<h1>PM Highlights Middle Class's Role in Progress, Cites Tax Exemptions and Ayushman Yojna; Criticizes Past Economic Policies</h1> The Prime Minister praised the middle class for driving national progress, highlighting government initiatives like tax exemptions for incomes up to Rs 12 lakh and benefits for seniors under Ayushman Yojna. He claimed that 25 crore people were lifted from poverty and emphasized the emergence of a neo-middle class. The PM criticized past governments for economic mismanagement, contrasting it with current policies promoting economic growth and Make in India. He stressed the importance of empowering the poor and youth, citing achievements like the New Education Policy and PM-SHRI Schools, and criticized the previous 'licence raj' system.