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PM lays foundation stone and dedicates to nation various development projects in Sikar, Rajasthan

Published By : Admin | July 27, 2023 | 11:15 IST
Dedicates more than 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras
Releases 14th installment amount of about Rs 17,000 crores under PM-KISAN
Launches onboarding of 1600 Farmer Producer Organisations on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
Launches Urea Gold - Sulphur Coated Urea
Inaugurate 5 new medical colleges and lays foundation stone for 7 medical colleges
“Government at the center understands the pains and needs of the farmers”
“The government will not let the urea prices bother our farmers. When a farmer goes to buy urea, he has the belief that there is Modi’s guarantee”
“India can be Viksit only with Viksit villages”
“It is our priority to create modern infrastructure in Rajasthan”
“We all will give a new identity to the pride and heritage of Rajasthan in the whole world”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects in Sikar, Rajasthan today. The projects include dedicating to the nation more than 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs), launching Urea Gold - a new variety of Urea coated with Sulphur, onboarding 1600 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), releasing 14th installment amount of about Rs 17,000 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to 8.5 crore beneficiaries, inaugurating 5 new medical colleges at Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Sirohi, Sikar and Sri Ganganagar, laying the foundation stone for 7 medical colleges at Baran, Bundi, Karauli, Jhunjhunu, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer and Tonk, and inaugurating 6 Eklavya Model Residential Schools located in districts of Udaipur, Banswara, Partapgarh and Dungarpur and Kendriya Vidyalaya Tivri, Jodhpur.

Upon arriving at the venue, the Prime Minister took a walkthrough of the model of PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendra. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister paid tributes to the crores of farmers that have joined today’s program from numerous places in the country and said that the land of Khatu Shyam ji reassures the pilgrims from every nook and corner of India. He expressed gratitude for getting the opportunity to initiate various development programs from the heroic land of Shekhawati and mentioned the direct transfer of the installment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to crores of farmer-beneficiaries. Speaking about the dedication of more than 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras in the country, the Prime Minister said that it would directly benefit crores of farmers at the village and block level. He also mentioned the onboarding of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and said that it would make it easier for the farmers to take their produce to the market from any part of the country. He also mentioned the launch of Urea Gold, new medical colleges and Eklavya Model Schools. The Prime Minister congratulated the people of India as well as crores of farmers for today’s development projects.

Noting the importance of farmers of the Sikar and Shekhawati regions, the Prime Minister paid tribute to their hard work despite the hardships of the terrain. The Prime Minister said that the current government at the center understands the pains and needs of the farmers. The Prime Minister explained how, from seed to market (Beej se Bazaar tak) new systems have been created in the last 9 years. He recalled that the Soil Health Card scheme was launched in Suratgarh in 2015. Through the scheme, crores of farmers are making optimal decisions based on the knowledge about the health of the soil. He said 1.25 PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) will pave the way for the prosperity of the farmers. These Kendras are being developed as one-stop shops for the needs of the farmers. These centers will also provide advanced modern information on agriculture-related issues to the farmers. And these kendras will also provide timely information regarding agriculture schemes of the government also. The Prime Minister advised the farmers to keep visiting the kendras and benefit from the knowledge available there. The Prime Minister informed that an additional 1.75 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) will be established before the end of the year.

The Prime Minister said that the present Government is working in all earnest to reduce the expenses of the farmers and support them in their time of need. Referring to PM Kissan Samman Nidhi, the Prime Minister said that it is the largest scheme in the world where funds are directly transferred into the bank accounts of farmers. He informed that more than 2 lakh 60 thousand crore rupees have been directly transferred to the bank accounts of farmers so far if today’s 14th installment is to be included which has been beneficial to the farmers in covering various expenses. He said that the price of urea in the country is an example of the government saving the farmers’ expenses. Referring to the Coronavirus pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war which led to huge disruptions in the fertilizer sector, the Prime Minister underlined that the present government did not let this affect the farmers of the country. Speaking about the prices of fertilizers, the Prime Minister informed that the bag of urea which costs Rs 266 in India costs about Rs 800 in Pakistan, about Rs 720 in Bangladesh, about Rs 2100 in China and about Rs 3000 in USA. “The government will not let the urea prices bother our farmers”, Shri Modi said, “When a farmer goes to buy urea, he has the belief that it is Modi’s guarantee.”

The Prime Minister talked about the promotion of millet and measures like branding millets as Shree Anna. He said that through the promotion of Shree Anna, its production, processing and export are increasing. He recalled the presence of millets in the Official White House dinner during his recent visit.

The Prime Minister said “India's development is possible only if its villages develop. India can be Viksit only with Viksit villages. That is why the government is working to make all the facilities available in the villages, which were so far available only in the cities”. Mentioning the expanding health infrastructure, the Prime Minister said that Rajasthan had only ten medical colleges till 9 years ago. Today this number has reached 35. This is improving medical facilities in nearby areas and giving opportunities for quality education for the medical students. He said that medical colleges being inaugurated today and those for which the foundation stone is being laid will improve medical infrastructure in many areas of the state. As medical education is being made accessible, the Prime Minister also mentioned the step to provide medical education in the mother tongue, further democratizing it and opening avenues for the deprived sections. “Now any son or daughter of a poor person will not be deprived of the opportunity to become a doctor due to not knowing English. This too is a guarantee of Modi.”

For decades, the Prime Minister said that the villages and the poor were also left behind due to a lack of good schools and education in the villages and lamented that the children of backward and tribal societies had no means to fulfill their dreams. Shri Modi mentioned that the present government increased the budget and resources for education and opened Eklavya residential schools which have hugely benefited the tribal youth.

“Success becomes big only when the dreams are big”, the Prime Minister said. Noting that Rajasthan is a state whose splendor has enchanted the world for centuries, the Prime Minister emphasized preserving the heritage of the land while taking Rajasthan to the height of modern development. That is why, the Prime Minister said, it is our priority to create modern infrastructure in Rajasthan. He mentioned the inauguration of two hi-tech expressways in the last few months and said that Rajasthan is writing a new saga of development through a major section of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway. He also mentioned the Vande Bharat Express train being run from the state. Shri Modi stated that the Government is investing in infrastructure and developing facilities related to tourism which will result in new opportunities for Rajasthan as well. “Expressways and better rail facilities will welcome the tourists when Rajasthan calls out ‘Padharo mahare desh’”, he said. The Prime Minister also touched upon the expansion of facilities in Khatu Shyam Ji Temple under the Swadesh Darshan scheme and expressed confidence that the development of Rajasthan will gain more momentum with the blessings of Shri Khatu Shyam. “We all will give a new identity to the pride and heritage of Rajasthan in the whole world”, Shri Modi said.

The Prime Minister ended by wishing good health to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Ashok Gehlot, who is ailing for some time and could not come to the event.

Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary were present on the occasion among others.

Background

In a significant move benefiting farmers, the Prime Minister dedicated more than 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) to the nation. PMKSKs are being developed to provide a one-stop solution for all farmers’ needs. From information on agri-inputs (fertilizers, seeds, implements) to testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilizers, to information regarding various government schemes, PMKSKs are envisaged to become a reliable support system for farmers in the country. They will also ensure regular capacity building of fertilizer retailers at block/district level outlets.

The Prime Minister launched Urea Gold - a new variety of Urea that is coated with Sulphur. The introduction of Sulphur Coated Urea will address sulfur deficiencies in the soil. This innovative fertilizer is more economical and efficient than neem-coated urea, improves nitrogen use efficiency in plants, reduces consumption of fertilizer, and enhances crop quality.

During the programme, the Prime Minister launched the onboarding of 1600 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). ONDC empowers FPOs with direct access to digital marketing, online payment, Business-to-business (B2B) and Business-to-consumer transactions, and encourages local value addition, catalyzing growth of logistics in rural areas.

In a step that will showcase yet another example of the Prime Minister’s commitment towards the welfare of farmers, the 14th installment amount of about Rs. 17,000 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), was released through direct benefits transfer to more than 8.5 crore beneficiaries.

Rajasthan will witness a major expansion in health infrastructure as Prime Minister inaugurated five new medical colleges at Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Sirohi, Sikar and Sri Ganganagar and lay the foundation stone for seven medical colleges at Baran, Bundi, Karauli, Jhunjhunu, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer and Tonk. The medical colleges are being established under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for “Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/ referral hospitals”. The five medical colleges inaugurated by the Prime Minister have been developed at a cumulative cost of more than Rs 1400 crore, while the seven medical colleges whose foundation stone will be laid will be built at a cumulative cost of Rs 2275 crore. Until 2014, there were only 10 medical colleges in the State of Rajasthan. Through dedicated efforts of the Central Government, the number of medical colleges in the State has grown to 35, which is a 250% increase. The establishment of these 12 new medical colleges would increase the number of MBBS seats in the State to 6275 seats from 1750 seats in 2013-14, which would be a 258% increase.

Further, the Prime Minister inaugurated six Eklavya Model Residential Schools located in the districts of Udaipur, Banswara, Partapgarh and Dungarpur which will benefit the tribal population residing in these districts. He will also inaugurate Kendriya Vidyalaya Tivri, Jodhpur during the programme.

 

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India – Seychelles Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages
February 09, 2026

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President of the Republic of Seychelles Dr. Patrick Herminie is on a State Visit to India from 5 to 10 February 2026.

President Herminie’s State Visit coming around 100 days after his inauguration signals the shared commitment of India and Seychelles to strengthen, expand and deepen our longstanding and multifaceted bilateral partnership. The State Visit has added significance as it coincides with the 50th year of Independence of Seychelles, and the 50th year of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During their meeting on 9 February 2026, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie had comprehensive and productive discussions covering the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Herminie for his success in the elections held in October 2025. The two leaders reaffirmed that India and Seychelles, as close maritime neighbours, enjoy a special and time-tested partnership built on ties of history and kinship, and nurtured by the shared values of democracy and pluralism. The leaders acknowledged that Seychelles-India ties are people-centric and reinforce security and stability in the Western Indian Ocean Region. The leaders also reaffirmed Seychelles' role as an important pillar in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Recalling the rich and historic people-to-people ties connecting India and Seychelles, both leaders emphasized the need for closer engagement on national development priorities to enhance security, prosperity and well-being of the peoples of Seychelles and India.

President Herminie underlined India’s role as a trusted partner for Seychelles and the region. He expressed gratitude to India for the longstanding assistance and cooperation extended to Seychelles in achieving its development agenda.

Underlining the respective strengths of both nations and recognising the importance of the relationship, the two leaders announced a Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL).

Political Exchanges

The leaders acknowledged the importance of regular high-level political meetings, visits and consultations between Seychelles and India. Both sides agreed to intensify political and socio-economic engagements at leadership, Ministerial and Senior Official levels.

Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation and intensify Parliamentary Exchanges between the two countries, including the sharing of best practices on parliamentary proceedings and capacity building.

Development Partnership

President Herminie acknowledged India’s steadfast support for the development and security needs and aspirations of Seychelles through lines of credit, grants, capacity building and high-impact community development projects (HICDP). Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to remaining a pivotal and reliable partner in Seychelles’ national development agenda, with particular focus on sustainability, defence and maritime security, capacity building, resilience and inclusive growth.

Reaffirming their commitment to work closely to expand and intensify the people-centric development partnership between the two countries, India announced a ‘Special Economic Package’ of USD 175 million, which will include a blended financial assistance of USD 125 million in Rupee-denominated Line of Credit and USD 50 million in Grant assistance for development cooperation projects, capacity building for civilians and defence officials, maritime security, etc.

Recognising that India’s rapid digitalization is a force for good in the Global South, the two leaders agreed to work closely in the sphere of digital transformation. Noting the need for Seychelles to digitise governance for the benefit of its citizens, India agreed to undertake comprehensive efforts on the buildout of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including digital payments, in accordance with the needs and requirements of Seychelles.

Cooperation in the fields of Health and Essential Commodities

President Herminie expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the donation of 10 ambulances (Basic Life Support and Advance Life Support). These ambulances, fitted with the latest equipment will support emergency health services in Seychelles. This gesture underlines the people-centric approach of the India-Seychelles partnership.

The two leaders agreed that recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) by Seychelles would streamline procurement of quality assured essential medicines and facilitate access to affordable medicines through collaboration under India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative.

Both leaders agreed to:

• Implement training programmes and exchange visits in the area of mental health through institutional linkages.

• Support recruitment and deputation of medical specialists, nurses, paramedics and technicians from India to meet the needs of Seychelles.

• Strengthen bilateral cooperation in public health through exchange of visits and institutional linkages.

• Work together to support the construction of a new hospital in Seychelles.

Acknowledging that high cost of living remains a major concern for the Government of Seychelles, both leaders agreed to:

• Collaborate on long term augmentation of healthcare infrastructure of Seychelles, including measures to enhance affordability and reliable access to medicines and medical equipment.

• Work together to institutionalize a mechanism to procure quality and cost-effective food and essential commodities from India.

• President Herminie expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Modi for the donation of 1000 metric tons of grains to Seychelles. This donation of food will strengthen food security in Seychelles and bring down the cost of food for the people of Seychelles.

Capacity Building, Human Resource Development and Institutional Linkages

President Herminie conveyed deep appreciation for India’s continued support to enhance Seychelles’ institutional and administrative competencies. Both sides underscored the strong cooperation in capacity building, including through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, training programmes for civil servants, defence personnel, and health professionals. The leaders agreed to explore more training programmes and institutional linkages in policing, finance, agriculture, climate change, marine conservation, and other domains in line with the needs and requirements of Seychelles.

On education and vocational training, the leaders urged expansion of skill development initiatives, interactions between academic institutions and digital education platforms.

Both leaders agreed to:

• Implement the customised training programme for Seychellois civil servants in India through the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).

• Strengthen capacity building, cooperation and exchanges in the areas of cybersecurity and financial intelligence.

• Facilitate the deputation of experts from India to Seychelles, and capacity building in the areas of technology, health, education, renewable energy, law, auditing, maritime security, finance, land and infrastructure development, tax administration, women empowerment, fisheries and other realms of mutual interest.

• Advance capacity building and institutional linkages between India and Seychelles in the area of marine sciences and conservation through Government and non-Government institutions.

• Cooperate and collaborate for promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

• Customise training programs according to the needs of Seychelles in collaboration with Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

Renewables, Climate Action, and Sustainability

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in renewable energy and climate resilience, including through innovative clean energy solutions. President Herminie acknowledged India’s steadfast support in assisting Seychelles to achieve its renewable energy objectives. He noted that the solar power projects implemented under the aegis of the International Solar Alliance, with the support of the Government of India, have delivered tangible and community-level benefits, particularly in the agriculture and healthcare sectors of Seychelles.

In order to further deepen the cooperation in the areas of preparedness and mitigation of effects of climate change, both leaders agreed to support the implementation of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Seychelles.

India agreed to extend technical assistance to Seychelles in managing its power grid, in support of the country’s transition to a green public transport system. Both sides also agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation and projects in energy conservation, sustainability, renewable energy and green mobility domains to cater to the needs of Seychelles.

Both leaders acknowledged that access to finance remains a key challenge for SIDS such as Seychelles. President Herminie expressed his hope that Seychelles can continue to rely on India’s strong and constructive voice in international platforms to support consideration of multidimensional vulnerability, including the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), as a complementary and important analytical tool, while taking into account equity, Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), and nationally determined needs in relevant engagements with Multilateral Development Banks, International Financial Institutions, and UN development partners.

Both leaders agreed that Seychelles would join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Trade, Investment, Connectivity and Tourism

President Herminie stressed the need for Indian companies and businesses to see Seychelles as a major investment hub and benefit from trade and business opportunities offered by Seychelles in the affordable housing, digital technology and AI, financial services, blue economy, tourism and fisheries sectors.

Both leaders acknowledged that direct flights increased the number of Indian tourists visiting Seychelles. They underlined that the increase in tourists visiting from India has strengthened the resilience of the tourism sector in Seychelles. Further, both sides agreed to work together to explore enhancing more flight connectivity between the two countries.

The leaders underscored the need for exploiting the full potential of bilateral trade for the shared objective of economic growth and prosperity of Seychelles and India.

Cooperation in Hydrography

Both leaders agreed to step up bilateral cooperation in the field of hydrography to support Seychelles’ efforts in accelerating its blue economy growth through the conduct of more joint hydrographic surveys. In this regard, Seychelles will establish a Seychelles Hydrographic Unit (SHU) with Indian assistance. To give direction and momentum to this area of bilateral cooperation, it was decided that the 3rd JCM on Hydrography will be held in Seychelles in early 2026.

Defence Cooperation and Maritime Security

Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie underlined that maritime security and defence constituted a key and time-tested pillar of the bilateral partnership. Prime Minister Modi noted that Seychelles is an important maritime partner in India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and reiterated India’s continued support and assistance to Seychelles in meeting its maritime security and defence needs.

Both leaders acknowledged that a strong Seychelles-India partnership in the maritime security and defence domain reinforces regional stability and security and advances the well-being and prosperity of the people of Seychelles and India.

The leaders further reaffirmed that Seychelles and India remain committed to ensuring a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region, underpinned by respect for international law, freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order. They reiterated their resolve to work closely to counteract maritime challenges such as piracy, smuggling of narcotics and human trafficking, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, and other transnational crimes, including those with linkages to organized crime and terrorism financing, and to reinforce peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region through enhanced maritime domain awareness, information sharing, capacity building and coordinated operational management.

President Herminie conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the steadfast support to Seychelles for joint maritime surveillance, hydrography surveys, bilateral exercises, information sharing and capacity building for the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the maritime security and defence sphere through customised training and provision of naval and air assets and transport vehicles.

Both leaders agreed to initiate the process to elevate institutional engagement in order to ensure greater effectiveness, enhanced coordination and higher-level engagement.

President Herminie appreciated India’s participation in Seychelles’ National Day celebrations through Indian Armed Forces contingents. Both sides agreed to continue this tradition for the 50th National Day celebrations.

President Herminie expressed gratitude to India for its continued support towards the refit of PS Zoroaster through grant assistance. He also acknowledged the recent donation of 10 utility vehicles and 5 sets of laser radial boats to Seychelles. This will cater to the logistical needs of the Seychelles Defence Forces.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

Acknowledging the role of regional mechanisms in furthering maritime security and addressing common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, both leaders agreed to work closely to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the decision of Seychelles to become a full member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). He also expressed his gratitude to President Herminie for the support given by Seychelles to India for various candidatures to regional and international bodies. President Herminie reaffirmed Seychelles’ support for India’s permanent membership at the UN Security Council.

People-to-People and Cultural Ties

Recognising the deep historical ties between India and Seychelles, Prime Minister Modi and President Herminie highlighted the contributions of Seychellois of Indian heritage to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Seychelles. Both leaders also acknowledged the contribution of Indian professionals to the economy and infrastructure of Seychelles. Both leaders agreed to institutionalise cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, education, and youth engagement.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the comprehensive discussions covering all aspects of bilateral relations. They concluded the meeting with the shared understanding that the Seychelles-India partnership remains a cornerstone for stability and development in the Indian Ocean Region. They expressed confidence that the decisions taken today will elevate and strengthen the bilateral partnership and deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.

President Herminie thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality extended on his State Visit to India. He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to undertake an official visit to Seychelles at a mutually convenient time.