No Viksit Bharat without States becoming developed: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised that India cannot become Viksit Bharat without all states becoming developed, and stressed the importance of ease of doing business to attract investments.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at the Niti Aayog’s 11th Governing Council meeting held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Briefing the media about the day-long meeting, Niti Aayog Vice-Chairperson Ashok Kumar Lahiri also informed that chief ministers of all 28 states participated and the discussions focused on the ‘Inclusive Human Development Framework’.

The Prime Minister, as well as the chief ministers, spoke on various aspects related to energy security, including rooftop solar energy.

Modi, who is the Chairperson of the Council, also asked the states to estimate GDP at the district level to ascertain development and growth at the micro level, a Niti Aayog member informed.

Responding to a question, Lahiri said the Prime Minister, chief ministers and the other members of the Governing Council are aware that India needs planned urbanisation. He said no chief minister asked for any specific assistance to deal with the situation created due to the West Asia crisis.

To another query, Lahiri categorically stated that no discussions on paper leaks took place.

Farmers Are Pillars of Food Security: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised that farmers are the pillars of the country’s food security and the government is leaving no stone unturned to make their lives easier. Modi also said initiatives like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and Fasal Bima Yojana are securing farmers’ income and empowering agriculture, while the PM-KUSUM scheme provides accessible solar energy, thereby reducing farming expenditures. “Our farmer brothers and sisters are the pillars of the country’s food security, nutrition, and prosperity, and the government is leaving no stone unturned to make their lives easier,” he was quoted as saying in a release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The prime minister pointed out that the Kisan Credit Card is proving to be highly beneficial in providing easy, low-interest loans to farmers, cattle rearers and fishermen, while the “from seed to market” initiative is effectively ensuring fair prices for crops.

Modi said the welfare of farmers is among the top priorities of the government, which is why there has been a continuous emphasis on providing them with modern agricultural facilities.

He also highlighted that campaigns related to drones, soil health cards and natural fertilisers are actively helping farmers increase their crop productivity.