Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, during the 50th Session of Human Rights Council (13 June – 8 July 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary

(Geneva, 27 June 2022)

Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

My delegation takes due note of the Special Rapporteur’s report and recommendations.

The Government of India has been proactively strengthening the nation’s social protection system in the spirit of ‘sabkasaath, sabkavikas’, i.e. inclusive development for all.

Not only have flagship nationwide welfare schemes for affordable healthcare, provision of clean cooking fuel, access to tap water supply and sanitation as well as pension, especially for the unorganised sector workers, been introduced but ambitious targets of saturation under the same have been set.

The world’s biggest initiative for financial inclusion for the marginalised to ensure access to financial products and services at an affordable cost was introduced in India in 2014. Of the over 457 million bank accounts that have been opened since, a majority of the holders are women in rural and semi-urban areas. Benefits under different welfare schemes and programmes are being transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts eliminating leakages from public service delivery and leading to greater transparency.

Over 99% of the adult population in India has been issued AADHAAR, the unique digital identity that is ensuring better targeting under social welfare schemes.

These initiatives were of great significance in providing assistance to beneficiaries following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Vice-President,

The Government of India is resolutely committed to the welfare of all Indians and to ensuring we leave no one behind.

I thankyou.