BJP to rename UPA scheme after Deen Dayal Upadhyaya

In an attempt to bring its own flavour to the existing government schemes, the NDA government is planning to rename the Rural Development Ministry’s skill development programme after leader of the erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh and BJP icon, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.

The existing ‘Aajeevika’ skill development scheme is set to be re-launched as the ‘Deen Dayal Skill Development Programme’ on September 25, which is Upadhyaya’s 98th birth anniversary. An announcement to this effect is likely to be made on Wednesday.

‘Aajeevika — National Rural Livelihoods Mission’ was launched by the Congress-led UPA government. It aims to help the rural poor increase their household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services.