectively. Vijayendra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold leadership in the past 11 years has introduced many people-centric schemes, helping India surpass Japan to become the fourth-largest economy. 'Initiatives like Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Startup India have significantly contributed to India's growth,' he said. He emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support for Karnataka, mentioning that since 2014, the state has received Rs 2,702 crore for railway development, with over Rs 5,000 crore spent during NDA-2, including electrification. 'Karnataka has also been granted 10 Vande Bharat Express trains and assistance in several sectors, including highway development,' he said. Vijayendra also mentioned a tragic incident in Mandya, where a child died after falling while the parents were being stopped by police for a traffic check while rushing for treatment after a dog bite. He blamed the incident on high-pressure targets set for traffic police and demanded accountability.


Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Governor stresses on genetic counselling, medication to eradicate sickle cell by 2047
Indore/Mhow: Governor Mangubhai Patel on Sunday said special attention should be given to genetic counselling after screening to eliminate sickle cell. He mentioned that 12 lakh people in the Dhar district of Indore division were screened for sickle cell, with approximately 2500 testing positive. Governor Patel made these remarks while addressing a programme of the campaign being run for the eradication of sickle cell disease in Dhar district. "Special attention should be given to genetic counselling after screening to eliminate sickle cell. It is important to counsel those who are sickle cell positive to avoid marrying each other," said Patel. On the occasion, guests and public also listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme collectively. The governor said that medicines were made available through Ayush department at Jan Aushadhi centres. He advised those who tested positive to take their medication regularly, exercise, eat easily digestible food, avoid bathing in cold water, and drink plenty of water. He appreciated the efforts of public representatives and officials in the field of sickle cell and thanked them. Higher education and Ayush minister Inder Singh Parmar mentioned that the campaign initiated by the governor also aims to eliminate sickle cell through Ayurveda and homeopathy. He said that the awareness campaign will be extended to students, with a commitment to completely eradicate the disease from the state by 2047. Union minister of state for women and child development Savitri Thakur said, "In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, sickle cell screening was conducted door-to-door in Dhar district." During the programme, five children shared their experiences of being screened at their school and hostel with governor Patel. Indore/Mhow: Governor Mangubhai Patel on Sunday said special attention should be given to genetic counselling after screening to eliminate sickle cell. He mentioned that 12 lakh people in the Dhar district of Indore division were screened for sickle cell, with approximately 2500 testing positive. Governor Patel made these remarks while addressing a programme of the campaign being run for the eradication of sickle cell disease in Dhar district. "Special attention should be given to genetic counselling after screening to eliminate sickle cell. It is important to counsel those who are sickle cell positive to avoid marrying each other," said Patel. On the occasion, guests and public also listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme collectively. The governor said that medicines were made available through Ayush department at Jan Aushadhi centres. He advised those who tested positive to take their medication regularly, exercise, eat easily digestible food, avoid bathing in cold water, and drink plenty of water. He appreciated the efforts of public representatives and officials in the field of sickle cell and thanked them. Higher education and Ayush minister Inder Singh Parmar mentioned that the campaign initiated by the governor also aims to eliminate sickle cell through Ayurveda and homeopathy. He said that the awareness campaign will be extended to students, with a commitment to completely eradicate the disease from the state by 2047. Union minister of state for women and child development Savitri Thakur said, "In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, sickle cell screening was conducted door-to-door in Dhar district." During the programme, five children shared their experiences of being screened at their school and hostel with governor Patel.