Low GDP growth rate is wake up call for GoI facing policy paralysis: Gujarat CM Narendra Modi 

Indecision, adrift in Centre casting dark shadow on States

New Delhi: The Annual Plan for Gujarat for 2012-13 was finalized on Friday at Rs. 51,000 crore at a meeting held here between Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia. The current plan size is 34.21 % higher than the previous year’s plan size of Rs.38,000 crore.

In the meeting, Gujarat CM expressed his concern that we are starting 12th FYP with news that the growth rate last year was on 5.3%, in a scenario of low investor confidence, falling rupee, falling inflow of FDI and policy paralysis in the Central Government. He observed that there is no urgency or seriousness in tackling the economic crisis facing the country. While answering questions from media, Shri Modi showed his surprise that there was no anticipation from the Prime Minister and the Central Government that the growth figures would be this bad. As late as March, the PM was confident of achieving 7% growth.

He further mentioned that global factors alone could not be held responsible for economic crisis. There is a policy paralysis and vital decisions concerning a wide range of issues have not been taken. The Central Government is in coma.

Shri Modi expressed serious concern regarding low GDP growth, falling rupee and inability to control inflation and hoped that this 5.3% growth figures would serve as a wakeup call for the GoI.

During Gujarat’s annual plan discussion, Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed confidence that Gujarat is committed to observing fiscal discipline and meeting the targets for prudent debt management and credibility in budgetary operations fixed under the Gujarat Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2005. During the last three years gross fiscal deficit has been reduced from 3.5% of GSDP to 2.16% GSDP. On the revenue side, surplus has been achieved in the revised estimates for 2011-12. The debt stock is estimated to decline to 21.07% of GSDP below the target ceiling of 27.1%, he said.

During the entire Eleventh Plan, an allocation of Rs. 53,830 crore was made for the social sectors, amounting to 42% of the total Plan Size. This reflects the commitment of the state government to inclusive growth and human development, he counted. Gujarat registered a growth rate of 9.10 percent in 2011-2012 as compared to national rate of 6.9 percent for the same period.

For the Twelfth Five Year Plan, Shri Modi emphasized Gujarat’s development strategy will continue on human development and inclusive growth while aiming at sustainable double digit growth with uniform development of agriculture, manufacturing and services. He further said that the State Government will make tedious efforts to increase the reach of its three flagship schemes – Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana; Sagarkhedu Sarvangi Vikas Yojana and Garib Samrudhhi Yojana.

Addressing the members of the Planning Commission, Gujarat Chief Minister raised the voice against the attitude and approach of UPA government and said doubts are being raised about the India Growth Story as “never before has the common man reeled under such heavy burden.” With rupee rapidly depreciating against the dollar, Sensex plummeting and RBI appearing helpless in controlling inflation in spite of raising interest rates, and prices of food items soaring high over 10 percent during last five years, the Government of India and Planning Commission should take concrete steps to improve macroeconomic fundamentals as the effects of indecision and adrift in the Centre are casting its dark shadow on the States, he said.

Shri Modi apprised that with the sizable increase in current Plan size as approved by Planning Commission, the State Government would include number of new initiatives and schemes as under:

a) Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana to provide financial assistance to BPL families to combat deadly diseases including cancer screening for women in remote locations. Plans afoot to open a medical college in Himmatnagar, two Ayurvedic colleges and one homeopathy college in a tribal area. b) To strengthen ICDS infrastructure, a provision of Rs. 551.91 crore is made for 12,045 new anganwadi Nand Ghars during 2012-13, out of which 4213 will be in urban areas. c) To institutionalize the successfully run School Assessment and Evaluation Programme (Gunotsav) by introducing Gujarat School Evaluation and Accreditation Council for effective implementation of continuous and comprehensive evaluation. d) Development of coastal tourism in all the port areas estimated at Rs 120 crore e) Nand Ghar and construction of Anganwadis of Rs 115 crore. f) 10 new ITIs with five exclusively for women. g) It is envisaged to establish three new Bull Mother Farms and to cover more than 18 lakh animals under scientific breeding. Five new animal hostels during 2012-13.

There are many issues and instances of injustice done to Gujarat and mentioning just few Shri Narendra Modi said the Central government passed the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 without making any financial provisions and simply levied financial burden on the states. He also lamented that out of Rs 6500 crore under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), only 3400 crore was approved by the Centre. In contrast, he highlighted that the State government will construct 350 new secondary school buildings and 73 new model schools and girl hostels during the current year.

Gujarat produces the maximum vegetables in the country after West Bengal and is on the way of becoming the horticulture hub of India. Gujarat Chief Minister also criticized the anti farmer policies and decisions of the Central Government which has led to widespread distress, agitation and anger amongst farmers in Gujarat. He said Gujarat contributes 1/3rd cotton production in the country. More than 40% cotton seeds and 50% cotton export from India is from Gujarat.

He added that arbitrary banning on cotton export has laid to Gujarat farmers heavily loss of Rs. 14,000 crore in last year. They will also be losses in the current year. Textile Ministry attempts to bring the license raj stiffed in backward direction.

In the meeting, Gujarat Chief Minister pointed out several issues which are pending with various Ministries in the Government of India which include considering DDP areas at par with DPAP areas for funding under A.I.B.P. Scheme, anti-farmer policy on cotton exports, discrimination against Gujarat for CST compensation, non-payment of royalty etc. Shri Modi said that these issues are affecting the development as well as pace of development of the State and its financial resources. Despite repeated representation from the State Government at various levels, there is no positive response from the Central Government. It is unfortunate that some issues remain pending for years together without resolution which leads to a feeling of injustice.

Shri Modi said that UPA has done great injustice to Gujarat by not allocating KG basin gas and low priced gas of LNG for transportation in Ahmedabad city gas network.

Referring several successful initiatives taken on reduction of IMR, MMR and strengthening healthcare services in State during the Eleventh Plan Shri Modi said “We were able to achieve reduction of four points in IMR in a single year (SRS 2010) and the current rate is 44 per thousand live births. Reducing IMR to thirty by 2015 is an important goal for Gujarat. As per SRS 2010, achieved Safe delivery rate is 91.2 and Institutional delivery rate is 79.8%”.

The expansion in irrigation and water management with the spread of drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation, provision of Soil Health Cards for all land holders, preparation of village wise soil fertility maps (including micronutrients) as well as several others innovations and initiatives like Krishi Mahotsav has resulted in Gujarat achieving 10.8% agricultural growth during the last decade. Under micro irrigation scheme it is proposed to cover 2.5 lac hectares in the current year.

Shri Modi urged the Deputy Chairman to assist the State in expediting the requisite approval for the Sardar Sarovar Project as early completion of the Project would be in the overall interest of the nation. He further said it would be in the national interest for the Central Government to permit Gujarat and other States to buy imported gas and produce electricity and supply the same to NTPC.

“There is an urgent need for the Planning Commission to provide special allocations for urban areas in the Twelfth Plan. There has been considerable delay in announcement of a revamped JnNURM to effectively address the concerns of smaller towns and ensure proportionately higher allocations for the more urbanized states.”

Gujarat Ministers Shri Vajubhai Vala, Shri Saurabhbhai Patel, Shri Ranjitbhai Gilitwala, Vice-Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Chief Secretary Shri A. K. Joti and senior officers from the State Government participated in the meeting.

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PM Modi lays the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute
February 23, 2025
QuoteOur temples, our monasteries, our holy places have been centres of worship and resources on one hand and on the other they have also been centres of science and social consciousness: PM
QuoteIt was our sages who gave us the science of Ayurveda, the science of yoga, which has been acclaimed worldwide today: PM
QuoteWhen the country gave me the opportunity to serve, I made the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' the resolution of the government, and this resolve of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' is based on - treatment for all, health for all: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh today. Remarking that it was his good fortune to be back in Bundelkhand for the second time in a short span, Shri Modi said that the spiritual center Bageshwar Dham would soon be a health center too. He added that the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute would be built in an area of 10 acres and a 100 bed facility would be ready in the first phase. He congratulated Shri Dhirendra Shastri for the noble work and extended his greetings to the people of Bundelkhand.

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The Prime Minister remarked that these days there was a class of political leaders who ridiculed religion and were involved in separating people. He added that at times, there was support to such individuals from foreign entities as well to weaken the nation and religion. He further said that the people who abhor Hindu religion have existed since a long time in various forms. The Prime Minister highlighted the persistent attacks on our beliefs, traditions, and temples and remarked that these elements attack our saints, culture, and principles. They target our festivals, customs, and rituals, and even dare to defame the inherently progressive nature of our religion and culture. Shri Modi underscored their agenda to divide our society and break its unity. In this context, he highlighted the efforts of Shri Dhirendra Shastri, who has been raising awareness about the mantra of unity in the country for a long time. Shri Modi announced that Shri Dhirendra Shastri had taken another pledge for the welfare of society and humanity in the form of establishing a cancer institute. Consequently, in Bageshwar Dham, the blessings of devotion, nourishment, and a healthy life will now be available, he added.

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“Our temples, monasteries, and sacred sites have had dual roles as both centers of worship and hubs for scientific and social thought”, said the Prime Minister, remarking that our sages have provided us with the science of Ayurveda and Yoga, which is now globally recognized. He emphasized the belief that service to others and alleviating their suffering is true religion. He highlighted our tradition of serving all living beings with the sentiments of "Nara in Narayan" and "Shiva in all beings." Noting the widespread discussions about the Maha Kumbh, which is nearing completion with crores of people having participated, taken a holy dip, and received blessings from saints, Shri Modi hailed it as a “Maha Kumbh of Unity” and thanked all the sanitation workers and police officers for their dedicated service. He pointed out that amidst the Maha Kumbh, a ‘Netra Maha Kumbh’ was also being held, though it hasn't garnered as much attention, where over two lakh eye check-ups have been conducted, around one and a half lakh people have received free medicine and glasses, and about sixteen thousand patients have been referred to various hospitals for cataract and other surgeries. The Prime Minister acknowledged the numerous health and service-related initiatives taking place during the Maha Kumbh under the guidance of our sages, with thousands of doctors and volunteers participating selflessly. The attendees of the Kumbh have appreciated these efforts, he said.

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The Prime Minister underlined the role of religious institutions in running large hospitals across India. He remarked that many health and science research institutes are managed by religious trusts, providing treatment and service to crores of poor people. He noted that the sacred pilgrimage site of Chitrakoot in Bundelkhand, associated with Lord Rama, was a major center for serving the differently-abled and patients. He also expressed happiness that Bageshwar Dham was adding a new chapter to this glorious tradition by offering blessings of health. He announced that two days later, on Mahashivaratri, there will be a mass wedding ceremony for 251 daughters. The Prime Minister praised Bageshwar Dham for this noble initiative and extended his heartfelt congratulations and blessings to all the newlywed couples and daughters for a beautiful life ahead.

Quoting the scripture, "Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam," emphasizing that our body and health are the primary means for achieving our religion, happiness, and success, the Prime Minister remarked that when the country entrusted him with the opportunity to serve, he made the mantra ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ as the Government's resolution. He highlighted that a major foundation of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ was ‘Sabka Ilaaj, Sabko Aarogya’ meaning Healthcare for all and underscored the focus on disease prevention at various levels. Acknowledging that toilets had been constructed under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Shri Modi pointed out that the construction of toilets had reduced diseases caused by unhygienic conditions. He cited a study indicating that households with toilets have saved thousands of rupees on medical expenses.

The Prime Minister remarked that before their Government came to power in 2014, the poor in the country feared the cost of treatment more than the illness itself and pointed out that a serious illness in a family would put the entire family in crisis. He shared that he also comes from a poor family and has witnessed such hardships and had resolved to reduce the cost of treatment and save more money for the people. Reiterating his commitment to ensuring that no needy person is left out of Government schemes, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of reducing the burden of medical expenses and highlighted the provision of free treatment for every poor person, up to Rs. 5 lakh, through the Ayushman Card. He urged those who have not to get it made as soon as possible.

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Informing that Ayushman Cards were now being issued for free treatment to elderly individuals above 70 years of age, irrespective of whether the family is poor, middle-class, or wealthy, Shri Modi said these cards can be obtained online without any cost and urged that no one should pay for the Ayushman Card and asked people to report if someone demands money. The Prime Minister remarked that many treatments do not require hospital admission, as prescribed medicines can be taken at home. To reduce the cost of medicines, over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Centers have been opened across the country, providing affordable medicines, he added. He also pointed out that kidney disease is another significant health issue requiring continuous dialysis and over 1,500 dialysis centers have been opened in more than 700 districts, offering free dialysis services. The Prime Minister urged everyone to spread awareness about these Government schemes among their acquaintances and ensure no one misses out on the benefits.

“Cancer has become a significant issue everywhere; the Government, society, and saints are all united in the fight against cancer”, highlighted Shri Modi. He remarked on the difficulties faced by villagers when someone is diagnosed with cancer. He highlighted the lack of early detection and the tendency to rely on home remedies for fever and pain, resulting in late diagnosis when the situation worsens. The Prime Minister noted the fear and confusion that grips families upon hearing the diagnosis of cancer, with many only knowing about treatment centers in Delhi and Mumbai. He emphasized the Government's efforts to address these challenges, including several announcements in this year's budget to combat cancer. He added that he was committed to making cancer medications more affordable and announced the opening of cancer daycare centers in every district over the next three years. These centers will provide both diagnostic and respite care services. Shri Modi also highlighted the opening of cancer clinics in district hospitals and medical centers in local neighborhoods to ensure easier access to treatment.

Emphasising the importance of being cautious and aware to protect against cancer, the Prime Minister remarked that early detection is crucial, as cancer becomes harder to combat once it spreads. He highlighted the ongoing campaign to screen all individuals above 30 years of age and urged everyone to participate and avoid negligence. He stressed the need for immediate cancer screening if there is any doubt. Underscoring the importance of accurate information about cancer, stating that it is not a contagious disease and does not spread through touch, Shri Modi pointed out that the risk of cancer increases with the use of bidi, cigarettes, gutka, tobacco, and spices, and advised staying away from these substances. He urged everyone to take care of their body and health and to adopt these precautions diligently to avoid any negligence.

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Stressing his dedication to serving the people, the Prime Minister remarked on his previous visit to Chhatarpur, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth thousands of crores. He highlighted the inclusion of the Rs. 45,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, which had been pending for decades despite multiple governments and leaders visiting Bundelkhand. Shri Modi noted the persistent water scarcity in the region and questioned whether any previous government had fulfilled its promises. He emphasized that the work commenced only after receiving the people's blessings. He underlined the rapid progress in addressing the drinking water crisis. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, or the Har Ghar Jal Project, piped water is being supplied to villages across Bundelkhand, he added. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to alleviate the difficulties faced by farmers and increase their income, stating that the government is working tirelessly day and night.

Emphasizing the importance of empowering women for the prosperity of Bundelkhand, Shri Modi remarked on the introduction of initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi and announced the goal of making 3 crore women Lakhpati Didis. He highlighted that women are being trained to operate drones, which will be used for crop spraying and assisting in agriculture once irrigation water reaches Bundelkhand. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that these efforts will propel Bundelkhand rapidly towards prosperity.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significant use of drone technology in villages under the Swamitva Yojana for accurate land measurement and providing solid land records. He noted the successful implementation of this initiative in Madhya Pradesh, where people are now using these documents to easily obtain loans from banks, which are being utilized for businesses, thereby increasing people's income.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister emphasized the relentless efforts of the Governments at Center and state in making Bundelkhand achieve new heights of development. He expressed hope that Bundelkhand continues on the path of prosperity and development and extended his best wishes to everyone.

The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh is being built to ensure better healthcare services for people from all walks of life. The Cancer hospital worth over Rs 200 crore will offer free treatment to underprivileged cancer patients and will be equipped with state-of-the-art machines and have specialist doctors.