Conclave 2023: 40 million Indians now digitally literate, says Smriti Irani on 'New India'

Smriti Irani on Friday spoke on 'New India' and said crores of Indians have received massive medical benefits under the 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana', introduced by PM Narendra Modi. The union minister's remarks came while she was speaking at the India Today Conclave 2023 in New Delhi.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday spoke on Hindutva and said, "In the 1970s, a unique economic slur called the 'Hindu rate of growth' was imposed, which suggested that the Hindu way of life was stagnant, content and far from reform.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, the minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs also spoke of her way of life 'Sarv Dharm Sambhav' - which means that all religions and communities may prosper.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Smriti Irani said, "My way of life gives the country a Pradhan Sewak, who looks at all Indians equal. Further, the union minister said Prime Minister Modi believes in everyone's happiness, which is why he initiated the ambitious program of 'Ayushman Bharat'.

"My way of life gives to the country a 'Pradhaan Sewak' who worked diligently for the country and ensured that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the world received maximum medical support," Smriti Irani said.

Smriti Irani said Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the country to digital payments, which has now made 40 million Indians digitally literate.

The union minister also spoke on countless other schemes initiated by PM Modi for the welfare of the country and said he has addressed the daily challenges of the people of India.

WHAT SMRITI IRANI SPOKE ON NEW INDIA

Speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, the minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs spoke on 'New India' and said under the 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana', crores of Indians have received massive medical benefits.

Nearly 17 crore women in the country stepped up and utilised the healthcare programs, which means women were aware of the challenges and were waiting for a resolution.

"This is the new India I am proud of," Smriti Irani said.

"When Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks of the 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana', he covers all sections of society, including the minorities," the union minister said.

SMRITI IRANI SPEAKS ON HINDUTVA

Upon being asked about what she feels about those who feel threatened about the 'New India' which also wears 'Hindutva' on its sleeves, Smriti Irani said, "for me to be acceptable, I need to dilute my religious identity."

"It is for me to ensure that everybody under the law is treated equally," the union minister said.

"One needs to recognise that the term minority does not primarily relate to religion," she said.

The India Today Conclave, in its 20th edition, will feature the best of the best, from cinema to politics, from business to sports, and from science to law.

The two-day event will see titans from diverse fields debate and discuss ideas that will set the narrative and shape the world.