Want to create army of poor against poverty: Modi in his 'Mann ki Baat' address

Over 8.52 crore people have joined the newly launched schemes in just 20 days, he said

With an emphasis on creating an army of poor against poverty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed satisfaction on the recently launched social security schemes.

"Over 8.52 crore people have joined the schemes in just 20 days. This shows people's faith in central government's social uplifting initiatives for them," Modi said in the 8th edition of his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The schemes - Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana - were very important initiatives in the direction of ensuring social security, he added.

He said it was unthinkable of security scheme at a token payment of Rs.1 per month and added: "The government wants to see the poor self-empowered so that he need not depend on others for self survival".

Modi said he wants to create "an army of poor against poverty".

On the occasion, the prime minister said Yoga has become a catalytic agent to connect the world and is very much relevant in the context of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family).

Modi appealed to the countrymen to make 'International Yoga Day', to be celebrated on June 21, a success.

He also urged them to become Yoga ambassador and make this important knowledge easily available to the world for the welfare of mankind.