Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that political will is as essential as money to take the country on the path of economic development on Monday.
"Along with money, political will is needed for the development of the country. The more emphasis we put on good governance, the more easily our goal of reaching the last mile will be accomplished," Modi said during a webinar where the topic of discussion was "reaching the last mile".
Taking a dig at previous governments led by the Congress Party, the Indian leader said that the country's "poor" struggled to get "basic facilities" when the opposition was in power. But his government has ensured that every welfare scheme reaches their doorstep.
"When our aim is to reach everyone, then there will be no scope for discrimination and corruption," Modi added.
The prime minister likewise highlighted the importance of closely monitoring the targets set for each welfare scheme so that people get the maximum benefits.
"The day we decide that every basic facility will be provided to every citizen in every area, then we will see what a big change will come in the work culture at the local level," he stressed.
The Modi-led federal government has brought wholesale changes to India's welfare schemes directed at the "poor" in the country. It initiated direct bank transfers, wherein the money is transferred directly to the account of the beneficiary, while allegations of corruption were rampant during previous governments as middlemen used to keep a major chunk of the assigned amount.
Among other popular schemes is a $150-per-home allowance for the construction of a toilet in villages.
Under another scheme for farmers, known as PM-KISAN, each farmer's family gets $75 annually from the Indian government.