Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal participated in the Stakeholders Meeting aimed at unlocking the Export Import (EXIM) trade potential of Dhubri port at Dhubri, Assam today. Organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the meet was attended by senior officials of IWAI, including Sanjay Bandopadhyay, Chairman, IWAI as well as Inland Waterways Transport, Government of Assam along with stakeholders & business groups from Bangladesh and Bhutan. The meeting discussed various issues plaguing the smooth operation of the port as well as other limitations faced by the business interest groups to optimally use the Dhubri port.

Speaking on the occasion, the Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we have been working constantly to improve the transportation sector of the country. Going by the ‘Transformation via Transportation’ vision of PM Modi ji, we have given increasing importance to rejuvenate our rich and complex inter web of riverine system to act as an effective alternative mode of communication for both cargo and passenger traffic. It has been established that inland waterways is the most cost effective, efficient, environment friendly mode of modern transportation. By investing in the infrastructure to ensure smooth conduit via inland waterways, we are committed to unlock the value & economic potential of the interior parts of India. Dhubri, with its rich history as a thriving river port, is poised to unlock huge value by acting as a lynchpin of growth for the region. Today, after our discussion with the trade stakeholders from Bhutan, Bangladesh and India, we have our task cut out. I assure you that all their needs and concerns will be satisfied in a time bound manner so that the optimum potential of Dhubri port can be realised. Given the immense potential of Dhubri port, we are also considering building a  modern integrated office complex where offices of Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affair will be present. A new warehouse as well as a new road are also being considered to be built at Dhubri port which will not only make it an attractive proposition but also allows our stakeholders an opportunity to unlock mutual growth in the region.”

Highlighting the role of Dhubri and the region in the overall growth of the region, the Shri Sonowal, said, “Northeast India has remained more or less stagnant during the six decades of misrule by the Congress. None can deny the importance and opportunity that Northeast has received under the dynamic Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji during nine years since 2014. As Modi ji has identified Northeast as the Ashta Lakshmi of India, there is no looking back for the region to get on with the growth and development. During these nine years, all the state capitals of the region, including Aizawl and Gangtok, situated at a considerable height from sea level, are being connected to the railway network of the country. Given our rich interweb of riverine system, the Modi government identified as many as 21 rivers of Northeast as National Waterways. For optimum utilisation & unlock tremendous value from this unique opportunity, our government remain deeply committed to invest and improve our infrastructure and provide a conducive environment for all our stakeholders to secure mutual growth and development. I have come to Dhubri on the directive of our Prime Minister as he is very much invested in the thought of unlocking the trade potential of this region where Dhubri port plays a crucial role. Given Modi ji’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’  I am sure Dhubri port will reclaim its past glory.”

During the stakeholders meet, the stakeholders spoke about various issues and opportunities pertaining to the Dhubri Port. Among them, enhancement capacity of weigh bridge, installation moveable conveyor, exploring business 24*7 for swift movement of heavy vehicles, dredging needs especially during dry season for smooth passage of vessels, were raised. It was also communicated during the meeting that all the customs process will be digitised at Dhubri Port while the Port at Jogighopa is also likely to be operational within this year.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever National Training Conclave at the International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Prime Minister’s address was replete with many anecdotes and stories emanating from his rich political and administrative experience. By giving such examples in his address, he emphasised the importance of aspects like service orientation of government work, ownership in realising the aspirations of common man, need to break hierarchy and using experience of every person in organisation, importance of Jan Bhagidari, the zeal to improve and innovate the system, among other things. He added that the training modules should be oriented and developed such that these aspects are inculcated in the government officials.

Discussing his experience of earlier serving as CM and later as PM, Prime Minister underlined that the government has never lacked talented, dedicated and committed officials. He said that just like the institution of the Army has built impeccable credibility in the eyes of public, it is the responsibility of all government servants to further increase the faith of people in the government system.

Prime Minister said that training should also inculcate a whole of government approach, adding that all efforts must be made to nurture the potential of the officials. He also emphasised that the old approach where posting in the training institutions was seen as punishment posting is changing. He said that training institutes are one of the most important places as they nurture the personnel who work in government for many decades.

Prime Minister also discussed the vertical and horizontal silos and the shackles of hierarchy, exhorting officials to overcome them to seek out those with experience, regardless of hierarchy.

Prime Minister emphasised that training should inculcate the importance of Jan Bhagidari in every government servant. Explaining this to the audience, he credited the success of Swachh Bharat Mission, Aspirational Districts Programme, Amrit Sarovar and the substantial share of India in digital payments in the world, to Jan Bhagidari.

Prime Minister said that training is for every level and for everyone, and in this sense, the iGOT Karmayogi platform has brought about a level playing field as it provides opportunities to everyone for training. He said that iGOT Karmayogi registration crossing the 10 Lakh user base mark shows that people in the system are keen to learn. He added that Karmayogi Mission seeks to improve the orientation, mindset and approach of the government personnel so that they feel content and happy, and as a by-product of this improvement, the governance system improves organically.

He wished all participants of the conclave the best for the day-long deliberations and suggested them to come up with actionable inputs which will help in improving training infrastructure in the country. He also suggested making an institutional mechanism for organising the Conclave at regular intervals.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared articles, graphics, videos and information about various Government schemes which highlight the undeterred resolve of the citizens.

The Prime Minister tweeted :

“Proud to serve a nation that’s marching forward with undeterred resolve. From multilateral platforms to Aatmanirbhar Bharat to ‘Make in India’, every stride is a testament to the strength and spirit of our people.
#9YearsOfIndiaFirst”

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways  Shri Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated  the Shelad to Nandura project costing Rs 816 crore on Amravati-Chikhali National Highway 53 at Khamgaon , Buldhana, Maharashtra.

National Highway 53 is important as an important trade link between Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha or states in the country. Also, this highway is a highway connecting Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, (Khamgaon) Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra. This highway is also important as it has good connectivity for Raipur-Nagpur-Surat or East-West corridor.

The total length of the quadrangle project of Sadar Shelad-Nandura division is 45 km and includes 14 km greenfield bypass, 4 major bridges, 16 minor bridges, 63 culverts, 1 ROB, 8 vehicle underpasses, 2 pedestrian underpasses, 12 bus shelters. This project will be useful for the famous silver market of Silver City Khamgaon, which is a subdivision of Buldhana district.

With this project the problem of traffic congestion in Khamgaon city has been solved and it will also help in reducing the number of accidents. Vehicle underpass and ROB will ensure the safety of road users. The project will facilitate reaching Shegaon, Lonar or religiously and geographically important places. The project will lead to development of tourism, health, education and employment generation.

Under the Central Government’s Amrit Sarovar scheme of opening the ponds under the highway project, Jalkumbhachi has been constructed, this has helped in removing the problem of water-drainage in hot and dry areas like Khamgaon.

A program was announced for the Malkapur-Buldhana-Chikhli road with a cost of Rs 1,200 crore and Balapur-Shegaon or 22 km road with a cost of Rs 350 crore. Besides, approval was given for the work of 25 crores from Chikhali to Thakarkhed and other roads.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala laid the foundation stone of Modernisation and Upgradation Works of Cochin Fishing Harbour at Thoppumpady, Kerala.

This project is being developed at an estimated cost of 169.17 crores. The overall project is funded through Grants from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme under the Department of Fisheries (Rs.50 Crores) and the Sagarmala Project scheme of MoPSW (Rs.50 Crores) and investment of PPP Operator is Rs.55.84 Crores.

The first stage of the project includes construction of three air-conditioned Auction Halls, one non-air-conditioned hall, one fish dressing unit and other ancillary units. Under this project, internal roads will be constructed, loading and unloading platforms will be built, waste management area will be developed and there will be canteen facilities, drivers’ waiting area, dredging work, areas machinery and equipment etc. The construction of four temperature-controlled auction halls of 60mx18m with mechanical retrieval and conveyance will increase the capacity of the fishing harbour by 415 tonnes of fish per day.

During the inauguration, Shri Sarbananada Sonowal said, ‘our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi believes in doubling production and boosting the fisheries sector. Under his leadership, both MoPSW and the Fisheries Department are working together to make this project a reality. Development of Cochin Fisheries harbour will support the fishermen and will boost the economy.’

‘It is envisaged the export of fish and fish products will be Rs. 1500 crores per annum on completion of the project. In addition, there will be substantial improvement in the hygienic conditions’, Shri Sonowal added.

The Thoppumpady harbour witnesses 10 months of fishing activity with peak season during August to November. On average, there are about 40 to 60 boats landing in the harbour, which contributes to a catch of 250 tons per day. The major fish items landed at the harbour are shrimps, cuttlefish, carangids, ribbon fish, seer fish, tuna and marlins.

The flagship Sagarmala Program of MoPSW is leading the Maritime development of the country with 802 projects worth Rs. 5.5 lakh Crore targeted to be executed by 2035. Out of which, 202 projects worth Rs. 99,281 Crore have been completed. A total of 29 projects worth Rs. 45,000 Crore have been successfully implemented under PPP model, thus, reducing the financial burden on the exchequer. Additional 32 PPP projects worth Rs. 51,000 Crore are currently being implemented. Further, there are more than 200 projects worth Rs. 2.12 lakh Crore under construction and expected to be completed in 2 years’ time.

Under Sagarmala, MoPSW has partially funded 171 projects worth Rs. 10,900 Crore across coastal states and UTs. Out of 171 projects, 48 projects worth Rs. 2,900 Crore have been completed and 123 projects worth Rs. 8,000 Crore are under various stages of implementation and development. In FY 22-23, 37 projects worth Rs. 2500 Crore have been sanctioned by this Ministry under the Sagarmala Scheme. To harness the efficiency of the private sector in operations, 52 projects worth Rs. 40,200 Crore have been completed at Major Ports in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Further, 84 projects worth Rs. 49,500 Crore are under various stages of implementation and development. In addition to the above, Sagarmala Development Company Limited has invested Rs. 530 Crore in 4 projects in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal, which have been completed.

It is to be noted under the Sagarmala Programme of MoPSW till now 9 fishing harbour projects worth Rs 620 crores have been completed: benefitting 30,000 fishermen. Apart from this, modernization of 5 fishing harbours has been done at a cost of ~Rs. 550 crores.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared articles, graphics, videos and information about the initiatives that have strengthened middle class of the country and expanded their opportunities.

The Prime Minister tweeted :

“The middle class is at the forefront of driving growth and innovation. Their hard work defines the spirit of New India. Our government has consistently worked towards greater ‘Ease Of Living’ for the benefit of the middle class. #9YearsOfEnabledMiddleClass”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has appreciated ‘Nutri Garden Project’ in Lakshadweep. Shri Modi said that this initiative has shown how enthusiastic the people of Lakshadweep are about learning and adopting new things.

The project was launched as a result of the development objective of self-reliant India in which vegetable seeds has been provided to 1000 farmers.

Moreover, 7000 chickens of indigenous breeds were distributed to the women of Lakshadweep families with income less than Rs.600 under the Backyard Poultry Scheme.

In response to the tweet thread by Governor of Lakshadweep, the Prime Minister tweeted;

“सराहनीय प्रयास, बेहतरीन परिणाम! इस पहल ने दिखाया है कि लक्षद्वीप के लोग नई चीजें सीखने और अपनाने को लेकर कितने उत्साहित रहते हैं।”

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the young ignited minds of the country to come out with new ideas & innovations and help the Government in making India a developed nation by 2047 as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He was addressing the convocation ceremony of Gopal Narayan Singh University in Rohtas district of Bihar on June 10, 2023.

Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that India has entered its golden age and it is surging ahead at an unprecedented pace to become a developed nation by 2047 at the end of ‘Amrit Kaal’. He stated that due to the government’s efforts, India is among the top five economies of the world and it will become the third largest economy by 2027, according to a report by investment firm Morgan Stanley.

The Raksha Mantri also shed light on the growth of the start-up ecosystem in the country, pointing out that the number of start-ups has skyrocketed to nearly one lakh today, including over 100 unicorns, from just 500 seven-eight years ago. He emphasised that the youth has the potential and capability to take the nation to greater heights and contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Shri Rajnath Singh also urged the students to lay emphasis on connecting with the country’s cultures, values and traditions, as much as they focus on obtaining education and knowledge. “Your values ​​are not only your identity in the world, but it is also that of your parents, teachers and the country,” he said.

The Raksha Mantri exhorted the students to concentrate on character building, highlighting that India is a place where a person’s worth is not only assessed by his/her knowledge, but also through values & behavior and how proficiently that skill is used. Ego, overconfidence and self-centered attitude are some of the biggest roadblocks to growth, he said, adding that the aim should be to move forward taking everyone together on the path of progress.

Shri Rajnath Singh urged the students to keep grooming themselves spiritually, while the educational institutions nurture them at academic and mental level. He was of the view that when a person develops spiritual consciousness, he/she thinks about the development of the nation as much as one’s own growth.

The Raksha Mantri also called upon the teaching fraternity to light the eternal flame of learning in the hearts & minds of students. He described it as the most crucial part of an individual’s personality, which not only ensures personal growth, but also the development of society.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, the Start-up movement promoted by PM Narendra Modi is now reaching every part of India including the B-Towns and the 2-day “Young Start-up Expo” at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir offers an opportunity to explore new avenues for industry as well as entrepreneurs in the region. Dr. Jitendra Singh said this while inaugurating 2-day ‘Young Start-up Expo’ at Udhampur.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, under PM Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir is given the top most priority in everything which is the reason that J&K is competing in terms of development with the developed states and UTs in India.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the year 2023 is important for many reasons as this is the year India has been able to attain G20 Presidency, this Year is being celebrated as International Year of Millets by UN due to the efforts of PM Narendra Modi which shows how the stature of India has grown in the world under the present government

Dr Jitendra Singh said, Start-ups in India grew 300 times in the last 9 years as from just around 350 Start-ups before 2014, there has been a quantum jump in Start-ups to more than 90,000 with more than 100 Unicorns.

Dr Jitendra Singh further said, India had no dearth of talent, capability, innovation and creativity in the youth, but they were lacking a favourable milieu and proper patronage from the political leadership which was provided by Prime Minister Modi.

Focus of the PM Modi led Government in the last 9 years has not been just to create employment but also to build entrepreneurship, said Dr Jitendra Singh.

The mantra of PM Narendra Modi ‘StartUp India, StandUp India’ is creating millions of job opportunities for the youth of this country who are gradually coming out of the government job mind-set and are ready to take the plunge and create new opportunities in niche sectors, in turn creating scores of job opportunities.

Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Dr. Zabeer Ahmad termed this day as historic for district Udhampur which has been chosen for this two day ‘Start-up Conclave’. Dr. Zabeer emphasized, people of district Udhampur and other nearest districts must visit this ‘Start-up Conclave’ so that they will be informed, counselled about the benefits of Start-ups which are the engines of economic growth.

The StartUp conclave was attended by Chairperson DDC Udhampur, Sh. Lal Chand, Vice Chairperson DDC, Juhi Manhas Pathania, Director CSIR-IIIM, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Sh. Sachin Kumar Vaishya, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Sh. Mohammad Suleman Choudhary, SSP Udhampur, Dr. Vinod Kumar besides BDCs, DDCs and other officers of district administration.

Mr. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI had called on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi yesterday.

Replying to a tweet by CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, the Prime Minister tweeted:

“Thank you for the insightful conversation Sam Altman. The potential of AI in enhancing India’s tech ecosystem is indeed vast and that too among the youth in particular. We welcome all collaborations that can accelerate our digital transformation for empowering our citizens.”

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah reviewed the preparations of Amarnath Yatra at a high level meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau, Director General of Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force, Director General of Border Roads Organisation, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, other senior officials of Army, Central Government and Jammu and Kashmir administration.

During the meeting, the Union Home Minister said that it is the priority of the Modi government that Amarnath pilgrims should have comfortable darshan and should not face any difficulty. He directed to make adequate security arrangements on the entire route of Shri Amarnath Yatra. The Union Home Minister stressed on providing smooth arrangements on the route from the airport and railway station to the yatra base camp. He directed to provide air service from Srinagar and Jammu at night for the convenience of the pilgrims.

Shri Amit Shah directed to ensure adequate stock of oxygen cylinders and their refilling. He also asked for availability of additional teams of doctors. Home Minister also directed for adequate number of medical beds and deployment of ambulances and helicopters to meet any medical emergency. Shri Shah gave instructions to make proper arrangements for all necessary facilities for Amarnath Yatris, including travel, stay, electricity, water, communication and health. He directed to ensure better communication system on the yatra route and deployment of machines to immediately open route in case of a landslide.

During the meeting, it was apprised that all the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Yatra will be given RFID cards so that their realtime location can be traced. Rs. 5 lakh insurance for each Amarnath Yatri and Rs 50,000 for each animal will be done. Apart from this, arrangements for tent city, Wi-Fi hotspots and proper lighting will be made on the travel route. Additionally, Online- live Darshan of Baba Barfani, live telecast of morning and evening aarti in holy Amarnath cave and religious and cultural programs will be organized at the base camp.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has reiterated the commitment to strengthen Jal Jeevan Mission and has underlined the role of access to clean water in public health.

In a tweet thread Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed that as per a WHO report 4 Lakh lives will be saved from diarrhoeal disease deaths with Universal Tap Water coverage.

Responding to the tweet thread by Union Minister, the Prime Minister tweeted;

“Jal Jeevan Mission was envisioned to ensure that every Indian has access to clean and safe water, which is a crucial foundation for public health. We will continue to strengthen this Mission and boosting our healthcare system.”