PM dedicates multiple development projects in Pithoragarh

PM’s visit to Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth about Rs 4200 crore in sectors including rural development, road, power, irrigation, drinking water, horticulture, education, health and disaster management, among others in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand on 12 October, 2023.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said, “I always feel blessed when I am in Uttarakhand amongst you”.

Performed pooja at Parvati Kund

Earlier, the Prime Minister performed pooja and darshan at the Parvati Kund. “I prayed for the good health of every Indian and the strengthening of the resolution of ‘Viksit Bharat’. I asked for blessings so that all the aspirations of the people of Uttarakhand get fulfilled.

The Prime Minister also mentioned his meetings with the soldiers, artists and self-help groups and expressed happiness about meeting pillars of security, prosperity and culture. The Prime Minister reiterated that this decade is going to be a decade of Uttarakhand.

The Prime Minister narrated about the development strides made by India. “The world is recognizing India and the contribution of Indians”, he said. He mentioned India’s global appreciation for the G20 presidency and the organization of the summit. The Prime Minister credited the people for the success of the country as they chose a stable and strong government at the centre after a long gap. He said he carries the trust and confidence of 140 crore Indians in his global presence.

13.5 crore Indians came out of poverty

The Prime Minister informed that more than 13.5 crore Indians came out of poverty in the last 5 years and credited the all-inclusive approach of the Government where those in the remotest of places also receive government benefits. “The world is amazed”, Shri Modi emphasized as he explained that among the 13.5 crore people are those who dwell in remote and hilly regions. He emphasized that these 13.5 crore people are an example that India can uproot the nation’s poverty on its own.

All-time high medal tally

The Prime Minister underlined India’s sporting prowess and talked about the joy of the all-time high medal tally in the country. Uttarakhand sent 8 athletes in the contingent and teams of Lakshya Sen and Vandana Kataria won medals. On the call of the Prime Minister, the audience cheered the achievement by the raised flashlights of their mobile phones. The Prime Minister said that the government is providing full support to athletes for their training and infrastructure. Today foundation stones were laid for the hockey ground in Haldwani and the velodrome in Rudrapur. The Prime Minister extended his wishes to the state government and the Chief Minister for wholehearted preparation for the national games.

Vibrant Village scheme

The Prime Minister said that the Vibrant Village scheme has turned the last villages into the first villages of the country. “Our effort is to bring back people who have left these villages. We want to increase tourism in these villages”, he said.

Women-led development

Talking about the steps to ensure women-led development, the Prime Minister said “Our government is committed to removing every difficulty and every inconvenience of mothers and sisters. That’s why our government gave permanent houses to the poor sisters. We built toilets for our sisters and daughters, gave them gas connections, opened bank accounts, arranged for free treatment and free ration.

Under the Har Ghar Jal Yojana, sisters of 11 lakh families in Uttarakhand have got the facility of piped water.” He also mentioned the scheme for providing drones to the women’s self-help groups that he announced from the ramparts of the Red Fort. These drones will help in agriculture and even in the transportation of the produce.

Devotees coming for Char Dham Yatra reaching 50 lakhs

The Prime Minister said that the efforts of the double-engine government related to the development of tourism and pilgrimage in Uttarakhand are now bearing fruit. This year the number of devotees coming for Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is reaching around 50 lakhs. With the blessings of Baba Kedar, the first phase related to the reconstruction of Kedarnath Dham has been completed. Many works are also being done in Shri Badrinath Dham. He mentioned the ease that will ensue after the completion of ropeways in Kedarnath Dham and Hemkunt Sahib.

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami was present on the occasion among other Ministers from Government of Uttarakhand.
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India and Sri Lanka resume ferry service after forty years

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 14 October addressed the launch of ferry services between Nagapattinam, India and Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka via video message. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that India and Sri Lanka are embarking on a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations and the launch of a ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai is an important milestone in strengthening the relations.

Underlining the shared history of culture, commerce and civilization between India and Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister pointed out that Nagapattinam and nearby towns have been known for sea trade with many countries including Sri Lanka and the historical port of Poompuhar finds a mention as a hub in ancient Tamil literature. He further added that the ferry service brings alive all those historical and cultural connections.

During the recent visit of President Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister informed that a vision document was jointly adopted for an economic partnership with the central theme of connectivity. “Connectivity is not only about bringing two cities closer. It also brings our countries closer, our people closer and our hearts closer”, Shri Modi said. He emphasized that connectivity enhances trade, tourism and people-to-people ties, while also creating new opportunities for the youth of both countries.

Prime Minister Shri Modi emphasized that partnership for progress and development is one of the strongest pillars of India – Sri Lanka’s bilateral relationship. “Our vision is to take development to everyone, leaving none behind”, he said.