CHENNAI: Union minister for environment and forests Prakash Javadekar, known for his sartorial style and a trimmed beard on Saturday, showcased his marketing and public relation skills to a group of journalists in Chennai. Sporting a crisp kurta and a jacket, Javadekar started marketing the social security schemes launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. “I am sure, you (journalists) people do not have any social security like pension or life insurance. Why don’t you join the national social security schemes launched by our government?” he asked reporters.
Even as scribes were shooting queries in connection with the blacklisting of NGOs, the minister took his own time explaining the process of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).“See you have to pay, just 75 paise per day and you will get an accident cover for Rs 2 lakh and the sum payable will be auto debited from your bank account. Similarly the Atal Pension Yojana will benefit you and your family with pensions ranging from Rs 5,000,” Javedakar explained.
When a reporter asked whether the NDA was following UPA in promoting corporates and controlling NGOs, the minister continued, “scribes and public should participate in these programmes as these are real social security schemes that will benefit you and your family.”
Earlier in the day, journalists were irked as the press briefing, organised by the PIB, which was scheduled at 10 am was delayed, with the minister arriving late by more than an hour.
The minister was in Chennai to review the urban greenery projects. After the review, Javedakar rushed to the lobby of a posh hotel looking out for cameras. What was more. He helped a TV crew in adjusting the mike.
