PM Modi announces Rs 100 lakh crore infra development programme 'Gatishakti'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced Rs 100 lakh crore 'Gatishakti' initiative to provide job opportunities for young people and help in holistic infrastructure growth.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India's 75th Independence Day, he said that India will launch the "Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti National Master Plan." Gatishakti, he said, will help local manufacturers compete globally, as well as develop the potential of future new economic zones.

India imported mobile phones  worth USD 8 billion seven years ago and now exporting USD 3 billion worth of mobile phones, the prime minister said.

In addition to modern infrastructure, India needs to take a comprehensive approach to infrastructure construction, as highlighted by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech after hoisting the tricolour.

"We will have to work together to make world-class products, using the latest innovations and new-age technology," he told the nation.

Modi added that the government's approach is to make small farmers, who own less than two hectares of land and comprise over 80 percent of all farmers, the country pride. The prime minister announced that rice provided under any scheme will be fortified by 2024.

“We are witnessing a rapid transformation in our villages,” Modi said, emphasizing that digital entrepreneurs are also nurturing in the villages.

In 75 weeks of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', 75 ‘Vande Bharat’ trains will connect different parts of the country, the prime minister announced.

The prime minister said that the capitals of northeastern states will soon be connected by railways, noting that the region is also connected with Bangladesh, Myanmar and Southeast Asia.

Modi said that the development in Jammu and Kashmir is evident on the ground, adding that the demarcation process is underway and preparations for the House of Representatives elections there.

He added in his speech that Reservation is being ensured for Dalits, STs, the backward poor and commoners and stressed that holding the hands of disadvantaged communities is essential.

"We have to bridge the gap between the lives in villages and cities," said the prime minister.

He said that more than 4.5 crore new households have received piped water supply within two years of the "Jal Jeevan Mission".

The Prime Minister extended an invitation to 'Sabka Prayas' together with 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas' for building a new India.

Modi said that India must follow through with new promises for the next 25 years.

"We have to ensure that we achieve our goal of building Atmanirbar Bharat when we celebrate 100 years of India's independence," the prime minister said.

Modi stressed that the day should not be merely a ceremony.

He said that people can be proud that the world's largest COVID vaccination program is being carried out in the country.

He paid tribute to doctors and nurses, as well as those involved in the manufacture of vaccines and others involved in the fight against COVID-19.

The Prime Minister said that the pain of partition was one of the greatest tragedies of the last century, and stressed that August 14 will continue to be the day of remembrance of the horrors of partition.

He also lauded the Indian Olympic contingent, which was present at the Red Fort, and said that his performance encouraged the youth of the country.

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