Giving credit to all parties - allies and Opposition, for paving the way for successful implementation of GST from July 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was the sign of a mature democracy where parties joined hands to pass an Act that would take the country to the path of economic development. “India is sitting at the cusp of an economic revolution. Dreams of people will manifest into reality from July 1 after the Goods and Service Tax (GST) will come into effect. There would be some teething problems but the Government is there to redress traders’ grievances,” the PM said while inaugurating the new 34-acre campus of Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) in lucknow on Tuesday.
Modi said that world will watch this transformation with awe as how political parties with different ideologies, supported the Government in implementation of GST.
“The credit of this goes to all state governments and all political parties, who showed to the world that for them country was bigger than the party. “Dal nahi desh bada hota hai”, “ PM said and added that he hoped that the new journey which the country will embark upon from July 1, would be a success. The PM also dedicated a 400 KV DC transmission line between lucknow and Kanpur. Prior to that, Modi went to Central Drug Research Instutute and inaugurated their new campus.
The PM spoke at length on making India self-reliant in different fields including Defence and Healthcare. “The Government has done its bit by throwing open FDI in Defence sectors. We have launched different schemes like ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Make in India’ that would boost indigenous research,” said he. Quoting former President APJ Abdul Kalam, Modi said, “Science is universal but technology should be local. Youths should take the help of technology to serve mankind and change the quality of life of the people.”
Exhorting youths to devote themselves in the field of Defence and Medical Sciences, the Pm in his 35-minute speech said,”Our youth can think about start-ups and innovation in Health sector, particularly in Healthcare equipment. We can think about making strides in indigenous Defence manufacturing. But it is important for the youth of India to be connected with the latest technology.”
“World took notice when India launched 104 satellites. We have such potential and have to take it forward. When we talk about science, technology and innovation, it is natural to think about Dr. Kalam and this technical university is a dedication to the great scientist,” the PM said. “We are moving forward with the dream of how to make India self-dependent in defence and security,” he said.
Mentioning about his visit to CDRI before coming to AKTU, Modi said,”Our scientists are working continuously for making cheap and effective drugs for the people. They spend their entire life in laboratories,like ‘rishis’ (monks), only to serve mankind. I had the opportunity to spend time at CSIR-CDRI and see the good work that our scientists are doing,” he said.
During his speech, the PM also appreciated Governor Ram Naik for his tireless work to improve the education system in state universities.
“Without any discipline nothing can improve. This has happened in state universities in UP where 24 out of the 28 have improved their systems due to the efforts of Mr Naik,” he added.
Modi also congratulate Yogi Aditynath government for ensuring electricity to all districts without any discrimination. “I think in coming days, more improvement would be done in the power front. Power and energy matter immensely in development journey of a nation. Today solar energy is gaining popularity in India,” he said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath praised the PM’s effort to make Yoga Day an international event.
Addressing the gathering, the CM said that 621 technical universities were linked with AKTU. He said that taking a step further for digitization of the university all payments have became cashless and students are linked with their Adhar number.
Yogi said that evaluation and rejuvenation centers will be established in four technical universities of state which will promote students for their better future and will counter the problem of unemployment.
Talking about state’s initiatives to promote ‘Digital India’, the CM said that UP will have e-office and e-hospital facilities for better results and also to curb corruption and black money.
After inauguration of the new building in AKTU, the PM distributed certificates to 10 beneficiaries of Prime Minister Awas Yojana from rural areas.