New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his popular radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. 


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PM Modi addressed the nation on a number of issues ranging from water crisis to education. He also thanked citizens for giving up LPG subsidy for the needy.


Water conservation


PM Modi pitched for water conservation efforts in the coming monsoon so as to avert water shortages faced this time around in different parts of the country.


"Can we have a water conservation campaign in village after village this time? People should clean their ponds this year to enhance their storage capacity and farmers may use the pond soil as top layer in their fields. This will help their crops too," he said in the 19th edition of his `Mann Ki Baat` address broadcast by All India Radio.


"Ever since the information that there will be more than normal monsoon this year, people have been excited as the news has brought peace and joy for everyone. Our people must use the opportunity to conserve maximum water this season," Modi said.


PM lauds Railways for water train 


He also appreciated the Indian Railways and the common man in battling the drought-like situation in parts of the country.


"The railways was swift in sending water to Latur (in Maharashtra). It is very commendable. But there are many water conservation initiatives taken by common people across the country which never receive due recognition," the prime minister said.


Modi gave the example of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra where farmers have stopped producing crops which require substantive quantities of water. 


"The farmers have decided not to produce sugarcane. They have switched to fruit and vegetables which require less water," the prime minister added. 


Modi asked the people to take inspiration from villages in Porbandar area of Gujarat where people preserved rainwater in underground tanks in their houses. 


'Quality education is need of the hour'


PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the government should now focus on quality education.


In his 19th radio address `Mann ki Baat`, Modi said that every government has worked to improve education in the country in their own way. 


"So far, the government was focussed on spreading education across the country. But the time has come to shift focus on quality education. Now, the government should emphasise more on learning rather than schooling," Modi said. 


PM thanked citizens for giving up LPG subsidy


"I want to congratulate those one crore families who gave up their subsidies. It is not a small thing," he said in his monthly `Mann ki Baat` broadcast on All India Radio.


The prime minister recalled how he had urged people to give up the subsidy on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 


Moreover, over 80 percent of small-income families of pensioners, farmers, school teachers and shopkeepers, forming the overwhelming bulk of those who surrendered the subsidy, chose to do so by visiting LPG distributors.


"They did not avail of the option of surrender available on mobile apps, online or by simply giving a missed call," he said.
"I want to congratulate those one crore families who gave up their subsidies. It is not a small thing," he said in his monthly `Mann ki Baat` broadcast on All India Radio.


The prime minister recalled how he had urged people to give up the subsidy on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 


Moreover, over 80 percent of small-income families of pensioners, farmers, school teachers and shopkeepers, forming the overwhelming bulk of those who surrendered the subsidy, chose to do so by visiting LPG distributors.


"They did not avail of the option of surrender available on mobile apps, online or by simply giving a missed call," he said.