Due to inclement weather, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unable to reach Rudrapur where he was slated to launch schemes and address a public gathering held there. However, he addressed the people gathered on the occasion via mobile phone.
He also launched Rs 3,400 crore integrated cooperative development project. Earlier, the PM arrived in Dehradun airport and reached Corbett tiger reserve from there. However, he was unable to travel to Rudrapur from there due to the weather.
Addressing the gathering via phone, the Prime Minister apologised for not being able to be there due to inclement weather.
He thanked the large number of people who had arrived in Rudrapur on the occasion.
Speaking about his love for Uttarakhand, he said that Rudrapur was important for the state. Industrial units here are contributing to industrial development of the state apart from the importance of the region for farming. Rudrapur has become known at the international level after establishment of SIIDCUL.
Modi said he was happy that he had made dedicated efforts to fulfill the promises made during the election. Stating that Uttarakhand was created thanks to the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said the BJP Government will make all efforts to nurture the State.
Various initiatives have been taken during the past four and a half years for enhancing road, rail and air connectivity along with ensuring the prosperity of farmers, youth and women.
Work is underway on the Char Dham all-weather road project which will not only strengthen connectivity but also bring prosperity.Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, skill development of 4,000 hotel workers and 1,000 tourist guides will be facilitated on the Yatra circuit.
Stating that rail network is quite limited in the State, he said that Centre is providing three-times more money for strengthening rail connectivity in Uttarakhand.
Construction of the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line will not only make Char Dham Yatra easier but will also fulfill the dream of operating trains in the mountains.
Additionally, rail line will also be laid on the Doiwala-Gangotri-Yamunotri route, he said.
To strengthen road connectivity in border areas, facilitate direct connection between residents of such areas with the rest of the nation and considering strategic importance, about 628 kilometres of roads are being constructed under Bharatmala project in the border aras of Uttarakhand.
Speaking about Centre’s initiatives he said that the Ayushman Bharat Yojana had been launched to provide free medical treatment costing up to Rs 5 lakh a year to 10 crore poor families. About 12 lakh people have received free treatment under this scheme so far.
Modi also appreciated chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat for expanding the range of this scheme with the launch of Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana to provide health cover to all families in the State.
Modi said during his tenure, action has been taken against corruption and a healthy work culture has been nurtured.
A better transparent culture of work has been developed with performance and quick delivery responsibility of officials from top to bottom being fixed. Appreciating the Uttarakhand Government, he said that during the nearly two years since its formation, the State Government had succeeded in providing a clean and transparent Government.
The PM added with the start of the integrated cooperative development project, small and middle farmers will benefit directly. This project amounting to Rs 3,340 crore will enhance opportunities for those involved in agriculture, horticulture, dairy production, animal husbandry and fishery.
Stating that migration and employment are major issues in the State, he said that start of this scheme will provide employment opportunities to 55,000 youth while about 50 lakh population will derive direct or indirect benefit.
Speaking about the various aspects of this project, he also appreciated the steps taken by the State Government in the interests of farmers.
Appreciating Rawat for holding investors summit last year, he also referred to major steps taken in the tourism sector.
The National Cooperative Development Corporation managing director Sandeep Kumar presented a cheque for Rs 100 crore to CM Rawat as first installment under the ICDP. After presenting loans to beneficiaries, the CM said under the Deendayal Upadhyay cooperative farmers welfare scheme, Rs 1,100 short term/crop loan had been distributed to two lakh farmers in Uttarakhand.
He said the PM had always accorded top priority to the welfare of farmers. He also spoke about the various developments facilitated in different spheres by the Central Government in Uttarakhand.
Union Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot, MP Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Union minister of State Ajay Tamta, former CM Vijay Bahuguna, cabinet ministers Yashpal Arya, Arvind Pande, Subodh Uniyal, Harak Singh Rawat, Satpal Maharaj, Madan Kaushik, State ministers Dhan Singh Rawat, Rekha Arya and BJP state president Ajay Bhatt were also present on the occasion.
