Presenting the government's report card, Patel highlighted key achievements and expressed hope for continued support in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The Modi government has not only focused on "seva (service), sushan (good governance), and garib kalyan (welfare of the poor)," but has also significantly bolstered India's international image over the past nine years, according to Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel. Presenting the BJP-led government's comprehensive "report card" highlighting its achievements, Patel stressed the transformative impact of their policies.
Rather than simply holding a press conference, the intention was to present the report card to the people, with the hope that they would choose to support the Modi government once again in 2024.
Patel lauded several noteworthy initiatives undertaken by the Modi government, including the provision of free foodgrains to 80 crore people, the distribution of tap water connections to 11.88 crore households, the construction of 3.5 crore houses for the poor under the PM Awas Yojana, and the building of 11.72 crore toilets through the Swachh Bharat Mission. He also highlighted the success of schemes such as providing loans worth Rs 39.65 crore to small entrepreneurs and implementing Direct Bank Transfer through the Mudra Yojana.
Furthermore, Patel mentioned significant healthcare milestones, such as the Ayushman Bharat program, which offers free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per annum, the provision of free Covid vaccination to all citizens, and the export of vaccines to 50 other countries. He also emphasized the achievements in infrastructure development, including the construction of over 50,000 km of national highways, the establishment of 390 universities, 700 medical colleges, 15 AIIMS, and the construction of the highest railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir.
Patel proudly highlighted India's position as the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones and the third-largest player in the automobile sector. He also mentioned that India produces 40 percent of the world's millet. Looking ahead, Patel outlined the roadmaps for the future, which include focusing on automobiles, telecommunications, ease of doing business, environmental conservation, and a balanced approach to cultural heritage and development, combining both traditional and modern elements. He expressed his belief that these strategies will shape the next 25 years during the "Amritkaal."
On the occasion, former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unwavering support to the state and highlighted various development projects such as AIIMS, Medical Device Park, Bulk Drug Park, and the Atal Rohtang Tunnel. He also mentioned the ongoing construction of four-lane projects worth Rs 41,000 crore in the state. State BJP President Rajiv Bindal emphasized India's elevated global standing under PM Modi's leadership, noting that the Indian economy has jumped from the tenth to the fifth position since 2014. The BJP-led government celebrated its nine years in office on May 26, showcasing their commitment to transformative governance and inclusive development.
(With PTI Inputs)