Yavatmal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated multiple developmental projects, encompassing rail, road, and irrigation, with a cumulative value exceeding Rs 4900 crores in Yavatmal, Maharashtra. The ceremony also witnessed the release of benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and the initiation of the distribution of 1 crore Ayushman cards across the state.
During the program, the Prime Minister launched the Modi Awaas Gharkul Yojana for OBC category beneficiaries and flagged off two new train services. A significant highlight was the unveiling of the statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay in Yavatmal city, symbolizing the government’s commitment to the ideals and principles he stood for.
Addressing a massive gathering, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the blessings received from the people, especially mothers and sisters. He reminisced about his past interactions in 2014 and 2019 during ‘Chai par Charcha’ and sought the public’s support once again.
Reflecting on Chhatrapati Shivaji’s rule, which completed 350 years, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s dedication to national consciousness and strength, aligning with Shivaji’s ideals. He reiterated his four priorities – the poor, youth, women, and farmers – linking them to the various projects unveiled, including irrigation facilities, pucca houses, financial assistance, and infrastructure for the youth.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the efficient disbursal of financial assistance, particularly under PM KISAN Samman Nidhi, ensuring that the deserving poor receive their share. He underlined the double guarantee of the double-engine government in Maharashtra, mentioning the disbursement of Rs 3800 crores to 88 lakh beneficiary farmers.
Providing statistics, the Prime Minister stated that 11 crore farmers across the country have received Rs 3 lakh crore under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, with Maharashtra alone receiving Rs 30,000 crore. He also spoke about the increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane and the launch of the world’s largest scheme for constructing food storage.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening the rural economy, recalling the scarcity of water in villages during previous administrations. He stated that the government’s commitment to ‘Har Ghar Jal’ has significantly improved tap water access, benefiting over 75 out of 100 families in just 4-5 years.
In the context of irrigation projects, the Prime Minister acknowledged the completion of 60 out of 100 projects in the last 10 years, emphasizing the government’s dedication to addressing the long-pending issues faced by farmers.
The Prime Minister also detailed initiatives for empowering women, including the distribution of e-rickshaws in Yavatmal district and the NaMo Drone Didi scheme training women as drone pilots.
Dedicating the statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the Prime Minister highlighted various projects in the last decade, aligning with Upadhyaya’s Antyodaya philosophy. Initiatives such as free ration, free medical treatment, and the Ayushman cards distribution campaign were launched as part of this commitment.
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that the campaign to empower the poor, farmers, youth, and women will intensify in the coming years, promising rapid growth and a better life for every family in Vidarbha.
Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Shri Ajit Pawar, along with other dignitaries, were present at the occasion. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, joined virtually.
In a remarkable step for farmer welfare, the Prime Minister released the 16th installment of over Rs 21,000 crores under PM-KISAN, benefiting more than 11 crore farmers’ families. The event also witnessed the disbursement of the 2nd and 3rd installments of ‘Namo Shetkari MahaSanman Nidhi’ worth about Rs 3800 crores, benefiting 88 lakh farmers in Maharashtra. Additionally, Rs 825 crores of Revolving Fund were distributed to 5.5 lakh women Self Help Groups across Maharashtra.
The Prime Minister initiated the distribution of one crore Ayushman cards, launched the Modi Awaas Gharkul Yojana for OBC category beneficiaries, and dedicated numerous irrigation, rail, and road projects aimed at boosting socio-economic development in Maharashtra.