PM Modi reviews drought and water scarcity situation at high level meeting with Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das
PM Modi urges Jharkhand State Govt to initiate mass movement for water conservation
PM Modi calls for adopting water harvesting methods and maximum coverage for soil health cards
Mobilization, momentum and mechanism are all required to make the soil health card programme a success: PM

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired a high level meeting on the drought and water scarcity situation in parts of Jharkhand. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Raghubar Das, was present in the meeting. Senior officials from the Government of India, and the State of Jharkhand, were also present.

Rs 273 crore was released to the State as central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2015-16. A further amount of Rs. 143.25 crore has been released as first instalment of SDRF for 2016-17.

The State has disbursed Rs. 376 crore to 12 lakh farmers under SDRF, through DBT. Insurance claims of Rs. 53 crore were also settled through DBT. 

Jharkhand plans to double its irrigated area from 19 per cent to 40 per cent in the next two years. One lakh farm ponds are planned to be built under the State Plan, and an additional five lakh farm ponds will be built under MNREGA. The State is promoting fishery in the water bodies.

The Prime Minister called for a mass movement to be generated for water conservation and rainwater harvesting in a comprehensive manner, and said youth organizations including NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Scouts and Guides should be involved in creation of water storage structures.

The Chief Minister informed that tenders for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana have been finalized in the State. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of regular monitoring of the progress towards implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. 

The Prime Minister also called for generating a mass movement for soil health cards. He said ‘mobilization, momentum and mechanism’ are all required to make the soil health card programme a success. He said soil testing should be developed as a skill, and loans can be given for setting up labs through MUDRA.


Emphasizing the use of technology, the Prime Minister called for reporting of assets created by MNREGA, through geo-tagging and uploading of photographs with hand-held devices. He also called for all water bodies to be identified through unique numbers and geo-tagging.

The meeting ended with a resolve on the part of the Centre and State to work together.

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PM Modi addresses a public rally virtually in Nadia, West Bengal
December 20, 2025
Bengal and the Bengali language have made invaluable contributions to India’s history and culture, with Vande Mataram being one of the nation’s most powerful gifts: PM Modi
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PM Modi addressed a public rally in Nadia, West Bengal through video conferencing after being unable to attend the programme physically due to adverse weather conditions. He sought forgiveness from the people, stating that dense fog made it impossible for the helicopter to land safely. Earlier today, the PM also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works in Ranaghat, a major way forward towards West Bengal’s growth story.

The PM expressed deep grief over a mishap involving BJP karyakartas travelling to attend the rally. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

PM Modi said that Nadia is the sacred land where Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the embodiment of love, compassion and devotion, manifested himself. He noted that the chants of Harinaam Sankirtan that once echoed across villages and along the banks of the Ganga were not merely expressions of devotion, but a powerful call for social unity.

He highlighted the immense contribution of the Matua community in strengthening social harmony, recalling the teachings of Shri Harichand Thakur, the social reform efforts of Shri Guruchand Thakur, and the motherly compassion of Boro Maa. He bowed to all these revered figures for their lasting impact on society.

The PM said that Bengal and the Bengali language have made invaluable contributions to India’s history and culture, with Vande Mataram being one of the nation’s most powerful gifts. He noted that the country is marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and that Parliament has recently paid tribute to this iconic song. He said West Bengal is the land of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, whose creation of Vande Mataram awakened national consciousness during the freedom struggle.

He stressed that Vande Mataram should inspire a Viksit Bharat and awaken the spirit of a Viksit West Bengal, adding that this sacred idea forms the BJP’s roadmap for the state.

PM Modi said BJP-led governments are focused on policies that enhance the strength and capabilities of every citizen. He cited the GST Savings Festival as an example, noting that essential goods were made affordable, enabling families in West Bengal to celebrate Durga Puja and other festivals with joy.

He also highlighted major investments in infrastructure, mentioning the approval of two important highway projects that will improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri and strengthen regional development.

The PM said the nation wants fast-paced development and referred to Bihar’s recent strong mandate in favour of the BJP-NDA. He recalled stating that the Ganga flows from Bihar to Bengal and that Bihar has shown the path for BJP’s victory in West Bengal as well.

He said that while Bihar has decisively rejected jungle raj, West Bengal must now free itself from what he described as Maha Jungle Raj. Referring to the popular slogan, he said the state is calling out, “Bachte Chai, BJP Tai.”

The PM emphasised that there is no shortage of funds, intent or schemes for West Bengal’s development, but alleged that projects worth thousands of crores are stalled due to corruption and commissions. He appealed to the people to give BJP a chance and form a double-engine government to witness rapid development.

He cautioned people to remain alert against what he described as TMC’s conspiracies, alleging that the party is focused on protecting infiltrators. He said that whenever BJP raises concerns over infiltration, TMC leaders respond with abuse, which also explains their opposition to SIR in West Bengal.

Concluding his address, PM Modi said West Bengal needs a BJP government that works at double speed to restore the state’s pride. He assured that he would speak in greater detail about BJP’s vision when he visits the state in person.