PM Modi dedicates multiple development projects, address public meeting in Varanasi

Published By : Admin | September 22, 2017 | 15:56 IST
QuotePM Modi inaugurates Deendayal Hastkala Sankul – a trade facilitation centre for handicrafts in Varanasi
QuotePM Modi flags off Varanasi-Vadodra Mahamana Express, lays foundation stone for several development projects
QuoteTrade facilitation centre would result in increased demand of handicrafts, and also boost the tourism potential of Varanasi: PM
QuoteSolution to all problems is through development, Government is focused on bringing about positive change in the lives of the poor: PM
QuoteIndia is progressing rapidly today, and firm decisions are being taken in the interest of the nation: PM Modi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today dedicated to the nation, the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul – a trade facilitation centre for handicrafts – at Varanasi. The Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone of this Centre in November 2014. Today, he visited the Centre, and was given an overview of the facilities developed there, before arriving on the dais for the dedication.

Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the Mahamana Express through a video link. This train will connect Varanasi with Surat and Vadodara in Gujarat.

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The Prime Minister also unveiled plaques to mark the laying of Foundation Stone and dedication of various development works in the city. He inaugurated banking services of the Utkarsh Bank, and unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of the headquarters building of the Bank.

The Prime Minister dedicated a Jal Ambulance service, and a Jal Shav Vahan service to the people of Varanasi, through a video link. He distributed tool-kits and solar lamps to weavers and their children.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that in one programme from one dais, projects worth over 1000 crore have been either dedicated, or their foundation stone laid.

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He described the Trade Facilitation Centre as one of the biggest projects for Varanasi for a long time. He said this Centre would help the artisans and weavers showcase their skills to the world, and facilitate a brighter future for them. He asked the people to encourage all tourists to visit this Centre. He said this would result in increased demand of handicrafts, and also boost the tourism potential of Varanasi, and indeed the economy of the city.

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The Prime Minister said the solution to all problems is through development. He said the Government is focused on bringing about positive change in the lives of the poor and of succeeding generations. In this context, he praised the efforts of Utkarsh Bank.

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Referring to the Jal Ambulance and Jal Shav Vahini launched today, the Prime Minister said that these represent the drive for development even through water-ways. 

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In the context of the Mahamana Express, the Prime Minister observed that Vadodara and Varanasi, which happen to be the two constituencies from which he contested the 2014 Parliamentary elections, are now connected via railway. 

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The Prime Minister said the country is progressing rapidly today, and firm decisions are being taken in the interest of the nation. He said eastern India must match the progress of the western part of the country, and the projects being launched today would go a long way in achieving this objective.

 

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PM chairs high-level meeting to review the progress of the fisheries sector
May 15, 2025
QuoteFocus of the discussion on Fishing in the EEZ and High Seas
QuotePM Calls for using Satellite Technology to Boost Fisheries and Fishermen Safety
QuotePM Stresses Modernization of Fisheries with Smart Harbours, Drone Transport, and Value-Added Supply Chains
QuoteOn the lines of agro tech in the agriculture sector, PM suggests enhanced adoption of fish tech in the fisheries sector for improving production, processing and marketing practices
QuotePM discusses Fisheries in Amrit Sarovars and promotion of Ornamental Fisheries for livelihood support
QuotePM suggests exploration of multifarious use of seaweeds for fuel purposes, as nutritional inputs, in pharmaceuticals and other sectors
QuotePM calls for strategy to Boost Fish Supply in Landlocked Areas

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of the fisheries sector, with focus on Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) and High Seas, at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today.

Prime Minister emphasized the extensive use of satellite technology to harness better use of fish resources and give safety instructions to fishermen.

Prime Minister stressed on modernization of the sector through smart harbours and markets, use of drones in transportation of the catch and its marketing. He said that there is a need to move toward a healthier system of functioning so as to add value in the supply chain.

Further, Prime Minister suggested exploration of the usage of drones, as per technical protocols, for transportation of fresh fish from production centres to big nearby markets in cities / towns in consultation with civil aviation.

Prime Minister underlined the need for improvements in processing and packaging of the produce. Facilitation of investments from the private sector was also discussed.

Regarding the use of technology, Prime Minister said that similar to agro tech in the agriculture sector, adoption of fish tech in the fisheries sector should be enhanced for improving the production, processing and marketing practices.

Prime Minister said that taking up fisheries production in Amrit Sarovars will not only improve the sustenance of these water bodies but also improve the livelihoods of the fishermen. He also highlighted that ornamental fisheries also needs to be promoted as an avenue for income generation.

Prime Minister said that a strategy should be worked out to serve the needs of landlocked areas where there is high demand for fish but not enough supply.

Prime Minister suggested that usage of seaweeds for fuel purposes, as nutritional inputs, in pharmaceuticals and other sectors should be explored. He said that all the departments concerned should work together and use technology to create the required outputs and outcomes in the seaweed sector, ensuring complete ownership.

Prime Minister also suggested undertaking capacity building of fishermen in modern fishing practices. He also suggested maintenance of a negative list of items that hinder the growth of the sector so that action plans can be made to overcome these and further enhance Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living of the fishermen.

During the meeting, a presentation was also done on the progress made in important initiatives, compliances to the suggestions given during the last review, and the proposed enabling framework for sustainable harnessing of fisheries from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) and High Seas.

Since 2015, Government of India has stepped-up investment to Rs. 38,572 crore through various GoI schemes and programs namely Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC). India has registered an annual fish production of 195 lakh tons in 2024-25 with sectoral growth rate of more than 9%.

The meeting was attended by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Principal Secretary to PM Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary-2 to PM Shri Shaktikanta Das, Advisor to PM Shri Amit Khare, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries and senior officials.