EPFO’s provisional payroll data released on 20^th January, 2024 highlights that EPFO has added 13.95 lakh net members in the month of November, 2023. Cumulative net addition of members during the current financial year continues to remain higher than that of the corresponding period of previous year.

The data indicates that around 7.36 lakh new members have enrolled during November, 2023.  Among the newly joined members, the age-group of 18-25 years constitutes 57.30% of total new members added during the month, showing that majority of the members joining organised sector workforce of the country are youth, who are mostly first-time job seekers.

Payroll data reflects that approximately 10.67 lakh members exited but rejoined EPFO. In fact, these members switched their jobs and re-joined the establishments covered under the ambit of EPFO and opted to transfer their accumulations instead of applying for final settlement thus, extending their social security protection.

Gender-wise analysis of payroll data represents that out of the total 7.36 lakh new members added during the month, around 1.94 lakh are new female members, joining EPFO for the first time. Also, the net female member addition during the month stood at around 2.80 lakh. Percentage of net female members out of net subscriber addition stood at 20.05%, which is highest since September, 2023, showing a growing participation of female employees in the organized sector workforce.

State-wise analysis of payroll data denotes that net member addition is highest in the 5 states/ UTs of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Haryana and Delhi. These states constitute around 58.81% of net member addition, adding a total of 8.20 lakh members during the month. Of all the states, Maharashtra is leading by adding 21.60% of net members during the month.

Month-on-month comparison of industry-wise data displays significant growth in the members working in establishments engaged in the agriculture farms, coffee plantations, sugar, rubber plantations, tiles etc. Of the total net membership, around 41.94% addition is from expert services (consisting of manpower suppliers, normal contractors, security services, miscellaneous activities etc.).

The above payroll data is provisional since the data generation is a continuous exercise, as updating employee record is a continuous process. The previous data hence gets updated every month. From the month of April-2018, EPFO has been releasing payroll data covering the period September, 2017 onwards. In monthly payroll data, the count of members joining EPFO for the first time through Aadhaar validated Universal Account Number (UAN), existing members exiting from coverage of EPFO and those who exited but re-joining as members, is taken to arrive at net monthly payroll.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu today. Shri Modi also launched and laid the foundation stone of projects related to the Broadcasting sector worth about Rs 250 crores. He also witnessed a cultural program. He also placed the Games’ torch handed by two athletes on the cauldron marking the inauguration of Khelo India Youth Games.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed everyone to the 13th Khelo India Games and said that it is a great way to begin 2024. He said that the people gathered on the occasion represent a young India, a new India whose energy is taking the country to new heights in the world of sports. He extended his best wishes to all athletes and sports lovers who have arrived in Chennai from across the country. “Together, you showcase the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, he remarked adding that the warm people of Tamil Nadu, the beautiful Tamil language, its culture and cuisine will make the athletes feel at home. He expressed confidence that the hospitality of Tamil Nadu will win all hearts and that the Khelo India Youth Games will provide the opportunity to showcase the skills. “New friendships made here will also last a lifetime”, he added.

Referring to the Doordarshan and All India Radio projects that were inaugurated and for which foundation stone was laid today, the Prime Minister said that Channai Kendra that started broadcasting in 1975 is embarking on a new journey today. 12 Akashvani FM projects in 8 States will cover 1.5 crore people.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s contribution to sports in India, the Prime Minister said that it is a land that produces champions. Mentioning the tennis champions Amritraj Brothers, India’s Hockey captain Bhaskaran who led India to a gold medal in the Olympics, Chess players Vishwanathan Anand, Praggnanandhaa and Paralympic champion Mariyappan, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that all athletes will derive inspiration from the land of Tamil Nadu.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of exposure for the athletes and for that emphasized the utility of holding big sporting events in the country. He added that Khelo India Abhiyan is playing the role of finding talent at the ground level that is participating in these mega events. PM Modi mentioned 12 Khelo India games, Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Winter Games and Khelo India Para Games as great opportunities to play and find talent. He said that now, four grand cities of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Trichy, Madurai and Coimbatore are ready to host the athletes. “Be it a participant or a spectator, the fascinating beaches of Chennai will attract everyone”, the Prime Minister said. He also mentioned the aura of the magnificent temples of Madurai, Trichy’s temples and its art and crafts and the industrious town of Coimbatore and said that the experiences in each of Tamil Nadu’s towns are unforgettable.

The Khelo India Youth Games, the Prime Minister informed, will witness the participation of athletes from all 36 states and union territories of India. “The atmosphere of competition among 5,000 plus athletes during Khelo India Youth Games will be worth an experience”, the Prime Minister said mentioning archery, athletics, badminton, and squash which has been included in Khelo India Games for the first time and Silambam a martial art originating in Tamil Nadu, among other sports. “Khelo India Youth Games will bring together the resolve, commitment and belief of all athletes and the nation will be a witness to their dedication, self-confidence, never-say-die spirit and passion for extraordinary performances”, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister remembered Saint Thiruvalluvar and said that through his writings, Saint Thiruvalluvar inspired the youth and gave them direction. Quoting the great saint, the Prime Minister mentioned his teaching of staying strong in adversity. Khelo India Logo also carries his image.  The Prime Minister expressed happiness that VeeraMangai Velu Nachiyar is the mascot of this edition of the games, he said “It is unprecedented for a real-life personality to be chosen as the mascot. Veera Mangai Velu Nachiyar is a symbol of women power. Today her personality is reflected in many decisions of the government. With her inspiration, the government is continuously working to empower sportswomen. He listed women leagues on 20 sports and initiatives like ‘Das kas Dam’ as opportunities to showcase the sporting prowess of women athletes.

Throwing light on India’s recent successes in sports post-2014, the Prime Minister mentioned India’s best-ever performance at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games, historic performance at the Asian Games and Para Games, and the new record of medals at the University Games. Pointing out that it is not an overnight success, and that the athletes were passionate even in the past, the Prime Minister said that they got a boost in enthusiasm and support from the government in the last 10 years. “In the last 10 years, the government reformed, the athletes performed and the entire sports system transformed in India”, the Prime Minister remarked. He mentioned the Khelo India campaign which provides monthly support of Rs 50,000 to thousands of athletes in the country and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Initiative launched in 2014 which ensured training, international exposure and participation in big sporting events for top athletes. “With India’s eyes on the Paris Olympics to be held this year and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, every possible assistance is being provided to athletes under the TOPS initiative”, he said.

The Prime Minister said “Today, we are not waiting for youth to come to sports, we are taking sports to youth”. He highlighted that campaigns like Khelo India are realizing the dreams of youth from rural, poor, tribal and lower-middle-class families. Including showcasing local talent as part of the Local for Vocal mantra, the Prime Minister reiterated his efforts for international exposure for local talent. He pointed out that many international tournaments have been organized in India in the last 10 years. Referring to the recently held Beach Games in Diu, PM Modi said that the games where 8 traditional Indian sports featured were attended by 1600 athletes, will greatly benefit the coastal cities as these games have started a new era of beach games and sports tourism.

The Prime Minister underlined the government’s resolve to provide international exposure to India’s young athletes and the nation becoming an important center of the global sports ecosystem. “Therefore”, the Prime Minister said, “we are working diligently to host the Youth Olympics in 2030 and the Olympic Games in 2036 in India.” Emphasizing that sports is not limited to just the field but is a huge economy in itself creating many employment opportunities for the youth, the Prime Minister reiterated his guarantee to make India the third-largest economy in the world. He stated that the government has been making all efforts to increase the share of the sports economy and developing sports-related sectors in the past 10 years. He mentioned the focus on skill development to nurture sports professionals and the creation of a sports equipment manufacturing and services ecosystem in the country.  The Prime Minister said that the government is providing a platform to the professionals related to sports science, innovation, manufacturing, sports coaching, sports psychology, and sports nutrition in the country. He mentioned the creation of India’s first National Sports University in the past years, creation of more than 300 prestigious academies in the country under the Khelo India campaign, 1,000 Khelo India centers and more than 30 centers of excellence. In the new National Education Policy of the country, the Prime Minister informed that sports has been made a part of the main curriculum helping create awareness about choosing sports as a career in childhood itself.

Talking about the expected growth of India’s sports industry to one lakh crore rupees,  PM Modi noted the new awareness about sports and the resulting growth in broadcasting, sports goods, sports tourism and sports apparel business. Shri Modi said it is the effort of the government to create manufacturing clusters for sports equipment in different parts of the country.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the sports infrastructure that has been created under Khelo India is becoming a great source of employment. He said various sporting leagues are also creating new jobs. “Today, for our youth in schools and colleges who want to make their career in sports-related sectors, their better future too is Modi’s guarantee” the Prime Minister added.

“India is making waves in every sector, not just in sports”, the Prime Minister said emphasizing that the New India has started breaking old records and creating new ones. He expressed belief in the potential of India’s youth, its faith, determination, mental strength and desire to win. He said that today’s India can set huge goals and achieve them. He expressed confidence that this year will witness the creation of new records and marking new achievements for the nation and the world. “You have to move forward because India will move forward with you. Get together, win and make the country win. I declare Khelo India Youth Games 2023 open”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri R N Ravi, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M K Stalin, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Dr L Murugan and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Nisith Pramanik were present on the occasion among others.

Background

The unwavering commitment of the Prime Minister to promote grassroots sports development and nurture budding sports talent resulted in the start of the Khelo India Youth Games. The Prime Minister was the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony of the 6th Khelo India Youth Games 2023 held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. This is the first time that Khelo India Youth Games are being held in South India. The Games will be played across four cities of Tamil Nadu, namely Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore from 19th  to 31st  January 2024.

The mascot for the games is Veera Mangai. Rani Velu Nachiyar, fondly called Veera Mangai, was an Indian queen who waged a war against British colonial rule. The mascot symbolizes the valour and spirit of Indian women, embodying the strength of women power. The logo for the games incorporates the figure of poet Thiruvalluvar.

Over 5600 athletes will be participating in this edition of Khelo India Youth Games, spread across 13 days in 15 venues with 26 sporting disciplines, over 275 competitive events and 1 demo sport.  The 26 sporting disciplines are a diverse mix of conventional sports such as Football, Volleyball, Badminton etc. and traditional sports such as Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang ta, Kabaddi and Yogasana. Silambam, a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu, is being introduced as a demo sport for the first time in the history of Khelo India Youth Games.

During the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister also launched and laid the foundation stone of projects related to the Broadcasting sector worth about Rs 250 crore. This includes the launch of the revamped DD Podhigai channel as DD Tamil; 12 Akashvani FM projects in 8 States; and 4 DD transmitters in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for 26 new FM transmitter Projects in 12 States.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new state-of-the-art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka today. Built with an investment of Rs 1,600 crores, the 43-acre campus is Boeing’s largest such investment outside the USA. The Prime Minister also launched the Boeing Sukanya Program which aims to support the entry of more girl children from across India into the country’s growing aviation sector.

The Prime Minister took a walkthrough of the Experience Center and interacted with Sukanya beneficiaries.

COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope lauded the Prime Minister’s focus on the growth of the aviation sector in India and his instrumental role in making the Boeing Sukanya Program a reality today. She expressed gratitude for the continued support and looked forward to working together to shape the future of aerospace.  Ms Stephanie said that this new campus is a testament to Boeing’s engineering legacy and it underlines the belief in the availability, depth of talent and capability that exists in India. She elaborated on the scope of the new campus and Boeing’s plan to create an ecosystem that propels India to the forefront of the aerospace industry. Ultimately, Ms Stephanie said that the new Boeing campus will become one of the most cutting-edge examples of the Prime Minister’s self-reliant India initiative or ‘Atmanirbharta’. She credited the Prime Minister for his idea of the Sukanya program and lauded Boeing’s efforts to create and accelerate opportunities in aviation for Indian women. “This program will break barriers and inspire more women to pursue careers in aerospace”, she remarked. She further explained about the plans to provide STEM labs in middle schools. She expressed confidence that Boeing and India’s partnership would shape the future of aviation and make a positive difference for the people of India and around the world.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that Bengaluru is a city which links aspirations to innovations and achievements, and India’s tech potential to global demands. “Boeing’s new technology campus is going to strengthen this belief”, the Prime Minister said, informing that the newly inaugurated campus is Boeing’s largest facility located outside the USA. He underlined that its scale and magnitude will not only strengthen India but also the aviation market of the world.

The Prime Minister said that this facility demonstrates India’s commitment to drive global tech, research & innovation, design and demand. “This strengthens the ‘Make in India-Make for the World’ resolution”, he said. “This campus reinforces the world’s trust in India’s talent”, he added. He expressed the faith that one day, India will design aircraft of the future in this facility.

Recalling the inauguration of Asia’s largest helicopter manufacturing factory in Karnataka last year, the Prime Minister said that Boeing’s new facility is a clear indication of Karnataka’s rise as a new aviation hub. He especially congratulated the youth of India who would now have multiple opportunities to acquire new skills in the aviation industry.

The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s efforts to increase women’s participation in every sector and also reiterated India’s push towards women-led development during its G20 Presidency. He said that the government is committed to creating new opportunities for women in the aerospace sector. “Be it fighter pilots or civil aviation, India is leading the world in the number of women pilots”, a proud Prime Minister said informing that 15 percent of India’s pilots are women which is 3 times more than the global average. Speaking about the Boeing Sukanya program, the Prime Minister said that it will give a boost to women’s participation in the aviation sector while helping the poor living in far-flung areas to realize their dreams of becoming a pilot. Under the program, the Prime Minister informed that career coaching and development facilities will be provided in government schools to pursue a career as a pilot.

PM Modi said that the historic success of Chandrayaan has infused scientific temper among the youth of India. Underling India’s status as hub of STEM education, the Prime Minister noted that  girls have taken up STEM subjects in a big way. He said that India has become the world’s third largest aviation domestic market. In a decade, the number of domestic passengers has doubled. He said schemes like UDAN have played a big role in this. This number is going to increase further leading to increased demand. This has resulted in new orders of fleets by India’s airlines giving new impetus to the global aviation sector. “This has happened because India is working while keeping the aspiration and needs of its citizens paramount”, he said.

PM Modi talked about the government’s focus on investment in connectivity infrastructure to overcome the previous handicap of poor connectivity that was preventing India’s potential in performance. He said that India is becoming one of the most well connected markets. He said today India has about 150 operational airports, up from about 70 in 2014. He also said that efficiency of the airports have been enhanced significantly. He also touched upon the increased air cargo capacity leading to overall growth of economy and employment generation.

The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid growth of the air cargo sector due to India’s increased airport capacity. He said that it has made transportation of products from remote areas of India to international markets easier. “The rapidly growing aviation sector is also giving impetus to India’s overall growth and employment generation”, Shri Modi added.

The Prime Minister underlined that the government is continuously taking steps at the policy level to ensure that the growth of its aviation sector continues and accelerates. He said that the center is encouraging state governments to reduce taxes related to aviation fuel and also working to make Aircraft Leasing easier. He also mentioned the International Financial Services Centers Authority established in Gift City to reduce India’s offshore dependence on aircraft leasing and financing. “The aviation sector of the entire country will also benefit from this”, he added.

Recalling his declaration from the Red Fort, ‘Yahi Samay hai, Sahi Samay Hai’, the Prime Minister said that this is also the right time for Boeing and other international companies to link their growth with India’s rapid rise. “Building a developed India in the next 25 years has now become the resolve of 140 crore Indians”, he emphasized. In the last 9 years, the Prime Minister informed, we have lifted approximately 25 crore Indians out of poverty and these crores of Indians are now creating a neo-middle class. He mentioned upward mobility being seen as a trend in every income group in India. Speaking about the expansion of India’s tourism sector, the Prime Minister urged the stakeholders to take maximum advantage of all the new possibilities being created.

PM Modi stressed the need to build an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in India as he highlighted the potential of India’s strong network of MSMEs, huge talent pool, and stable government in India. “India’s policy approach to encourage ‘Make in India’ is a Win-Win situation for every investor”, the Prime Minister said. Shri Modi expressed confidence that India will not have to wait too long for Boeing’s first fully designed and manufactured aircraft in India. “I am confident that India’s aspirations and Boeing’s expansion will emerge as a strong partnership”, PM Modi concluded.

Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddarammiah, COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope and President of Boeing India and South Asia, Mr Salil Gupte were present on the occasion among others.

Background

The Prime Minister inaugurated the new state-of-the-art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru. Built with an investment of Rs. 1,600 crores, the 43-acre campus is Boeing’s largest such investment outside the USA. Boeing’s new campus in India will become a cornerstone for partnership with the vibrant startup, private and government ecosystem in India, and will help develop next-generation products and services for the global aerospace and defence industry.

The Prime Minister also launched the Boeing Sukanya Program which aims to support the entry of more girl children from across India into the country’s growing aviation sector. The program will provide opportunities for girls and women from across India to learn critical skills in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields and train for jobs in the aviation sector. For young girls, the program will create STEM Labs at 150 planned locations to help spark interest in STEM careers. The program will also provide scholarships to women who are training to be pilots.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of 8 AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) projects worth around Rs. 2,000 crores in Solapur, Maharashtra today. Shri Modi dedicated to the nation more than 90,000 houses completed under PMAY-Urban in Maharashtra and 15,000 houses of Raynagar Housing Society in Solapur, whose beneficiaries comprise thousands of handloom workers, vendors, power loom workers, rag pickers, Bidi workers, drivers, among others. He also initiated the distribution of 1st and 2nd instalments to 10,000 beneficiaries of PM-SVANIDHI in Maharashtra during the programme.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the nation is in a mood for bhakti with the Pran Pratishtha at the Ram Temple at Ayodhya Dham on 22nd January. “The decade-old pain of Lord Ram’s darshan in a tent will be far out now”, PM Modi remarked. He said he is following the rules and regulations of the 11-day anushthan with utmost dedication and commitment under the guidance of saints and seers and expressed confidence in conducting the Pran Pratishtha with the blessings of all citizens. The Prime Minister noted the fact that his 11-day special ritual was initiated at Panchwati in Nashik, Maharashtra. He expressed happiness that more than one lakh families of Maharashtra are having their ‘Grih Pravesh’ in this moment of devotion. “It is a matter of great joy that these 1 lakh families will light Ram Jyoti in their pucca homes in the evening of 22nd January”, he said. At the request of PM Modi, the people displayed their pledge of Ram Jyoti by switching on their mobile flashes.

The Prime Minister congratulated the people of the region and entire Maharashtra on the projects that were launched today. He credited the hard work of the people of Maharashtra and the progressive state government’s efforts for the glory of Maharashtra.

“Ram always taught us to be true to our words and promises”, the Prime Minister said expressing delight that the resolution taken for the thousands of poor from Solapur is becoming a reality today. An emotional Prime Minister said that the largest society under PM Awas Yojna has been inaugurated today and recalled the wish from his childhood days about living in such homes. “It gives immense satisfaction when the dreams of thousands of families are realized and their blessings become my greatest wealth”, a teary-eyed Prime Minister exclaimed. He recalled assuring the people during the foundation stone laying ceremony of this project that Modi himself would come to hand over the keys to their houses upon completion of the project. “Today Modi has fulfilled his guarantee”, he continued “Modi’s guarantee means fulfilment of guarantee.” The Prime Minister highlighted that those who received their houses today, and their generations, had to face suffering and distress due to homelessness and expressed confidence that the chain of suffering will now break and the future generations will not face the same ordeal. “Ram Jyoti to be lit on 22nd January will become an inspiration to ward off the darkness of poverty”, the Prime Minister said. He wished for a life full of happiness for everyone.

The Prime Minister prayed for the prosperity and happiness of the families that are getting new homes today. “Our government is trying from the first day to ensure that there is good governance in the country by following the ideals of Shri Ram and honesty reigns in the country. It is Ram Rajya only that inspired the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, said PM Modi. Quoting Ramchari Manas, Shri Modi reiterated the government’s focus on the welfare of the poor.

PM Modi recalled the time when the poor were deprived of dignity due to the absence of basic amenities like pucca houses and toilets. This led to attention on houses and toilet issues by the present government and 10 crores ‘Izzat Ghar’ and 4 crore pucca houses were provided in a mission mode.

The Prime Minister said that instead of misguiding people, the path of the government is ‘dignity of labour’, ‘self-reliant worker’ and ‘welfare of the poor’. “You dream big. Your dreams are my resolution”, the Prime Minister assured. He mentioned affordable urban houses and fair rent societies for migrant labourers. “We are making efforts to provide residences near to the place of work’, ” he said.

Drawing an analogy to the city of Solapur with Ahmedabad about being the city of ‘Shramiks’, the Prime Minister highlighted his connection to the city of Solapur during his time at ‘Purvashram’ and said that it was the Padmashali families that provided food to him even though their living conditions were poor. He recalled being presented with a weaved artwork of Lakshmanrao Inamdar, a lawyer who was instrumental in shaping the Prime Minister’s life and said that it still remains an important part of his life today.

The Prime Minister pointed out the lack of results of earlier poverty alleviation programmes due to the absence of proper intent and middleman pilferage. Due to clean intention, policies favouring the empowerment of the poor and commitment to the nation, the Prime Minister said ‘Modi has given the guarantee of taking the benefit of the government schemes directly to the beneficiaries. In the last 10 years, more than 30 lakh crore rupees have been transferred directly to the accounts of women, farmers, youth and the poor”, he said. 10 crore fake beneficiaries were weeded out using JAM trinity of Jan Dhan-Aadhar -Mobile.

Highlighting the efforts of the government to prioritize the welfare of the poor by initiating multiple schemes, the Prime Minister informed that 25 crore people in the country have come out of poverty in the last 9 years. This, the Prime Minister said, is a result of the tapasya of 10 years and true dedication towards the poor. He said that it also empowers and inspires others to defeat poverty.

The Prime Minister reiterated the belief that the poor can overcome poverty if resources and facilities are provided to them. Therefore, the present government provided resources and facilities and made honest efforts toward their welfare. Recalling the time when the main issue concerning the poor was two meals per day, the Prime Minister mentioned the free ration program initiated by the government so that no poor person has to sleep on an empty stomach. He further added that the scheme initiated during the coronavirus period is now being extended for 5 more years. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to support those 25 crore people who have come out of poverty so that they do not fall back below the poverty line anytime in the future. “These 25 crore people are moving forward with the dedication to fulfil my resolve and I stand with them”, he added.

Mentioning One Nation One Ration Card, the Prime Minister said that this will ensure consistent supply of ration to those who are on the move. He underlined medical expenditure as the chief cause of pushing people into poverty and making it difficult to break the cycle of poverty. To address this, the government came out with the Ayushman Card that provides medical treatment up to 5 lakh rupees, saving about 1 lakh crore rupees on medical expenses. Similarly, medicines are available at an 80 percent discount on Jan Aushadhi Kendra saving about 30 thousand crore rupees of poor patients. Jal Jeevan mission is saving citizens from waterborne diseases. The highest number of beneficiaries come from backward and tribal communities, he informed.  “The poor should get a pucca house, toilet, electricity connection, water, all such facilities are also a guarantee of social justice”, PM Modi emphasized.

“The poor must be provided with economic security. This too is Modi’s guarantee”, the Prime Minister remarked as he mentioned life insurance schemes for the poor with Rs 2 lakhs cover for accidents and life insurance. He informed about Rs 16,000 crores in the form of insurance to poor families during their time of need.

PM Modi underlined that Modi’s guarantee is becoming a boon, especially for those who had no bank guarantees to keep. He mentioned those who did not have bank accounts and pointed out that availing a bank loan was impossible. The Prime Minister touched upon the Jan Dhan Yojna which connected 50 crore poor with the banking system by opening up bank accounts and mentioned today’s occasion where 10,000 beneficiaries got bank assistance under PM Svanidhi. He also mentioned that the street vendors and hawkers, who had to look towards the market to avail of high-interest loans, are now being provided bank loans without any guarantee. “So far, loans worth thousands of crores have been disbursed to them”, he added.

Noting that Solapur is an industrial city, a city of workers, known for its textiles, Prime Minister Modi said that the city boasts the largest MSME cluster for making school uniforms. Keeping in mind such Viswakarmas who are involved in stitching uniforms, the government came out with the PM Vishwakarma Scheme to provide loans, training, and modern equipment. He asked the deserving candidates to get enrolled as ‘Modi Ki Guarantee ki Gadi is making rounds all over the country.

Stressing the need to create an Aatmnirbhar Bharat, the Prime Minister underlined the role of small and cottage industries in the mission. Listing the steps to support the MSMEs, PM Modi mentioned the package during the pandemic and One District One Product Scheme. He said that due to campaigns like Vocal for Local and Made in India, Indian products are finding new possibilities due to improved profile.

The Prime Minister underlined that India will be included in the top three economies of the world during the present government’s third term. “I have guaranteed this to the citizens and this will also be fulfilled”, he emphasized. He highlighted the role of many cities like Solapur in the economic expansion of the country and credited the double-engine government for continuously improving facilities like water and sewage in these cities. He also noted the development work of connecting cities with good roads, railways and airways taking place at a fast pace. “Be it Sant Gyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi Marg or Sant Tukaram Palkhi Marg, work on these is also going on at a fast pace. The work of the four-lane highway between Ratnagiri, Kolhapur and Solapur will also be completed soon”, he added. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the citizens will continue to bless the government and congratulated those who got their permanent homes today.

Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Shri Ajit Pawar and Founder of Raynagar Federation, Shri Narsayya Adam were present on the occasion among others.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra today via video conferencing. Thousands of beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra from across the country joined the event. The programme was also joined by Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs and local level representatives.

Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister noted the completion of two months of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and said that “Yatra’s Vikas Rath has turned into Vishwas Rath and there is trust that no one will be left behind.”  Keeping in mind the huge enthusiasm and demand among the beneficiaries, the Prime Minister has directed the concerned authorities to extend the VBSY beyond 26th January and into February.

The Yatra that began with the blessing of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on 15th November, has turned into a people’s movement and up till now 15 crore people have joined this Yatra and it has covered about 80 percent panchayats.  “The main objective of Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra was to reach such people who, due to one reason or the other, were till now deprived of the government schemes. And Modi worships and values such people who were neglected by everyone” Said PM Modi.

Calling VBSY a great medium of the last mile delivery, the Prime Minister informed that during the Yatra more than 4 crore health check ups were performed and 2.5 crore TB screening and 50 lakh sickle cell anaemia screenings were done. 50 lakh Ayushman cards, 33 lakh new PM Kisan beneficiaries, 25 lakh new Kisan Credit Cards, 25 lakh free gas connections and 10 lakh new SVANidhi applications were achieved during the course of the yatra so far. The Prime Minister said these may be mere figures for someone but for him every number is a life. Someone who was deprived of the benefits so far.

The Prime Minister noted the new report on multidimensional poverty.  PM Modi said due to the efforts of the government in the last 9 years, 25 crore people have come out of poverty. “In the last 10 years, the way our government has created a transparent system, made genuine efforts and promoted public participation, it has made even the impossible possible,” he added. He explained this by giving an example of PM Awas Yojna. In the scheme more than 4 crore poor families were provided a pucca house with 70 percent of the units being registered in the name of women. This not only tackled poverty but also empowered women.  Size of the houses was increased, people’s choice was respected in the construction, construction speed was improved 300 days to 100. “This means that we are building permanent houses three times faster than before and giving them to the poor. Such efforts have played a huge role in reducing poverty in the country”, he added.

The Prime Minister illustrated the approach of prioritizing the deprived by the example of the government’s policies for the transgenders. “This is our government which for the first time was concerned about the difficulties of the transgender community and gave priority to making their lives easier. In the year 2019, our government enacted a law protecting the rights of transgenders. This not only helped transgenders get a respectable place in the society but also ended the discrimination against them. The government also issued transgender identity certificates to thousands of people”, he said.

The Prime Minister said “India is changing rapidly. Today, people’s confidence, their faith in the government, and their determination to build a new India are visible everywhere.” Referring to his recent interaction with particularly vulnerable tribal groups, PM Modi recalled the initiative of tribal women in even the most backward areas and praised their determination to educate their people to get their rights. Talking about the steps to empower Self Help Group movement, the Prime Minister talked about efforts to connect these groups with banks, increasing the collateral free loans ceiling to 20 lakh rupees from 10 lakh, resulting in 10 crore new women getting associated with SHGs. They received more than 8 lakh crore rupees assistance for new businesses. He also mentioned 3 crore women getting empowered as female farmers, and the plan of creating 2 crore Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi scheme. He expressed happiness that more than one thousand Namo Drone Didi have finished training.

Talking about the government’s priority of modernizing the rural economy and empowering farmers, the Prime Minister listed the steps to strengthen the small farmers. He mentioned 10,000 FPOs out of which 8 thousand are already in place and 50 crore vaccinations for foot and mouth disease resulting in 50 percent increase in the milk production.

Noting India’s young demography, PM Modi noted that during the Yatra quiz competitions were organized, athletes were honoured. He expressed happiness that youth is getting registered with the MY Bharat portal as volunteers.  The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating the national resolution for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Background

Since its launch on 15th November, 2023, Prime Minister has regularly interacted with the beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra all across the country.  The interaction has happened five times through video conferencing (30th November, 9th December 16th December, 27th December and 8th January, 2024). Also, Prime Minister interacted with Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra beneficiaries physically on two consecutive days (17th-18th December), during his visit to Varanasi last month.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is being undertaken across the country with the aim to attain saturation of flagship schemes of the government through ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a time bound manner.

The number of participants in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has crossed 15 crore. This is a testimony of the success of Yatra in creating a profound impact on ground which is uniting people across the nation towards a shared vision of Viksit Bharat.

Namaskar! Ram Ram.

Today, I am honoured to be part of another remarkable event related to the Consecration (Pran-Pratishtha) ceremony of Shri Ram Mandir. Six special commemorative postage stamps dedicated to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple have been released, along with an album of postage stamps dedicated to Lord Shri Ram from around the world. I congratulate all the devotees of Lord Ram in the country and abroad, as well as all the citizens.

Friends,

While we are familiar with the primary function of postal stamps – affixing them to envelopes for sending letters, messages, or important documents – it is essential to recognize their secondary role. Postal stamps serve as a medium for transmitting ideas, history, and significant events to the next generation. When a postage stamp is issued and sent to someone, it becomes more than just a means of communication; it becomes a conveyance of historical knowledge. These stamps are not mere pieces of paper or art; they are the smallest forms of history books, artifacts, and records of historical sites. In other words, these are miniature versions of some important texts and ideas. The commemorative postage stamps released today will undoubtedly offer valuable insights and learning opportunities for our younger generation.

As I observed, these stamps feature a majestic picture of the Ram Temple, embodying the spirit of Ram Bhakti through artistic expression and expressing a wish for the nation’s well-being through the popular Chaupai – ‘Mangal Bhawan Amangal Hari’. They include the image of Surya, the symbol of Suryavanshi Ram, conveying the message of new light in the country. Additionally, there is a depiction of the virtuous river Saryu, symbolizing that the country will always thrive with the blessings of Ram. The intricate beauty of the temple’s interior architecture has been meticulously captured on these postage stamps. I have been informed that, in a way, a miniature representation of our philosophy of five elements is showcased through Lord Ram. The Postal Department has received guidance from both the sages and the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in this endeavour, and I extend my salutations to those sages for their valuable contribution.

Friends,

The tales of Lord Shri Ram, Mother Sita, and the Ramayana transcend the limits of time, society, caste, religion, and region, connecting with every individual. Ramayana, symbolizing sacrifice, unity, and courage during the most challenging times, teaches the triumph of love in the face of numerous hardships, establishing a universal connection with humanity. This widespread appeal is the reason why the Ramayana remains a focal point of interest worldwide, generating enthusiasm in various countries and cultures. The books introduced today mirror these sentiments, illustrating the global admiration for Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and the Ramayana. For the contemporary youth, it will be fascinating to explore how different nations have issued postal stamps depicting Shri Ram. Countries such as America, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Thailand, Guyana, and Singapore have honoured the life stories of Lord Ram through postal stamps, expressing great respect and affection. This album not only provides information about how Lord Ram has been revered as an exemplary figure beyond Bharat but also delves into the profound influence of Lord Ram and the Ramayana on civilizations worldwide. It sheds light on how, even in modern times, nations have appreciated his character. Additionally, the album offers a concise tour of the tales of Lord Shri Ram and Mata Janaki. It underscores the eternal words of Maharishi Valmiki –

यावत् स्थास्यंति गिरयः,

सरितश्च महीतले।

तावत् रामायणकथा,

लोकेषु प्रचरिष्यति॥

That is, as long as there are mountains and rivers on earth, the epic of Ramayana and the persona of Shri Ram will continue to be propagated among the people. Once again, congratulations to all of you and all our fellow countrymen on the launch of these special commemorative postal stamps.

Thank you! Ram Ram.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Cyber Security Operations Centre in Assam Rifles Headquarters at Laitkor in Shillong, today.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Bharat is taking a quantum leap towards digitalisation. He said that the Modi government is committed to creating a cyber-success society by making the internet secure for every citizen. He stated that prevention of cyber crimes is a priority of the Modi government.

Union Home Minister praised the efforts of the Assam Rifles in modernising its operations. He said that the Cyber Security Operations Centre will strengthen the Cyber Security posture of the Force by carrying out real-time monitoring of the network, mitigation of external threats & prevention of Cyber violations in the Assam Rifles Wide Area Network (ARWAN). The Cyber Security Operations Centre has been equipped with a state-of-the-art Network & data monitoring devices to provide 24 x 7 services. Shri Shah appreciated the concerted efforts of Assam Rifles in ensuring seamless & secure digital services within the force.

The Centre is the first of its kind among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The increased cyber attacks in present times have made it imperative to safeguard our networks from nefarious intruders, hacking and other cyber incursions. The present infrastructure enables the integration and management of diverse aspects affiliated with operations.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated three major infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 4,000s crore in Kochi, Kerala today. The projects being inaugurated today include New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL, and LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen, Kochi. These major infrastructure projects are in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to transform India’s ports, shipping, and waterways sector, and build capacity and self-sufficiency in it.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister talked about his Darshan of Bhagwan Guruvyurappan at the temple this morning. He also recalled the mention of the holy temples of Kerala which are associated with Ramayan in his speech at the recent inauguration of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport at Ayodhya Dham. He expressed gratitude for being able to perform darshan at the Ramaswamy temple just a few days before the Pran Pratishtha at the Ayodhya Dham. He said that the beautiful presentation by the Kerala artists this morning brought about the feel of Awadh Puri in Kerala.

Emphasizing the role of every state in the journey of making India ‘Viksit Bharat’ during the Amrit Kaal. PM Modi recalled the role of ports in India’s erstwhile prosperity in earlier times and envisaged a similar role for ports now when India is taking new strides and becoming a major center of global trade. In such a scenario, the Prime Minister said that the government is engaged in improving the strength of port cities like Kochi. He listed an increase in port capacity, investment in port infrastructure, and improved connectivity of ports under the Sagarmala Project.

He mentioned the country’s largest dry dock that Kochi received today. Other projects like shipbuilding, ship repairing and LPG import terminal will also give momentum to development in Kerala and the southern region of the country. He also noted the honour of building ‘Made in India’ aircraft carrier INS Vikrant with the Kochi Shipyard. New facilities will enhance the capabilities of the shipyard many times.

The Prime Minister highlighted the reforms made in the ports, shipping and waterways sector in the last 10 years and said that it has brought new investments in India’s ports and created new employment opportunities. He informed that the reforms of rules related to Indian Seafarers led to an increase in the number of seafarers in the country by 140 percent. Within the country, the Prime Minister said that passenger and cargo transport got a major boost by making use of inland waterways.

“Sabka Prayas yields better results”, the Prime Minister remarked highlighting that Indian ports have achieved double-digit annual growth in the last 10 years. Till 10 years ago, the Prime Minister recalled that ships had to wait quite long at the ports and the unloading took very long. “Today, the situation has changed”, Shri Modi said, informing that India has surpassed many developed nations when it comes to ship-turnaround time.

“The world is recognizing India’s potential and position in global trade”, PM Modi said, throwing light on the agreements made during India’s G20 Presidency regarding the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Shri Modi underlined that the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will further strengthen the creation of Viksit Bharat by giving a boost to the coastal economy of India. The Prime Minister also touched upon the recently launched Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision which presents a roadmap to reinforce India’s maritime prowess for Viksit Bharat. He reiterated the government’s efforts to build mega ports, shipbuilding and ship-repairing infrastructure in the country

PM Modi said that the new dry dock is the national pride of India. This will not only enable big vessels to dock but also make shipbuilding and ship repair work possible here, reducing dependence on foreign countries and will also save foreign exchange.

Referring to the inauguration of the International Ship Repair Facility, the Prime Minister said that it will transform Kochi into India and Asia’s largest ship repair center. Drawing the analogy of multiple MSMEs coming together in the manufacturing of INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the creation of a new ecosystem of MSMEs with the inauguration of such huge shipbuilding and repair facilities. He further added that the new LPG Import Terminal will meet the LPG needs of Kochi, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Calicut, Madurai, and Trichy while also supporting industries, other economic development activities and creation of new jobs in these areas.

The Prime Minister noted the foremost position of Kochi Shipyard’s green technology capacities and its primacy in making ‘Make in India’ vessels. The Prime Minister also praised the electric vessels made for the Kochi Water Metro. Electric hybrid passenger ferries for Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura and Guwahati are being made here. “Kochi Shipyard is playing an important role in modern and green water connectivity in the cities of the country”, he said. He also mentioned zero-emission electric cargo ferries being made for Norway and the work in progress on the world’s first hydrogen-fueled feeder container vessel. “Kochi Shipyard is further strengthening our mission of taking India towards hydrogen fuel-based transport. I am confident that very soon the country will also get indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry”, PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the fishermen community in the blue economy and port-led development. Shri Modi credited the manifold increase in fish production and exports in the last 10 years to the development of new infrastructure projects under PM Matsya Sampada Yojna, subsidy provided by the central government for modernized boats to carry out deep sea fishing and Kisan Credit Cards for fishermen along the lines of farmers. He said that the government is giving impetus to boosting India’s contributions in the seafood processing sector which will lead to a huge increase in the income of fishermen and make their lives easier. The Prime Minister concluded by wishing for continued rapid development of Kerala and congratulated the citizens for the new infrastructure projects.

Governor of Kerala, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal were present on the occasion among others.

Background

The New Dry Dock, built at a cost of about Rs 1,800 crores at the existing premises of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, is a flagship project reflecting New India’s engineering prowess. This one-of-a-kind 310-meter-long stepped dry dock, with a width of 75/60 meters, depth of 13 meters and a draught of up to 9.5 metres, is one of the largest marine infrastructures in the region. The New Dry Dock project features heavy ground loading which will position India with advanced capabilities to handle strategic assets like future aircraft carriers up to 70,000T displacement as well as large commercial vessels, thus eliminating India’s dependency on foreign nations for emergency national requirements.

The  International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) project, built at a cost of about Rs 970 crores has a ship lift system with a capacity of 6000T, a transfer system, six workstations and a berth of approximately 1,400 metres which can accommodate 7 vessels of 130-metre length simultaneously. The ISRF will modernise and expand the existing ship repair capabilities of CSL and will be a step towards transforming Kochi into a global ship repair hub.

The Indian Oil’s LPG Import Terminal at Puthuvypeen, Kochi, built at the cost of about Rs 1,236 crores boasts state-of-the-art facilities. With a 15400 MT storage capacity, the terminal will ensure a steady supply of LPG for millions of households and businesses in the region. This project will further strengthen India’s efforts towards ensuring accessible & affordable energy for all.

With the commissioning of these 3 projects, the nation’s shipbuilding and repair capacities and the growth of energy infrastructure including ancillary industries will get a boost. The projects will also boost EXIM Trade, reduce logistics costs, drive economic growth, build self-reliance and create numerous domestic and international business opportunities.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Shree Ramaswami Temple in Thriprayar, Kerala today. Shri Modi also witnessed a cultural performance and also felicitated the artists and batuks.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“Prayed at the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple. To hear verses of the Shri Adhyathma Ramayana and other Bhajans in Malayalam was also very special.”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala today.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“Prayed at the sacred Guruvayur Temple. The divine energy of this Temple is immense. I prayed that every Indian be happy and prosperous.”

“പവിത്രമായ ഗുരുവായൂർ ക്ഷേത്രത്തിൽ പ്രാർത്ഥിച്ചു. ഈ ക്ഷേത്രത്തിന്റെ ദിവ്യമായ ഊർജം അളവറ്റതാണ്. എല്ലാ ഇന്ത്യക്കാരും സന്തോഷത്തോടെയും സമൃദ്ധിയോടെയും തുടരാൻ ഞാൻ പ്രാർഥിച്ചു.”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics at Palasamudram, Sri Sathya Sai District in Andhra Pradesh today. He also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion. The Prime Minister also interacted with Officer Trainees of the 74th and 75th batches of the Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes) as well as officer trainees of the Royal Civil Service of Bhutan.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone for the inauguration of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics at Palasamudram. Highlighting the speciality of the region of Palasamudram, the Prime Minister said that it is associated with spirituality, nation building and good governance and represents the heritage of India. He mentioned Shri Satya Sai Baba’s birthplace in Puttaparthi, the great freedom fighter Padma Shri Kallur Subba Rao, renowned puppetry artist Dalavai Chalapathi Rao and the good governance of the glorious Vijaynagar Empire as sources of inspiration from the region. He expressed confidence that the new campus of NACIN will create new dimensions of good governance and give a boost to trade and industry in the nation.

Noting Thiruvalluvar Day today, the Prime Minister quoted the great Tamil sage and underlined the role of revenue officers in collecting taxes that lead to people’s welfare in a democracy.

PM Modi earlier visited Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi and heard the verses of Ranganatha Ramayan. The Prime Minister participated in Bhajan Keertan with the devotees. Noting the belief that Ram Jatayu Samvad took place nearby, the Prime Minister said he is undergoing an 11-day special anushthan before the Pran Pratishtha at the temple at Ayodhya Dham. He expressed gratitude for being blessed at the temple during this pious period. Acknowledging the atmosphere of Ram Bhakti pervading the country, the Prime Minister pointed out that Shri Ram’s inspiration goes beyond devotion. He said that Shri Ram is such a great symbol of good governance that he can be a great inspiration for NACIN too.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Prime Minister said that the very idea of Ram Rajya is the notion behind true democracy. He highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s life experience as the reason behind his backing of the Ram Rajya ideology and spoke about a nation where every citizen’s voice is heard and everyone gets their due respect. “It is said about the citizens of Ram Rajya”, the Prime Minister said quoting a Sanskrit shloka, “Ram Rajya Vasi (citizen), Keep your head high and fight for justice, treat everyone as equal, protect the weak, hold Dharma on the highest level, You are Ram Rajya Vasis”. He underlined that Ram Rajya was established on these four pillars where everyone could walk with their heads held high and with dignity, every citizen is treated as equal, the downtrodden are protected, and Dharma holds paramount importance. “In the 21st century”, the Prime Minister said, “as administrators who enforce the rules and regulations of these modern institutions, you must focus on these four goals and keep them in mind.”

The Prime Minister also mentioned Swami Tulsidas’s description of the tax system in the Ram Rajya. Quoting Ramcharit Manas, the Prime Minister highlighted the welfare aspect of taxation and every paisa of tax received from people would go into the welfare of the people to stimulate prosperity. Further elaborating this PM Modi talked about the tax reforms in the last 10 years. He recalled multiple, non-transparent tax systems of earlier times. “We gave the country a modern system in the form of GST and simplified income tax and introduced faceless assessment. All these reforms have resulted in record tax collection”, the Prime Minister said. ‘We are returning people’s money through various schemes’, he added. He informed that the IT exemption limit was raised from the income of  2 lakh to 7 lakh rupees. Tax reforms after 2014 have resulted in tax savings of about 2.5 lakh crore rupees for the citizens. He said that the number of taxpayers is consistently increasing in the country as they feel happy that their tax money is put to good use. “Whatever we took from people, we returned it to people and this is good governance and the message of Ram Rajya”, he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the special attention paid to the optimum utilization of resources in Ram Rajya. Pointing out the past government which tended to stall, shelve and divert projects causing huge losses to the nation, the Prime Minister drew an analogy to Lord Ram‘s conversation with Bharat cautioning him against such tendencies and said, “I am confident that you complete tasks which cost less and give more benefit without wasting time.” He highlighted that in the last 10 years, the present government has kept the cost in mind and laid emphasis on completing the projects on time.

Once again quoting Goswami Tulsidas, PM Modi highlighted the need to create a system that supports the poor and weeds out the non deserving. He informed that in the last 10 years, 10 crore fake names have been weeded out of the documents. “Today, every paisa reaches the bank account of the beneficiary who is entitled to it. Fight against corruption and action against corrupt people has been the priority of the government”, he said.

PM Modi underlined that the positive results of this belief can be witnessed in the development works carried out in the nation as he apprised the nation about the latest report released by NITI Aayog yesterday which states that almost 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 9 years by the efforts of the present government. Calling it a historic and unprecedented achievement, especially in a nation where slogans for eradicating poverty have been raised for decades, the Prime Minister said that it is the result of the government’s priority for the welfare of the poor since coming to power in 2014. The Prime Minister expressed the belief that the poor of this country have the potential to defeat poverty if they are given the means and resources. “We can see this becoming a reality today”, he added. He stated that the government spent on health, education, employment and self-employment, and increasing the facilities for the poor. “When the potential of the poor strengthened and facilities were provided, they started coming out of poverty”, he said noting that it is another good news before the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. “Poverty can be reduced in India, this is going to fill everyone with a new belief and will increase the confidence of the country”, he remarked. PM Modi credited the reduction in poverty to the rise of the neo-middle class and the proliferation of the middle class. He said that people in the world of economy realize the potential of the growth of neo-middle class and their contribution towards economic activities. “In such a situation, NACIN must fulfil its responsibility with more seriousness.

PM Modi further elaborated his Sabka Prayas call from the ramparts of the Red Fort by illustrating it with the life of Lord Ram. He recalled Shri Ram’s wise use of resources in his fight against Ravan and converting them into a massive force. He concluded by asking the officers to realize their role in nation-building and called for collective efforts to increase the country’s income, and investment and enhance ease of doing business.

Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Y S Jahan Mohan Reddy, Union Minister for Finance, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal were present on the occasion among others.

Background

In a step towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of improving governance through Civil Service Capacity Building, the new state-of-the-art campus of National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) at Palasamudram, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh was conceptualized and built. Spread in 500 acres, the academy is the apex institution of the Government of India for capacity building in the field of Indirect Taxation (Customs, Central Excise and Goods and Services Tax) and Narcotics Control Administration. The national-level world-class training institute will impart training to the officials of the Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes) as well as to the central allied services, state governments & partner nations.

With the addition of this new campus, the NACIN will focus on the use of new-age technologies such as Augmented & Virtual Reality, Blockchain as well as Artificial Intelligence and other emerging Technologies for training and capacity building.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh today. Shri Modi heard verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan in Telugu and witnessed the tale of Jatayu visually presented through the traditional shadow puppetry art form from Andhra Pradesh known as Tholu Bommalata.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“For all those who are devotees of Prabhu Shri Ram, Lepakshi holds great significance. Today, I had the honour of praying at the Veerbhadra Temple. I prayed that the people of India be happy, healthy and scale new heights of prosperity.”

“At the Veerbhadra Temple, Lepakshi, heard the Ranganatha Ramayana and also saw a puppet show on the Ramayan.”