New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation in the 15th edition of the 'Mann Ki Baat'. Here is all what the PM said in the year's last edition of the popular radio programme:-
"Startup India, Stand up India"
The government will unveil a blueprint for start-ups in the country on January 16, PM Narendra Modi said in the radio programme.
"Startup India, Stand up India programme will connect bright minds from Information Technology in all colleges through live connectivity. Youth all over India have the talent and the capability to propel India's growth," the PM added.
Tourist destinations need attention of cleanliness
PM Modi highlighted the need to pay attention to cleanliness in India`s tourist destinations.
"I am pleased to note that we keep on getting news regarding cleanliness drive. There is a need to pay attention to cleanliness in our tourist destinations. I thank media for highlighting positive stories about cleanliness from different parts of the country," he said.
"We believe in "Atithi Devo Bhava", we clean our house when guests come over. Then why won`t we clean our tourist destinations. Greater the cleanliness of our tourist destination, brighter will be the image of India in the world," he added.
"We must ensure cleanliness at tourist places," Modi said mentioning a letter written by Ganesh. V. Sawaleshwarakr from Pune.
He said Ganesh raised a vital point on the importance of cleanliness in the tourist places.
Address the disable as 'divyaang'
PM Modi urged the nation to address the persons with disabilities as `divyaang`, meaning divine body, saying they are endowed with extraordinary power in certain other ways.
Accessible India programme
The PM also spoke about the recently launched Accessible India programme to make transport, hospitals, school buildings, parkings and lifts disabled friendly. He also recounted a phone call by Ahmedabad resident Dilip Chauhan telling the Prime Minister how he celebrated Accessible India in his school.
Republic Day
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity launch a campaign for the upcoming Republic Day to espouse the people to think and write something about duties which are enshrined in the Constitution. He asked students in schools and colleges and members of society to organise essay competitions, debates and poem recitals on duties of a citizen and also share their views through myGov.in website.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme
PM Modi expressed satisfaction over the successful implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. The PM said that nearly forty thousand crore rupees have reached beneficiaries` accounts under various schemes. Noting that DBT is the largest programme of its kind in the world, the Prime Minister said, 35 to 40 schemes are being included under the DBT initiative.
It has found its place in Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest scheme of direct benefit transfer.He said nearly 15 crore LPG customers have already joined PAHAL, Pratyaksha Hastaantarit Laabh, scheme by the end of November and the subsidy is going directly in their accounts.
Electrification of villages
PM Modi asserted that the Centre was fully committed to its promise of providing electricity to villages across the country within 1000 days.
"Ever since we have pledged to provide electricity in all villages within 1000 days, we have been working on that. And when we hear about electricity reaching a new village, we also hear stories about happiness of people of that village," the PM said.
"These stories have not yet reached media adequately but I am sure that they will surely reach such villages. We all should strive to convey such stories that are useful to maximum number of people," he added.
While addressing the last `Mann ki Baat` for the year, the PM asserted that all the citizens can connect with him by downloading `Narendra Modi` App on the mobile phones.
Prime Minister Modi had earlier said that more than 3,000 villages across the country had been provided electricity in around 100 days by the Government.
Greetings to nation on Christmas and new year
PM Modi extended his wishes to the nation on the ocassion of Christmas and new year.
