New Delhi, 29 June

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said around 95 crore people are now benefiting from one social security scheme or the other, while till 2015, the government schemes were reaching less than 25 crore people.

In his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, Modi cited an International Labour Organisation (ILO) report which stated that more than 64 per cent of India's population is now availing some social protection benefit or the other.

"Presently, most of the populace in India is taking advantage of one social protection benefit or the other and recently a very important report of the ILO has come out. It has been mentioned in this report that more than 64% of the population of India is now definitely availing some sort of social protection benefit or the other," Modi said.

Social Security is one of the biggest coverages in the world, he said.

"Today, around 95 crore people of the country are getting the benefit of some or the other social security scheme; whereas, till 2015, the government schemes were reaching less than 25 crore people," Modi said.

From health to social security, the country is moving ahead with the feeling of saturation in every field, he said.

"This is also a great picture of social justice. These successes have instilled a belief that the coming times will be even better; India will become even stronger at every step," Modi said.

The prime minister also hailed as a "remarkable milestone" the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring India Trachoma-free and lauded the efforts of healthcare workers for the success.

Trachoma is a highly contagious bacterial infection, which has been a major cause of preventable blindness worldwide.

"The 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' also helped in eradicating it. The 'Jal Jeevan Mission' also contributed a lot to this success. Today, when clean water is reaching every home through taps, the risk of such ailments has reduced," Modi said,

The WHO has also appreciated the fact that along with tackling the disease, India has also got rid of its root causes, he said.

In his broadcast, Modi also extended his best wishes to all the fortunate devotees going on the various religious yatras.

After a long time, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has had an auspicious re-start, he said.

"Kailash Mansarovar is the abode of Lord Shiva. Kailash is considered the centre of faith and devotion in every tradition; be it Hindu, Buddhist or Jain," he said.

Noting that the holy Amarnath Yatra is going to commence on 3 July, Modi said the holy month of 'Sawan' is also just a few days away.

"Just a few days ago, we have also witnessed the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath ji. Be it Odisha, Gujarat or any other corner of the country, lakhs of devotees participate in this Yatra. From North to South, East to West, these Yatras are a reflection of the spirit of 'Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat'," he said.

"I also commend those who are engaged in making these Yatras successful and safe with a spirit of service," he said.

Talking about Assam's Bodoland, Modi said today it stands out in the country with a new face, a new identity.

"The energy and confidence that the youth here have, is most visible on the football field. In the Bodo Territorial Area, the Bodoland CEM Cup is being organised. This is not just a tournament; it has become a celebration of unity and hope," Modi said.

More than 3,700 teams, about 70,000 players, and even among them, a large number of our daughters are participating, he said.

"These statistics tell the story of a big change in Bodoland. Bodoland is now increasingly casting its glow on the sports map of the country," the prime minister said.

Noting that people across the country and the world participated in the 'International Yoga Day' on 21 June this year, Modi said that over these 10 years, this event is turning grand with every passing year.

In his broadcast, Modi also highlighted the Eri Silk of Meghalaya, saying it has received the GI Tag a few days ago.

"Eri Silk is like a heritage for Meghalaya. The tribes here, especially the people of the Khasi community, have preserved it for generations and have also enriched it with their skills. This silk has many specialities that make it different from other fabrics. Its most special feature is the way it is made. The silkworms that make this silk are not killed to obtain it, hence it is also called Ahimsa Silk," Modi said.

On Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission, Modi said, "At this moment, everyone's eyes are also on the International Space Centre. India has scripted a new history.