A holistic view of human life and the surroundings is essential for our sustainable development and India presents a premier model in a situation like this .
To balance between development and economic growth, we have to look towards Mahatma Gandhi.
Even in the midst of robustness, there may be small devices and structures which are closer to the nature. Even amidst the mega creations, there may be small mechanisms which can empower and take care of the last person.
Gujarat's model of development is an amazing mix of the big and small; robust and inclusive; fast and yet sustainable.
India has the power of new energy in the form of its youth.
India has the strength of its tradition in the form of its caring culture.
India has the warmth of participation in the form of its democracy.
“Leadership in an Emerging Nation: Balancing Development and Economic Growth”
Mr. Birthe Foster, the Chairperson of EBG, Excellencies, Leaders of the European and Indian corporate world, Ladies and Gentlemen!
At the very outset, I wish to compliment the organizers for choosing this topic. It is not only relevant for the economy but also for the humanity. It is also a matter very close to my heart. Such deliberations help us a lot in learning from each other. I have been a firm believer in noble intentions in every human being. We all want to do good. And the collective wisdom does give us the way forward. In fact, the term leadership has a wider meaning. There are leaders in every walk of life. The real work of a true leader is to unleash that creativity of the people around him. If we encourage leaders in all fields, there would be automatic balance in the society and economy. We have to work on this collective strength of the people.
Friends! I think after the world wars, this is the most critical moment in human history. Established theories are getting diluted. Our beliefs are getting tested. Our structures are still looking for the capacity to withstand the nature. Our safety nets are not safe enough. Our systems are not strong to safeguard us before human and natural adventures. Employment and livelihood is not secure for all time. Infrastructure and amenities are not sustainable. But we have to live and have to live in a better way. For this, we have to make this world a better place to live. Not only for ourselves, but also for the coming generations. The option is not to escape from the reality. The option is also not to disappear from this planet. There is a common belief that if you are living at a particular place, you are better off. But recent economic crisis and natural disasters have shown that it is not so. So WHERE do we live is not an important question. To my mind, the important question is HOW do we live?
Friends! To say conclusively as to how do we live is not easy. Unfortunately, there are very few models left on which we can rely. All philosophies have been tested. All technologies have been tried. The industrial revolution gave us the confidence that we can make anything. The world wars gave the confidence that we can destroy anything. But when it comes to development of all, no theory, philosophy or strategy has proved to be enough. There have been elections, civil unrest and wars in the name of equality and justice. But we all know where we stand. What is the reason for this situation? The answer, to my mind, is within us. We have to look within. The biggest problem of the present model of development is that it is based on exploitation. Exploitation of nature and its resources. Exploitation of the poor by the rich. Exploitation of one part of the world by another part. Exploitation of the feelings of the common man through dreams of consumerism. It will not work for a long time.
The answer is not in exploitation. The answer is in nurturing. We have to find and exchange technologies which ensure maximum productivity from minimum usage of natural resources. The ‘throw away' culture is not sustainable. This is leading to a mad rush of consumerism. By the time we get used to one particular model of an instrument, there is a newer version. What we need is satisfaction and value for the consumer. Only the satisfaction of the producer is not enough. Moreover, we have to use our resources in a manner that the same is available in equal or greater measure for the posterity. Unfortunately, the term ‘development' has become a limited concept. It is understood as relating only to economic development and physical wellbeing. Moreover, it attempts to meet only the present demands. While nurturing takes a holistic view of the situation. It combines the people, resources and amenities. It combines the past, the present and the future . A holistic view of human life and the surroundings is essential for our sustainable development . I can say that such models are available in many emerging nations . I have the humility to say that India presents a premier model in a situation like this .
India has been a society and culture of nurturing and nourishment . We have been told to thank and seek forgiveness from the mother earth as soon as we get up in the morning . We have been told not only to plant trees but to preserve and worship them . We have been told to raise cattle, feed them and pray for their well being if we want our good fortunes . We have been told to treat the entire universe as one family . These thoughts are embedded in our culture and scriptures . Since ancient times, our society has practiced them . However, it was Mahatma Gandhi who showed us that these ideals work even in the modern age . Friends! In this light, I can answer your topic in one line. And the answer is that we have to look towards Mahatma Gandhi. There can not be a better guide to balance the conflicting demands of present day. The conflicts are there for economic growth, disaster management and ecological conservation. The challenge is to ensure smooth, equitable and sustainable development .
Thus, living in harmony with the nature; living with compassion for others is the only way to live happily . I have not read anything more profound than what Gandhi has told for the people like us sitting here . And this is relevant for the entire topic of today. He said, “If you are in a dilemma, just remember the face of the last person who is going to be affected by your decision”. So, ‘UNTO THE LAST' is the best guiding principle for balancing the economic growth and development. However, we have misinterpreted it to mean just ‘trickle down' of wealth and development . This is not enough .
Just distribution is not enough . It will not reach till the last person . It will not reach to him at the time when he needs it . It will not be available in the manner he needs it . What we need is the models of development where people are not just beneficiaries . Rather they are made equal partners in the process of development . People should be in the beginning of the development cycle, not at the end . Someone had said ‘Small is Beautiful' . But, unfortunately, small became a synonym of poverty . Actually, it is not so . Even in the midst of robustness, there may be small devices and structures which are closer to the nature . Even amidst the mega creations, there may be small mechanisms which empower and take care of the last person . This is essential . The ‘Big' will not be sustainable unless its foundation lies in the small . Small devices, small mechanisms, and above all, the feelings of the small man .
Friends! You must be aware that Gujarat is the birth place of Gandhi . And then who else will follow what he said, if we don't . I must admit that our eyes are always on robust and faster economic growth . I always say ‘Gujarat's growth is needed for India's growth' . We are committed to contribute immensely to India's faster growth . However, Gujarat's growth model is very different . It is a very unique model .
Our Growth is with active participation of people
Our Growth is a mass movement
Our growth is both robust and pervasive
Our growth is both quantitative and qualitative
Friends! ‘India Has Emerged' is the buzz word all around the world today . However, to make India's emergence steady and sustainable, we in the States have to put up strong foundations . I am happy to say that Gujarat represents the elements of such a strong foundation . Its fundamentals are strong . They are strong not in a particular sector but all across the economic sectors . Its vibrancy can be felt not only in economic activities but also in social life . Its richness can be seen not only in its infrastructure but also in its flora and fauna.
Gujarat is a place where rural development has kept pace with urban Growth
Gujarat is a place where agriculture has kept pace with industry
Gujarat is a place where wellbeing of workers has kept pace with industrialization
Friends! Gujarat has emerged as the Growth Engine of India not only because it contributes immensely in its economic growth . Actually, the bigger success is that it has an amazing mix of the big and small; robust and inclusive; fast and yet sustainable . It has done wonderfully well on both the Macro and the Micro indicators . Our growth rate of GDP has been in double digits for a decade . At the same time, the per capita income of the people has also grown at the fastest rate of 13.8% . Not only the multinationals and big companies have done well, but a large number of SMEs have also prospered . Not only the industry has grown at 13% but agriculture has also grown at 9.6% . We have not only created world's largest multi-purpose dam but also several hundred thousands of small water harvesting structures . We have not only added Megawatts to our electric generation, but have also taken to the remotest households giving them power on a 24X7 basis (Jyotigram scheme) . We have not only created world class roads and ports, but also rooms and toilets in all our schools . We have not only created world class institutions, but have also ensured 100% enrollment in elementary education .
Gujarat's growth is sufficiently uniform and inclusive . However, our present emphasis is on better Human Development Index . On the one hand, we have created world class hospitals . At the same time, we have made the poor people get easy access to the medical facilities (Chiranjeevi Yojna) . On the one hand, we export quality industrial products of the country and on the other, our farmers supply important agri and dairy produce in the foreign countries . There is a long list of the things in Gujarat which are innovative, modern and progressive . And yet they are humanitarian solutions to our problems . This is the reason that Gujarat's multi-faceted growth and excellence has been recognized not only in the country but in the entire world . This is because we work with people . We work holistically and strengthen the entire value chain .
To give a few examples:
In water: From harvesting to its economic use leading to high agri-productivity
In agriculture: from farm to factory, from factory to fashion from fashion to foreign .
In energy: from generation to management and its conservation and saving
In forestry: from conservation to social forestry to creation of forests based on the planets and stars
Gujarat represents an enterprising spirit . It has a development friendly environment . Gujarat is a place where democratization has gone to the next level of innovation . We have created participatory institutions of new age which will be reckoned as models in the years to come . Our Panchayati Raj and Co-operative institutions have taken deep roots . To add to that, we have launched several long-lasting initiatives . One of them is a technology enabled State wide Grievance Redressal System called SWAGAT . The United Nations has given Public Service Award to my office for this programme . Similarly, in our attempt to take the Government closer to the people, we have reorganized our sub-district level administration . Our efforts in Good Governance have been applauded the world over . We have received more than 200 national and international awards in the last eight years . We are getting such awards on a weekly basis . They are in recognition of excellence in various fields . However, we treat these awards as just milestones in our journey . They are only indicators that we are in the right direction . We are constantly improving our standards . Alongwith many offices of the State, my own office is an ISO certified office .
Friends! To sum up, I must reiterate that if you want sustainability in development, the whole world has to be viewed as one organic unit . We have seen that in bad times of the Global economy, it was the emerging nations who sustained the pace of economy . They did it through creation of demand for the products and thus creation of jobs . It was they who helped in sustaining global recovery during the recession . However, even when the time is good, the whole world treats them just as markets . I will give you only one example . We all know that thermal energy is too expensive from the viewpoint of its carbon footprint . We have seen recently that even Nuclear energy can be very expensive for human lives . Their adverse impacts are felt for several generations . The developed world wants renewable and eco-friendly sources of energy to be exploited . This is indeed the need of the hour . But then we are not getting the technology at cheaper prices . We all know that given the high input prices, we can not do it with the desired momentum . We, in Gujarat, have started harnessing the wind and solar energy in a big way . I am personally committed for it and we are going ahead . I firmly believe that we must tackle the issues impacting the climate . We can not ignore it any longer . In fact, in order to give focus and to work in organised manner on the climate change issues, we have created a full fledged department for Climate Change . We have taken a lot of measures in this direction . Some of these measures have been listed in my recent book ‘Convenient Action' .
So, if we want the world to be a better place to live, we have to treat it as one unit. If we want economic growth to be pervasive, we have to make people its partners . If we want the process of development to be sustainable, we have to work with the environment. If we want our coming generations to enjoy the fruits of development, we have to nurture the nature . Even at the cost of repetition, I would say that India is an excellent model in this regard . India has the power of new energy in the form of its youth. India has the strength of its tradition in the form of its caring culture. India has the warmth of participation in the form of its democracy. The whole world has seen during the recession that India has its inherent strength to withstand a crisis. A strength, which is rooted in its universal thinking and interdependence .
And friends ! Gujarat always represents the best of what is India
Double-engine Governments at the Centre and state are becoming a symbol of good governance: PM in Jaipur
December 17, 2024
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PM inaugurates and lays the Foundation stone for 24 projects related to Energy, Road, Railways and Water worth over Rs 46,300 crores in Rajasthan
The Governments at the Center and State are becoming a symbol of Good Governance today: PM
In these 10 years we have given lot of emphasis in providing facilities to the people of the country, on reducing difficulties from their life: PM
We believe in cooperation, not opposition, in providing solutions: PM
I am seeing the day when there will be no shortage of water in Rajasthan, there will be enough water for development in Rajasthan: PM
Conserving water resources, utilizing every drop of water is not the responsibility of government alone, It is the responsibility of entire society: PM
There is immense potential for solar energy in Rajasthan, it can become the leading state of the country in this sector: PM
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
In the city of Govind, I offer countless salutations to Govind Dev ji. My greetings to everyone!
The Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Haribhau Bagade ji, the popular Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajanlal Sharma ji, our beloved Chief Minister from Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav ji, my colleagues in the Union Council of Ministers, Shri C.R. Patil ji and Bhagirath Chaudhary ji, Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari ji and Prem Chand Bairwa ji, other ministers, members of parliament, Rajasthan's MLAs, other dignitaries, and my dear brothers and sisters of Rajasthan. My greetings to those who are virtually connected with us, my brothers and sisters who have gathered in thousands of panchayats across Rajasthan.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Rajasthan and the BJP government of Rajasthan for completing one successful year. After this one-year journey, when I see you coming in such large numbers to give your blessings, I noticed while coming here in an open jeep that perhaps three times as many people were outside as there were in the pandal. It is my good fortune that I could receive your blessings today. Over the past year, Bhajanlal ji and his entire team have worked very hard to give new momentum and direction to Rajasthan's development. This first year has, in a way, laid a strong foundation for the many years to come. Therefore, today's celebration is not just limited to the government completing one year; it is also a celebration of Rajasthan's expanding light and a celebration of its development.
Just a few days ago, I came to Rajasthan for the Investor Summit. Major investors from across the country and the world had gathered here. And today, projects worth more than 45-50 thousand crores of rupees have been inaugurated and their foundation stones laid. These projects will provide a permanent solution to Rajasthan's water challenges. These projects will make Rajasthan one of the most connected states in the country. This will boost investment in Rajasthan and create countless employment opportunities. Rajasthan's tourism, its farmers, and my young friends will greatly benefit from these projects.
Friends,
Today, BJP’s double-engine governments have become a symbol of good governance. The BJP makes honest efforts to fulfil whatever resolution it takes. Today, people across the country are saying that BJP is a guarantee of good governance. That is why BJP is receiving overwhelming public support in state after state. The country has given BJP the opportunity to serve the nation for the third consecutive time in the Lok Sabha elections. This has not happened in Bharat in the last 60 years. After 60 years, the people of Bharat have formed the central government for the third consecutive time. The people have blessed us with the opportunity to serve the nation. Just a few days ago, the BJP formed the government for the second consecutive time in Maharashtra. And if you look at the election results, it is the third consecutive majority for us in Maharashtra. The BJP has won even more seats than before in Maharashtra. Prior to that, BJP also formed the government for the third consecutive time, with an even larger majority, in Haryana. Recently, in Rajasthan's by-elections, we have witnessed how people have given massive support to the BJP. This reflects how much faith the public has in BJP's work and the hard work of BJP workers.
Friends,
Rajasthan is a state that the BJP has had the privilege of serving for a long time. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat ji laid a strong foundation for development in Rajasthan. After him, Vasundhara Raje ji took the reins and carried forward the legacy of good governance. Now, the Bhajan Lal ji’s government is working diligently to further enrich this heritage of good governance. The imprint of this commitment is clearly visible in the work done during the past year.
Friends,
The work that has been accomplished during the past year has been discussed in detail here. Several decisions have been made, especially for poor families, mothers, sisters, daughters, labourers, Vishwakarma companions, and nomadic families. The previous Congress government had committed grave injustices against the youth of Rajasthan. Paper leaks and recruitment scams had become Rajasthan’s identity. As soon as the BJP government came to power, it initiated investigations, leading to several arrests. Not only this, the BJP government has announced thousands of recruitments within a year. Examinations were conducted with full transparency, and appointments are taking place fairly. During the previous government, the people of Rajasthan had to buy petrol and diesel at higher prices compared to other states. But as soon as the BJP government came into power, my brothers and sisters of Rajasthan got relief. Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, the central government transfers money directly into the bank accounts of farmers. Now, with the double-engine BJP government in Rajasthan, additional funds are being provided to support farmers by the state government. The double-engine government is also implementing infrastructure-related projects rapidly on the ground. The BJP is fulfilling the promises it made with great speed. Today’s program is an important link in this chain of progress.
Friends,
With the blessings of the people of Rajasthan, the BJP government has been in power at the Centre for the past 10 years. Over these 10 years, we have focused on providing facilities to the people and reducing difficulties in their lives. In just 10 years, we have accomplished more than what Congress did in the 5-6 decades after independence. Take Rajasthan, for example—who can understand the importance of water better than the people of this state? Many regions here face severe drought, while in other areas, water from our rivers flows unused into the sea. That is why, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji's government, he envisioned the idea of river-linking. He even established a special committee for this purpose. The goal was simple: to transfer excess water from rivers that flow into the sea to drought-affected regions. This could solve both the flood problem and the drought problem simultaneously. The Supreme Court has also expressed support for this initiative multiple times. But Congress has never wanted to reduce the water problems in your lives. Instead, the water from our rivers continued to flow across borders, and our farmers did not benefit. Rather than finding solutions, Congress kept fuelling water disputes between states. Rajasthan has suffered immensely because of this misguided policy. The mothers and sisters of this state have suffered, and the farmers have borne the brunt of it.
I remember when I was serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Sardar Sarovar Dam was completed, and a major campaign was launched to deliver Maa Narmada's water to various parts of Gujarat. We even took water all the way to the borders of Kutch. However, at that time, Congress and certain NGOs adopted all kinds of tactics to stop this initiative. But we understood the importance of water. For me, I always say, "Water is like 'Paras' (the mythical philosopher's stone)." Just as 'Paras' touches iron and turns it into gold, water too, wherever it touches, creates new energy and strength, giving rise to progress and transformation.
Friends,
I kept working relentlessly to deliver water, enduring opposition and criticism because I truly understood the importance of water. The benefit of Narmada's water wasn’t just for Gujarat; it was also meant for Rajasthan. There was no tension, no obstacles, no memorandums, and no agitations. As soon as the dam work was completed, we didn’t say, “Let Gujarat have water first and Rajasthan will follow.” No! We started delivering water to both Gujarat and Rajasthan simultaneously. We did this. I still remember the day Narmada ji's water reached Rajasthan—there was immense excitement and enthusiasm among the people of Rajasthan. A few days later, while I was in the Chief Minister's office, a message came that Bhairon Singh ji Shekhawat and Jaswant Singh ji had arrived in Gujarat and wanted to meet me. I didn’t know why they had come or what the matter was. They came to my office, and I respectfully asked the reason for their visit. They said, “There is no specific work—we just came to meet you.” Both of them were my senior leaders. Many of us grew up holding Bhairon Singh ji's guiding hand. They sat before me, not for any demand, but to express their respect and gratitude. I was a bit surprised, but as they spoke, they became emotional, with tears in their eyes. They said, “Modi ji, do you know what it means to give water? The simplicity and ease with which you have ensured that Narmada's water reaches Rajasthan—this has touched our hearts. We came here to meet you personally to express the feelings of crores of Rajasthanis.”
Friends,
I have experienced the immense potential of water. And I am glad that today Maa Narmada’s water is reaching districts like Jalore, Barmer, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Hanumangarh, and many other districts.
Friends,
It was once said that bathing in the Narmada and performing its ‘parikrama’ (circumambulation) would cleanse the sins of many generations and bring blessings. But see the wonders of science—once, we used to go for the ‘parikrama’ of Maa Narmada. Today, Maa Narmada herself is on a ‘parikrama’, reaching all the way to Hanumangarh.
Friends,
The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) was delayed for so long by Congress, and this is a clear reflection of their intentions. They talk a lot about farmers, but they neither do anything for them nor allow others to do so. The BJP’s policy is not one of conflict but of dialogue. We believe in cooperation, not in opposition. We believe in solutions, not in creating obstacles. That is why our government not only approved the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project but also expanded it. As soon as the BJP governments were formed in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, agreements were signed for projects like Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Project and the MPKC Link Project.
The picture you see here, with the Water Minister of the Central Government and the Chief Ministers of two states, is not an ordinary one. In the coming decades, this picture will ask questions to politicians in every corner of Bharat. Every state will be asked, “If Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan can collaborate to solve the water crisis and move forward with river water agreements, why can't you sign a simple agreement when water is flowing into the sea?” This picture will be seen by the entire country in the decades to come. The ‘Jalabhishek’ (water worship) you witnessed today is also not a common sight. When people who think of the nation's welfare are given the chance to serve, one brings water from Madhya Pradesh, another from Rajasthan, and all this water is collected to begin the journey of making Rajasthan a land of plenty and prosperity through ‘Sujlam suphalam’. This may seem extraordinary, but while today we celebrate the completion of one year of work, we are also writing a bright future for the coming centuries from this stage. In this project, water from the Chambal and its tributaries like Parvati, Kalisindh, Kuno, Banas, Banganga, Ruparel, Gambhiri, and Mej rivers will be connected.
Friends,
I have experienced the power of river-linking firsthand in Gujarat. The water from Narmada was connected to various rivers in Gujarat. If you ever visit Ahmedabad, you will see the Sabarmati River. Twenty years ago, if a child had been asked to write an essay on Sabarmati, they would have written that circus tents are set up on its banks and that great circus shows are held there. They would talk about how it was fun to play cricket on its dry bed and how there was always dust and soil around. This was because there was no water in Sabarmati at that time. But today, Narmada’s water has brought Sabarmati to life, and you can now see a beautiful riverfront in Ahmedabad. This is the power of linking rivers. I can envision a similar beautiful scene for Rajasthan in my mind.
Friends,
I am envisioning the day when Rajasthan will no longer face a water shortage, and there will be ample water for development in the state. The Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Project will provide irrigation water and drinking water to 21 districts of Rajasthan. This will accelerate the development of both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Friends,
Today, the Isarda Link Project has also been inaugurated. An agreement has also been made today to bring water from Tajewala to Shekhawati. This water agreement will benefit both Haryana and Rajasthan. I am confident that soon, water will reach 100% of households in Rajasthan through taps.
Friends,
A huge campaign is underway under the leadership of C.R. Patil ji. It hasn’t received much media attention yet, but I fully understand its strength. The campaign has been launched with public participation. Recharge wells are being built for rainwater harvesting. You may not be aware, but I’ve been informed that rainwater harvesting structures are being created in Rajasthan daily through public involvement. In the states of Bharat where there is a water shortage, nearly three lakh rainwater harvesting structures have been built in the last few months. I firmly believe that this effort to save rainwater will quench the thirst of our Mother Earth in the coming days. No son or daughter of Bharat, sitting here, would ever want to leave their Mother Earth thirsty. The thirst that troubles us also troubles our Mother Earth to the same extent. That’s why, as children of this land, it is our duty to quench the thirst of our Mother Earth. Every drop of rainwater should be used to quench the thirst of our Mother Earth. Once we receive the blessing of Mother Earth, no power in the world can stop us.
I remember, there was a Jain monk in Gujarat, about 100 years ago. His name was Buddhi Sagar ji Maharaj, and he wrote something back then. Perhaps, if someone had read his words at that time, they wouldn’t have believed them. He wrote 100 years ago – "A day will come when drinking water will be sold at grocery stores." He wrote this 100 years ago, and today, we are forced to buy Bisleri bottles from grocery stores to drink water. This was said 100 years ago.
Friends,
This is a painful story. Our ancestors have left us a great legacy. Now, it is our responsibility to ensure that our future generations are not forced to die due to a lack of water. We must hand over to them a ‘Sujalam Sufalam’ land, a land of prosperity, for our future generations. And today, I congratulate the Madhya Pradesh Government and the people of Madhya Pradesh in the direction of fulfilling that sacred task. I also congratulate the Rajasthan Government and the people of Rajasthan. Now, our task is to move this project forward without any interruption. Wherever there is a need, from whichever area the plan originates, the people must come forward to support it. Only then can we complete these plans ahead of time, and it can change the destiny of the entire Rajasthan.
Friends,
For Bharat in the 21st century, it is very important for women to be empowered. Oh, that cameraman, the cameraman is so eager that his excitement has increased. Please, direct the cameraman to the other side for a moment, as he will get tired.
Friends,
I am deeply grateful for your love and support, and I appreciate this enthusiasm and energy. Friends, the strength of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women's power) has been seen in the Women Self-Help Group movement. In the past decade, 10 crore sisters across the country have joined self-help groups, including millions of sisters from Rajasthan. To strengthen these groups, the BJP government has worked tirelessly. Our government first connected these groups with banks, then increased the help provided by banks from 10 lakh to 20 lakh rupees. We have provided nearly 8 lakh crore rupees in assistance to them. We have arranged for training and created new markets for the goods made by women self-help groups.
Today, the result of this effort is that these self-help groups have become a huge strength of the rural economy. I am happy to say that as I was coming here, the blocks were filled with mothers and sisters, and the excitement and enthusiasm were overwhelming. Now, our government is working towards making three crore sisters from self-help groups lakhpati didis. I am pleased to share that around 1.25 crore sisters have already become lakhpati didis. This means that they are now earning over one lakh rupees annually.
Friends,
We are creating many new schemes to strengthen ‘Nari Shakti’. For example, the Namo Drone Didis scheme. Under this, thousands of sisters are being trained as drone pilots. Thousands of groups have already received drones. These women are using drones for farming and earning from it. The Rajasthan government is also making many efforts to further expand this scheme.
Friends,
Recently, we launched another major scheme for our sisters and daughters. This is the Bima Sakhi Scheme. Under this scheme, women and girls in villages will be involved in the insurance sector and will receive training. In the initial years, until their work is established, they will be provided a small stipend as a standard. Through this scheme, they will receive financial support as well as the opportunity to serve the nation. We have seen the remarkable work done by our ‘Bank Sakhi’ women, who have taken banking services to every corner of the country, opened bank accounts, and linked people to loan facilities. Now, ‘Bima Sakhis’ will help connect every family in Bharat to insurance services. By the way, to the cameraman, I request you to please shift the camera to the other side. There are millions of people on that side.
Friends,
The BJP government is continuously working to improve the economic condition of rural areas. This is crucial for building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Therefore, we are focusing on every possible means of earning and employment in villages. The BJP government in Rajasthan has made several agreements in the electricity sector, and the biggest beneficiaries of these will be our farmers. The Rajasthan government's plan is to ensure that farmers have access to electricity even during the day. This will free them from the compulsion of night time irrigation, marking a significant step in the right direction.
Friends,
Rajasthan has significant potential for solar energy. The state can become a leader in this field in the country. Our government has made solar energy a means to zero out your electricity bill. The central government is running the PM SuryaGhar Muft Bijli Yojana. Under this scheme, the central government is providing assistance of about 75,000 to 80,000 rupees for installing solar panels on the rooftops of homes. The electricity generated can be used by you, and if you generate more than you need, you can sell the excess power, and the government will buy it. I am pleased to share that over 1.4 crore families in the country have registered for this scheme so far. In a short time, around 7 lakh homes have installed solar panel systems, including more than 20,000 homes in Rajasthan. Solar electricity has already started being generated in these homes, and people have begun saving money.
Friends,
Not only on rooftops but the government is also providing assistance for installing solar power plants in fields. Under the PM KUSUM Scheme, the Rajasthan government is going to set up hundreds of new solar plants in the coming time. When every family and every farmer becomes a producer of energy, there will be income from electricity, and the income of every family will increase.
Friends,
Our resolve is to make Rajasthan the most connected state in terms of road, rail, and air travel. Rajasthan, located between major industrial hubs like Delhi, Vadodara, and Mumbai, presents a tremendous opportunity for the people here, especially the youth. The new expressway connecting these three cities with Rajasthan is one of the best expressways in the country. The construction of a large bridge over the Meja River will benefit districts like Sawai Madhopur, Bundi, Tonk, and Kota. This will make it easier for farmers from these areas to reach the large markets in Delhi, Mumbai, and Vadodara. Additionally, it will make travel to Jaipur and the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve easier for tourists. We all know that in today’s time, time is invaluable. Our goal is to save people’s time and enhance their convenience.
Friends,
The Jamnagar-Amritsar Economic Corridor, when connected to the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, will link Rajasthan to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. This will provide direct access for industries in northern India to the Kandla and Mundra ports. The transport sector in Rajasthan will benefit from this, leading to the construction of large warehouses in the state. This will create more job opportunities for the youth of Rajasthan.
Friends,
The improved connectivity through the Jodhpur Ring Road to Jaipur, Pali, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, and the international border will reduce unnecessary traffic congestion in the city. This will provide significant convenience to tourists, traders, and businesspeople visiting Jodhpur.
Friends,
Today, thousands of BJP workers are present at this program, and it is because of their hard work that we are witnessing this day. I would also like to make a request to the BJP workers. While BJP is the world's largest political party, it is also a vast social movement. For BJP, the nation is greater than the party. Every BJP worker is working with a sense of awareness and dedication for the country. A BJP worker is not only involved in politics but also in solving social issues. Today, we are part of a program deeply connected to water conservation. The conservation of water resources and the meaningful use of every drop of water is the responsibility of the government, as well as society and every citizen. Therefore, I urge every BJP worker, every member, to dedicate a part of their daily routine to water conservation and do so with great devotion. Get involved with micro-irrigation, drip irrigation, assist in the upkeep of Amrit Sarovars, create water management resources, and raise awareness among the public. Also, educate farmers about natural farming practices.
We all know that the more trees there are, the more help the Earth will get in storing water. That is why a campaign like "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (One Tree in the Name of Mother) can be very beneficial. This will not only honour our mothers but also enhance the respect for Mother Earth. There are many such actions we can take for the environment. For example, I have already mentioned the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. BJP workers can raise awareness about the use of solar energy, educating people about this scheme and its benefits. Our country’s people have a certain nature. When the nation sees that a campaign has a right intention and a correct policy, people take it up on their own, join it, and dedicate themselves to the cause. We saw this with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. I believe that we will achieve similar success in environmental protection and water conservation as well.
Friends,
Today, the modern development work happening in Rajasthan, the infrastructure being built, will benefit both the current and future generations. This will contribute to building a ‘Viksit Rajasthan’ (Developed Rajasthan), and when Rajasthan develops, Bharat will also progress rapidly. In the coming years, the double-engine government will work at an even faster pace. I assure you that the central government will leave no stone unturned in Rajasthan’s development. Once again, I express my heartfelt thanks to all of you who have gathered here to bless us, especially the mothers and sisters. I bow my head in gratitude, and today’s occasion is because of you and for you. My best wishes to all of you. With full energy, raise both hands and join me in saying –
