Digital connectivity will empower poor, tribal and downtrodden: PM Modi in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: Development was the only response to counter violence, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhilai, virtually kicking off the ruling BJP’s election campaign in Chhattisgarh that has borne the brunt of Maoist insurgency for many years.
He launched projects worth Rs 22,000 crore for the state before asserting at a rally-organised at the conclusion of the first phase of Raman Singh government’s ‘vikas yatra’ -that his government was trying to create an atmosphere of trust through development in the state.
“I believe there is only one response to counter any violence or conspiracy and that is development,” affirmed Modi. “It leads to creating an environment of trust and confidence that eliminates all types of violence. The BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh has shown this.”
With the state going to polls later this year, Modi eulogised various Central and state government welfare programmes and said they were not just schemes but pledges to “brighten up the present and the future of the poor, tribal, deprived and oppressed”.
Peace, law and order and basic amenities were essential for development, said Modi, who inaugurated an expanded and modernised project of the Bhilai Steel Plant, laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of IIT-Bhilai, launched the second phase of Bharat Net project and flagged off the Jagdalpur-Raipur air service under the UDAN project.
The PM said a “new, strong foundation” in Chhattisgarh was being built through Digital Bharat campaign, Bharat Net, Soochna Kranti Yojana, distribution of over 50 lakh smartphones and setting up of over 1,200 mobile towers. “Digital connectivity doesn’t just link the places but also the people,” he said.
Modi also inaugurated the first-of-its-kind Integrated Command and Control Centre for the Smart City in Naya Raipur, which he praised as the country’s first Greenfield city and a model for other states.
Referring to tribal welfare, he said the government was focused on enhancing their income and cited the ‘Van Dhan Yojana’, launched two months ago to ensure tribals get suitable returns for forest produce in the market, as an example of the BJP government’s commitment towards this.
Projects PM launched
Launched Integrated Command and Control Centre for Smart City in Naya Raipur. It will monitor facilities and services like water and power supply, sanitation, traffic movement, integrated building management, city connectivity and internet infrastructure
Inaugurated an expanded and modernised project of Bhilai Steel Plant
Laid foundation stone for a permanent campus of IIT-Bhilai
Launched second phase of Bharat Net project
Inaugurated new air terminal at Jagdalpur; flagged off Jagdalpur-Raipur air service under UDAN scheme