The visiting delegation evinced keen interest in the poverty reduction initiatives under the various schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj especially Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Guarantee Scheme and other schemes for the benefit of the people living below the Poverty Line (BPL).

The Rural Development Minister in his remarks emphasised the role of MGNREGA as one of the unique initiatives undertaken by the Government to guarantee 100 days of work alongwith the minimum wages of Rs. 100 per day as a means to provide assured employment and empower the rural people. He said that the Information and Communication Technology is now being used in a big way in the implementation of the programmes in the process ensuring the entitlements and the rights of the people in a transparent manner. The focus is on the issues faced by the poor and with the help of MGNREGA, PMGSY, IAY and NRDWP, the Ministry of Rural Development is workin in this direction.

The leader of the visiting Chinese delegation Mr. Xiaojian said that both the countries are now facing similar challenges in tackling the issues relating to the reduction of poverty. The manner in which India weathered global financial melt down has been a learning experience. He said that as China is developing a new strategy of poverty reduction, looks forward to learn and share from India's experience especially MGNREGA and other schemes for the rural poor undertaken by the Ministry of Rural Development.

The meeting was attended by the Shri Pradeep Jain Aditya, Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri B.K. Sinha, Secretary Rural Development alongwith senior officials of the Ministry and Caltlin Wlesin, Resident Representative of UNDP and other members of delegation.