Next generation infra and inclusive development to reach everyone before India’s 100th anniversary of Independence: Modi

NEW DELHI: During the Independence Day celebratory speech at Red Fort on Sunday, August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about transforming India to newer heights and talked of the vision to take India to new levels of prosperity, world-class modern infrastructure, access to quality facilities for all.

Modi said that the next 25 years till the centenary year of Independence of India as ‘Amrut Kal’, during which India is set to transform itself to newer heights. He appealed to governments at every level to bring down compliance burdens for citizens in a mission mode. He also asked India’s economic agents to aim for ‘world class’ and ‘next generation’ targets for the global economy as it continues reshaping after the pandemic.

The main focus of PM’s Independence day speech remained on the need to work for Next Generation Infrastructure. He said that the nation, and its youth especially has to work together for World Class Manufacturing. Everyone will have to work together for cutting edge innovation and new age technology.

PM Modi also announced the launch of ‘Prime Minister Gati Shakti national master plan’ which is set to involve around Rs 100 lakh crore worth of infrastructure schemes that will generate employment opportunities. He said that this new master plan is being drawn to keep the foundation of a holistic infrastructure plan that is envisioned to work in silos.

PM in his speech also talked about the need for governments to work on moving towards saturation, wherein 100 per cent villages should be connected through roads; 100 per cent families should have a bank account; 100 per cent beneficiaries should have Ayushmaan Bharat card; 100 per cent eligible persons should have Ujjwala Gas connection. He mentioned that the Government of India will now target saturation level coverage of eligible beneficiaries under different welfare programmes already in place. Citing reasons behind the plan, Modi said that the saturation level target will add in cutting down corruption during the implementation of these schemes.

Modi highlighted that the new Cooperative Ministry created after the recent Cabinet reshuffle is set to play a pivotal role in achieving the ‘developed’ vision of the nation. Moreover, he announced launch of 75 new Vande Bharat Trains in next 75 weeks; nutrient fortified rice through under welfare schemes like public distribution system and mid-day-meal scheme; Green Hydrogen Mission and girl students’ entry in every Sainik School among others. He added that the GoI will launch Prime Minister’s Gatishakti – National Master Plan soon to ensure adoption of holistic approach in infrastructure construction in India.