Prime Minister after his November 8 crusade against unaccounted money has gone on admitting that fighting corruption was a tedious and humongous task his Government had taken into its hands. He, at the same time, also reaffirmed his resolve to take it to a logical end, come what may.
Speaking on the occasion of foundation laying and inauguration of a slew of developmental projects in Sahibganj on Thursday, the PM also called upon youths to do their bit ahead of 75th anniversary of the Independence.
He maintained that ‘Imandari Ka Yug’ has started in India. “A good life can be led even without looting the poor,” he added.
“Corruption and back money have ruined this country. Stop it one place and it raises head on the other! But I want to assure you that this fight would continue. Those who have amassed wealth would have to return it. I am not going to rest until this happens and will continue taking more and more steps,” said Modi with great deal of resound from the audience coming from all parts of Jharkhand and also from neighbouring Bihar.
The PM also sought contribution of each and every individual in this endeavour, especially youths for at least the next five years. “2022 is
75th anniversary of our Independence. This is not mere a change of date in calendar. Each one of us irrespective of where we are working, living or doing should take a pledge that whatever he or she would do for the next five years, would do for the country, its wellbeing. This is a call of the hour and could be the best tribute to the freedom fighters so they can be rest assured that the country is heading in the right directions,” he said.
The programme saw the PM handing over smart phones to Sakhi Mandal ladies, laying foundation stone of Sahibganj-Manihari Ganga bridge, dedicating 311 kms Govindpur-Sahibganj road to nation, laying foundation stone of river port terminal at Sahibganj and most importantly distributed appointment letters to 956 Pahadia primitive tribe members, including women as constables. Besides, two solar power units for Sahibganj district court and Sadar Hospital also got switched on.
The bridge over Ganga is coming up at the cost of Rs 2200 crore which would connect Bihar with the State. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that it would spread produces of Jharkhand to entire eastern, north-east and even overseas up to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Modi besides, the bridge also praised the upcoming river port. “This is a concept of linking landlocked Jharkhand with the world. This will bring in lots of employment for youths here. Problems of Santhal can only be sorted out through development. Faster it would be done sooner the lives of the people would improve,” said the PM
The PM, who began his nearly hour long speech in Santhali by recalling Birsa Munda, Chand-Bhairo, Nilambar-Pitambar, lauded Chief Minister Raghubar Das for keeping development of backward Santhal Pargana region and its people at the top of his agenda.
“The Chief Minister has thought very progressively for backward Santhal region. Introduction of dairy for the farmers and developing it commercially was not done before. This can bring revolution in the region like Amul did in Gujarat. If need be, Gujarat can chip in to help Jharkhand. This can transform the fate of Santhal,” said Modi.
Terming them poorer than tribals, the PM also patted the decision to raise special battalion for Pahadia primitive tribesmen and addressed the youths with great enthusiasm.
“You people are looking amazing in this gear. You did not get an opportunity to work in any Government previously. This Government has compromised with their height and education standards and they are in mainstreams now,” said the PM.
In order to encourage digital transactions at SHGs, the PM also started smart phone distribution scheme among the ladies and handed over five such phones to them. He took a jibe at the Opposition members for questioning his digital currency initiative and said he would inform them that ladies even in Santhal Pargana know about mobile phones and their various uses. “These Sakhi Mandal women are going to be the soldiers of digital revolution in this country,” said Modi.