"Empowerment of villages as well as the poor in the country is the primary objective of the NDA government.
"Seventy-five per cent of our population is still residing in villages and unless we strengthen these people economically, the overall growth of the national economy cannot be achieved as expected. The ultimate goal of the NDA government is to achieve 'gram swarajya'," Singh said addressing a function at Atkur village near here.
The first chapter of SBT is at Venkatachalam in Nellore district.
On the occasion, Singh listed out various welfare schemes launched by the Modi government for the development of villages and upliftment of the poor.
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"Though many developed countries faced recession (in 2008), India withstood it only due to strong economic base of our villages," he said.
Like now, the NDA government in its previous rule had underscored the importance of rural economy and had introduced many schemes, the minister said.
Singh said the PM's ambitious 'Jan Dhan Yojana' has allowed the poor to open bank accounts with zero balance and with an overdraft facility.
"Deposits to the tune of Rs 26,891 crore came into the banking system due to 'Jan Dhan Yojana'. The account-holders now directly receive their subsidies which eliminates the middlemen," Singh said.
He said the poor are getting their LPG subsidy through banks thanks to the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme.