Addressing a gathering after distributing small loans to poor and landless people at an event here, Shah rued that around 60 crore people did not have bank accounts even six decades after independence.
"60 crore people were without bank accounts. They had no connect with the economy. BJP government under Narendra Modi came out with Jan Dhan scheme and made a successful attempt of opening 20 crore accounts and helped them connect with the economy.
"After that, the Modi government brought Mudra Bank. To encourage self employment, there cannot be anything better that this....
"In just one financial year, the Narendra Modi government has disbursed around Rs one lakh crore loan to small scale enterprises and units. And the number of people who have taken loan has gone up to 45 lakh. This is a major success for self employment and making a new beginning. This is a big achievement," he said.
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Shah said that the concept of micro finance is being taken forward by organising 'Chaupal', or gathering of stakeholders.
He said that by making it compulsory for every nationalised bank branch to give loan to at least one dalit, the government has also given opportunity to Dalit entrepreneurs and this has generated a positive impact in the community.
BSP MLA Praveen Patel joined BJP at the farmers' rally.
Patels have a sizeable population in the trans-Ganga region of Allahabad district.
Shah's visit to Allahabad was his first since becoming the party's national president two years ago. He is likely to spend the evening with party colleagues, taking stock of preparations for the party's national executive meeting scheduled for June 12-13 here.
The meeting is likely to be followed by a public rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.