Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continuous tenure of over 4,400 days is a significant achievement in democratic history.
He noted that Prime Minister Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for nearly 13 years before becoming Prime Minister, completing 25 years in public office. He said that working dedicatedly in the national interest without taking a single day off has been a hallmark of Prime Minister Modi’s working style.
The Union Minister was speaking at the Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan here on Thursday, organised by the city BJP under the theme of “12 Years of Trust, Development, and Public Welfare” campaign, to commemorate the completion of 12 years of the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Union Minister said he had the privilege of visiting the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal and paying tribute to Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said that these three great personalities had a special influence on his life, and their thoughts and ideals continue to inspire nation-building even today.
He said Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee dedicated his life to the unity and integrity of the nation and that his struggle to keep Kashmir an integral part of India will always be remembered. He further said that Dr Mukherjee was independent India’s first Industry Minister and worked from 1947 to 1950 to strengthen the country’s industrial foundation. Goyal said that as the Minister of Commerce and Industry under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he has the opportunity to carry forward that legacy.
Goel said that Prime Minister Modi has dedicated his entire life to making India a global power, improving the living standards of 1.4 billion countrymen, and bringing development to the last person in the country. The Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” has become the foundation of the country’s development today.
The Union Minister said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has made significant progress towards self-reliance. He said the resolve to build a developed India by 2047 is not just the government’s resolution but that of 1.4 billion citizens. He added that when every citizen fulfils their duties and contributes to nation-building, India will progress rapidly on the path of development.
Referring to global circumstances, he said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and ongoing conflicts in West Asia, India has advanced its economy robustly. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has established its distinct identity on the global stage, and today, the world sees India as a symbol of hope and stability.
Referring to the central government’s public welfare schemes, Piyush Goyal said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Modi ensured that no citizen of the country went to bed hungry. Through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, free rations were provided to 800 million people. Under the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, free vaccines were made available to citizens, saving the lives of millions.
He said that through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, crores of poor families have been provided with pucca houses. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, tap water has been provided to crores of homes. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, crores of toilets have been constructed, ensuring the dignity and health security of women. Through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, crores of families are receiving the benefit of free health insurance, and efforts are being made to connect senior citizens over 70 years of age with health security.
He said that Prime Minister Modi, recognising the potential of the cooperative sector, established a separate Ministry of Cooperation. Under the leadership of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, this sector has gained new direction and momentum. Today, crores of people across the country are associated with cooperative institutions, and efforts are underway to empower them economically.
Piyush Goyal said that the central government has fought a decisive battle against Naxalism and the country is rapidly moving towards a Naxal-free India. He said that as a result of the central government’s policies, security, development, and public welfare have gained new momentum.
Referring to the five vows given by Prime Minister Modi, he said that through building a developed India, freedom from the mentality of slavery, pride in heritage, unity and solidarity and commitment to civic duties, India will move forward towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.