Modi says 500 million lifted out of extreme poverty in 10-12 years, citing World Bank

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India has made historic progress on the economic front. According to him, 500 million people in the country have moved out of extreme poverty in just 10 to 12 years. Modi said this key finding has emerged from the latest World Bank report.

The Prime Minister said poverty in the country is falling and the middle class is growing. This, he said, is taking the Indian economy to new heights.

Speaking on the country's economic progress, Modi said the growing middle class is raising people's purchasing power. As a result, new opportunities for jobs and business are being created, from small and large shops to big factories. According to the Prime Minister, the falling proportion of people in poverty has given the domestic economy unprecedented momentum.

Describing the farmer as the backbone of the building of Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of agriculture. He also expressed deep concern that farmers in Maharashtra are currently going through great hardship because of bad weather.

Modi assured farmers that in this difficult hour the NDA government stands firmly with the farmers of Maharashtra, with full sensitivity.

With the festival season under way, the Prime Minister made an emotional appeal to the people of the country. He asked them not to forget drought-affected farmers and needy rural families while celebrating.

Modi said that even in this time of crisis, the sweetness, prosperity and joy of Diwali should reach every home. He appealed to everyone to come together to face this natural calamity. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the crisis can be overcome only through everyone's collective efforts.