PANAJI
Turning a virtual interaction with beneficiaries of the Atmanirbhar Bharat-Swayampurna Goa into a political platform Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday batted for a 'double-engine' government -- headed by the BJP both in the State and the Centre, which he said would usher in development as well as clarity in government policy.
Modi also spelled out the assistance provided by the central government to Goa for raising infrastructure, while also underlining the importance of the State in the country's tourism plans.
“Goa needs the continuity of a double engine. Goa needs clear policy like now, a stable government like now, it needs a spirited leadership,” Modi said during an interactive session.
The session was attended by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, deputy Chief Ministers Manohar Ajgaonkar and Chandrakant Kavlekar, the state government's swayampurna mitras and beneficiaries of the schemes launched under the dual Atmanirbhar Bharat-Swayampurna Goa initiatives launched by the central and state government respectively.
“Goa has whatever is needed for the creation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, which is why the complete development of Goa is a priority for the double engine government. Friends, the double engine government is paying special attention towards creating infrastructure in rural, urban and coastal areas,” the Prime Minister also said.
Modi also made note of the investments made by the Centre in a series of expansive infrastructure projects in Goa, which the Prime Minister said would create new avenues for international and national connectivity.
“The central government is spending five times the quantum of funds on upgrading rural infrastructure in Goa, than what used to be allocated in the past... The central government has allotted Goa Rs 500 crore for the upgradation of rural infrastructure. This will speed up development in the agriculture and animal husbandry sector,” he added.
Modi further said the fact that the country had carried out 100 crore Covid vaccinations would provide a foundation for resurgence of tourism.
“India has crossed the 100 crore vaccination figure. This has increased the confidence among the people of India and among tourists too,” Modi said.
“Now when you are preparing for Diwali, Christmas and New Year, then in this season of festivals and holidays one will be able to see a new energy in the tourism sector in Goa...
Domestic and international tourist footfalls to Goa will also definitely increase. This is a good sign for the tourism sector in Goa,” the Prime Minister also said.
He also said that the environment and tourism sectors in Goa were directly linked to the development of the country.
“Goa is an important centre for tourism in India. In the fast-progressing Indian economy, the share of tour travel and hospitality industry is increasing continuously. It is obvious that Goa has a contribution towards this end,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi also said that while Goa is conventionally associated with fun and tourism, the state had presented a new model of development for the country, by topping the list of states vis a vis numerous central government initiatives.
"I had said from the ramparts of the Red fort on August 15, that we should take these schemes to saturation point to ensure 100 percent coverage. Pramod Sawant and his team is playing a leading role in achieving these objectives. India made freedom from open defecation as a target and Goa reached 100 percent objective," Modi said.
The country created a target for providing electricity in every home, Goa ensured this happened 100 percent. Goa was the first to reach 100 percent completion of the Har Ghar Jal target, Goa has achieved 100 percent coverage of providing free ration to the poor too," he also said.
"I am pleased to say that Goa has successfully implemented schemes initiated by the central government for ensuring safety and respect of women, whether it is toilets, Ujwala gas connections or the Jan Dhan bank account. Goa has done great work on this count," Modi said.
