Text of Prime Minister’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ on All India Radio

उज्जनिर रायज केने आसे? आपुनालुकोलोई मुर अंतोरिक मोरोम आरु स्रद्धा जासिसु।

Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya ji, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ji, my colleague in the central government and your representative here, former Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal ji, ministers of the Assam government, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, other dignitaries, and all my brothers and sisters who have come in such large numbers to bless us, I see even more people outside the pandal than inside.

This land of heroes like Saulung Sukapha and Mahavir Lachit Borphukan, this land of Bhimber Deuri, Martyr Kusal Kuvar, Moran Raja Bodousa, Malati Mem, Indira Miri, Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh and warrior woman Sati Sadhni, I bow with reverence to this great soil of Ujani Assam.

Friends,

I can see that all of you in such large numbers, far and wide, are showering your enthusiasm, your excitement and your affection. And especially, my mothers and sisters, the love and blessings that you have brought in such huge numbers is our greatest strength, our greatest energy, a wonderful feeling. Many of my sisters are present here carrying the fragrance of the tea gardens of Assam. This aroma of tea evokes a very special feeling in my relationship with Assam. I salute all of you. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for this love and affection.

Friends,

Today is a big day for Assam and the entire North East. The long-awaited dream of Namrup and Dibrugarh is finally coming true today, and a new chapter of industrial progress is beginning in this entire region. Just a while ago, I performed the Bhoomi Poojan of the Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Plant here. Before coming to Dibrugarh, I also inaugurated an airport terminal in Guwahati. Today everyone is saying that Assam has picked up a new pace of development. I want to tell you, what you are seeing right now, what you are experiencing, this is just the beginning. We have to take Assam much further; we have to move forward taking all of you along with us. The strength and role that Assam had during the Ahom Kingdom; Assam will become an equally powerful land in developed India. With the launch of new industries, the construction of modern infrastructure, advancements in semiconductors and their manufacturing, new opportunities in the agricultural sector, the progress of tea gardens and their workers, and growing potential in tourism, Assam is moving forward in every field. I extend my best wishes to all of you and to all the farmer brothers and sisters of the country for this modern fertilizer plant. I also congratulate you for the new terminal at Guwahati Airport. Under the BJP's double-engine government, this synergy of industry and connectivity is fulfilling Assam's aspirations and also inspiring our youth to dream big.

Friends,

The farmers of our country, our Anna Data, play a crucial role in building a developed India. Therefore, our government is working day and night keeping the interests of farmers paramount. Here, all of you are receiving the benefits of farmer-friendly schemes. Amidst the agricultural welfare schemes, it is also important that our farmers continue to get a continuous supply of fertilizers. This urea plant will ensure this in the coming years. About Rs 11 thousand crore will be spent on this fertilizer project. More than 12 lakh metric tons of fertilizer will be produced here every year. When production takes place here, supply will be faster and logistics costs will decrease.

Friends,

This unit of Namrup will also create thousands of new employment and self-employment opportunities. Many people will get permanent jobs right here as soon as the plant starts operating. In addition, there will be a large amount of work associated with the plant, including maintenance, supply, and construction. In all these areas, local people, and especially our young people, will find employment.

But brothers and sisters,

Just think, why is it that work for the welfare of farmers is only happening after the BJP government came to power? Our Namrup has been a center for fertilizer production for decades. There was a time when the fertilizers produced here powered the fields of the Northeast, supporting the crops of the farmers. Even when the supply of fertilizers became a challenge in many parts of the country, Namrup remained a source of hope for the farmers. However, the technology of the old factories became outdated over time, and the Congress governments paid no attention to it. The result was that many units of Namrup plant were shut down due to this reason. Farmers across the entire Northeast region suffered, and farmers throughout the country also faced difficulties; their incomes were negatively impacted, and farming became increasingly challenging. However, the Congress party did nothing to resolve this problem; they remained indifferent. Today, our double-engine government is addressing these very problems created by the Congress party.

Friends,

Just like in Assam, many fertilizer factories had shut down in other states of the country as well. Do you remember the plight of the farmers back then? Farmers had to stand in long queues for urea. Police had to be deployed at urea shops. The police used to lathi charge the farmers.

Brothers and sisters,

Our government is making every effort to improve the conditions which were worsened by the Congress. And they did it so badly, so badly that, even after working hard for 11 years, I still have a much more to do. During the Congress regime, fertilizer factories were shutting down. Whereas our government has started many plants on places like Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni, Ramagundam. The private sector is also being encouraged in this field. Today, as a result of this, we are taking strong steps in the direction of becoming self-reliant in the field of urea in the near future.

Friends,

In 2014, only 225 lakh metric tons of urea were produced in the country. Do you remember that figure? Will you remember the figure? You gave me work 10-11 years ago, then the production was 225 lakh metric tons. Remember this figure. With hard work in the last 10-11 years, we have increased the production to about 306 lakh metric tons. But we must not stop here, because there is still much to be done. They did not do the work they were supposed to do back then, and that's why I have to put in a little extra effort now. And right now, we need about 380 lakh metric tons of urea every year. We have reached 306, we have to do 70-80 more. But I assure the countrymen, the way we are working hard, the way we are planning and the way my farmer brothers and sisters are blessing us, we will leave no stone unturned in filling this gap as soon as possible. That's why I have to work a little extra hard.

And brothers and sisters,

I want to tell you one more thing, our government is very sensitive towards your interests. Even the urea that we have to import from abroad at high prices, we do not let that burden fall on our farmers. The BJP government provides subsidies and bears that cost itself. Farmers in India get a bag of urea for just 300 rupees, but for that one bag, the Indian government has to pay other countries, from where we import it, approximately 3,000 rupees. Now think about it, we buy it for 3,000 rupees and sell it for 300 rupees. We do not let this entire burden fall on the farmers of the country. The government bears this entire cost itself, so that my farmer brothers and sisters don't have to bear the burden. But I would also like to tell my farmer brothers and sisters that you too have to help me, and that help is not just for me, but also for you, my farmer brothers and sisters, and that is to protect Mother Earth. If we don't protect Mother Earth, no matter how many bags of urea we use, she will give us nothing in return. Just as when we are sick, we have to take medicine in the right dosage – if we need two pills and take four, it harms our body instead of helping it – the same applies to Mother Earth. If we keep adding excessive amounts of fertilizer just because our neighbour is doing it, Mother Earth will turn against us. We have no right to kill Mother Earth by force-feeding her urea. She is our mother, and we must protect this mother too.

Friends,

Today, from seed to market, the BJP government stands with the farmers. Money is being transferred directly into farmers' accounts for agricultural work, so that farmers don't have to wander around looking for loans. So far, approximately 4 lakh crore rupees have been transferred to farmers' accounts under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Will you remember this figure? Or will you forget it? Rs 4 lakh crore has been deposited directly into the accounts of the farmers of my country. This year, two new schemes worth 35 thousand crore rupees have been launched to help farmers – 35 thousand crore rupees! The PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dalhan Atma Nirbharta (Pulses Self-Reliance) Mission will boost agriculture.

Friends,

We are working keeping in mind every need of the farmers. Farmers are receiving support through Fasal Bima Yojana in case of crop damage due to adverse weather conditions. Procurement systems have been improved to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Our government firmly believes that the country will progress only when our farmers are strong, and we are making every possible effort to achieve this.

Friends,

After our government came to power at the center, we extended the Kisan Credit Card facility to livestock farmers and fish farmers as well. Kisan Credit Card, KCC, after getting the facility of KCC, our livestock farmers, our fish farmers, all of them are getting a lot of benefits. Remember this figure also, more than Rs 10 lakh crore assistance has been given to farmers this year through KCC. 10 lakh crore rupees. Farmers have also benefited greatly from the reduction in GST on bio-fertilizers. The BJP government is also providing significant encouragement to Indian farmers for natural farming. And I would like that some tehsils should come up in Assam which do 100% natural farming. You see, Assam can show direction to India. The farmers of Assam can guide the country. We have launched the National Mission on Natural Farming, and today millions of farmers have joined it. In the last few years, 10 thousand Farmer Producer Organizations - FPOs have been formed in the country. Keeping the North East in special focus, our government has also launched a mission related to edible oils, specifically palm oil. This mission will not only make India self-reliant in terms of edible oil but will also increase the income of the farmers here.

Friends,

We also have a large number of tea garden workers in this region. It is the BJP government itself which opened Jan Dhan bank accounts for seven and a half lakh tea garden workers of Assam. Now, because they are connected to the banking system, these workers can receive direct payments into their bank accounts. Our government is increasing the facilities of schools, roads, electricity, water and hospitals in the tea garden areas.

Friends,

Our government is moving forward with the mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. This vision of ours has brought about a significant transformation in the lives of the poor in our country. In the last 11 years, due to our efforts, schemes, implementation of schemes, 25 crore people, remember this figure also, 25 crore people have come out of poverty. A neo middle class has emerged in the country. This has happened because the standard of living of poor families in India has continuously improved over the years. Some recent figures have come to light, which are indicative of the changes taking place in India.

Friends,

And all these things are very useful in the media, so I urge you to remember what I am telling you and share it with others.

Friends,

Previously, in the poorest families in villages, not even one out of ten families owned a motorcycle. Not even 1 out of 10 had it. According to the recent surveys, almost half of the families living in the village now have a bike or a car. Not only this, mobile phones have reached almost every home. Things like refrigerators, which were once considered a “luxury”, are now being seen in our neo-middle-class homes as well. Today, it has even found a place in the kitchens of villages. New data shows that despite smartphones, the trend of having TVs in villages is also increasing. This change did not happen on its own. This transformation is a result of the empowerment of the poor in the country, and the fact that the benefits of development are now reaching even the poorest people living in remote areas.

Friends,

The BJP's double-engine government is a government for the poor, tribals, youth, and women. That is why, our government is working to end decades of violence in Assam and the North East. Our government has always given top priority to the identity and culture of Assam. The BJP government highlights the symbols of Assamese pride on every platform. So, we proudly build a 125 feet statue of Mahavir Lachit Borphukan, we celebrate the birth centenary year of Bhupen Hazarika, the pride of Assam. We are giving global recognition to Assam's art and crafts, and to Assam's Gamosa (traditional scarf). Just a few days ago, Russian President Mr. Putin visited India, and when he was in Delhi, I proudly gifted him Assamese black tea. We give priority to every work that enhances the honour and dignity of Assam.

But brothers and sisters,

When the BJP does these things, the Congress party is the one that suffers the most. You may remember, when our government gave Bharat Ratna to Bhupen Da, Congress had openly opposed it. The National President of Congress had said that Modi is giving Bharat Ratna to dancers and singers. Tell me, is this an insult to Bhupen da or not? Is it an insult to art and culture or not? Is it an insult to Assam or not? This is what Congress does day and night, insulting. When we established a semiconductor unit in Assam, the Congress opposed that too. Don't forget, it was the Congress government that denied land rights to our brothers and sisters from the tea community for so many decades! The BJP government gave them both land rights and a life of dignity. And I am a tea seller myself, if I don't do it, who will? This Congress is still promoting anti-national thinking. These people want to settle those Bangladeshi infiltrators on the forest lands of Assam. Due to which their vote bank gets strengthened, they do not care if you get ruined, they have to strengthen their vote bank.

Brothers and sisters,

The Congress party has no concern for Assam or the people of Assam, or your identity. They are only interested in power, government, and continuing the practices they engaged in before. That is why they like illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators more. It was Congress that settled the illegal infiltrators, and it is Congress that is protecting them. That is why, the Congress party is opposing the revision of the voter list. We must protect Assam from this poisonous policy of appeasement and vote-bank politics practiced by the Congress. Today I give you a guarantee, to protect the identity of Assam, and the honour of Assam, BJP is standing with you like steel.

Friends,

Your blessings are my strength in building a developed India. Your love is my greatest asset. And that is why I find joy in living every moment for you. The role of Eastern India, our North East, is continuously increasing in building a developed India. I have said earlier also that Eastern India will become the growth engine of India's development. This new unit in Namrup is an example of this transformation. The fertilizer produced here will not be limited to the fields of Assam only. It will reach Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. This is no small matter. This is the contribution of North East in the fertilizer needs of the country. Projects like Namrup show that in the times to come, North East will emerge as a major centre of self-reliant India. It will truly become the "Ashtalakshmi" (eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi). I once again congratulate you all on this new fertilizer plant. Say with me:

Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

And this year marks 150 years of Vande Mataram, a moment of great pride for us. Let us all say:

Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.

Vande Mataram.