Published By : Admin |
February 22, 2012 | 09:50 IST
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Gujarat CM to PM
PROPOSED RPF ACT AMENDMENT BILL “UNWARRANTED”
: Narendra Modi :
…To Counter Powers of State Police Officers to RPF is Violation of Constitutional Provisions…
It Usurps Power of State Legislature and Serious blow to federalstructure of India…
Another Strong Objection by Gujarat CM against UPA move to infringe states Power
Gujarat Chief Minister ShrI Narendra Modi, in a strong worded Letter to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, had opposed the proposal moved by Ministry of Railways to amend the Railways Protection Force Act. “The proposed amendment Bill which is intended to confer the powers of State Police Officers to RPF is unwarranted, severe violation of the constitutional spirit and blow to federal structure of India. It also usurps power of the state legislature,” he added.
The provisions being inserted by the proposed amendment of the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957 is not in consonance with the schemes provided under article 246 of the Constitution of India. “Public order” and “police” are state subjects and proposing an amendment on these subjects under entry 22, 30 and 93 of Union List with entry 2 of the concurrent list in schedule VII of the Constitution of India is, not only a step to infringe upon powers of the state but also a serious blow to the federal structure of the Country, ShrI Narendra Modi said.
Gujarat CM said that the proposed amendment is intended to confer “powers of the police officers”, which is otherwise provided under Indian Police Act 1861 only. Therefore, the proposed amendment to provide powers of the police officer by amending the provisions of RPF Act, 1957 is violative of provisions of exiting Indian Police Act and provisions of State Police Act like the Bombay Police Act, 1956 prevailing in the state.
Gujarat CM also said that the Ministry of Railways is attempting to advocate a theory that railway property in the country is an independent entity and gives an impression that it is a state within a state, thus justifying conferring of police powers of investigation and arrest to the RPF. A parallel has been drawn from the provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act under which CBI draws jurisdiction in support of such move which is unfortunate and shocking.
“The argument put forward to confer power of a police officer to RPF personnel is ridiculous which says that the trains run through several states and passengers find it difficult to lodge their complaint with GRP, as several jurisdictions are often involved as if the RPF will not face similar situation. It is well known that even the state police face similar dilemma and often carry out investigation in many offences cutting across state jurisdiction. Therefore, such lame justification to take away the powers of the GRP and interfere with the powers of the state government is grave and uncalled for” he said to PM and added that this this decision is likely to open up a Pandora’s Box, since CISF safeguarding airports and other public sector undertakings may seek similar powers. This will lead to a situation where a host of para-military forces operating in this country, will ask for “police powers” in their respective operational areas”
“Recently National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is notified unilaterally in violation of the Constitutional provisions and many states have taken strong objections to it. In continuation of this, a Bill to give police powers to RPF is being mooted, which again is another attempt to curtail state’s powers. Therefore such unwarranted Bills are not to be pushed through by the Government of India, Gujarat CM Said.
PM Modi inaugurates Phase I of Noida International Airport, developed with an investment of around ₹11,200 crore
March 28, 2026
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The inauguration of Phase-I of Noida International Airport marks a major step in Uttar Pradesh’s growth story and India’s aviation future: PM
UP has now emerged as one of the states with the highest number of international airports in India: PM
Airports are not just basic facilities in any country, they give wings to progress: PM
Our government is making unprecedented investments in modern infrastructure to build a Viksit Bharat: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh. Expressing his pride and joy on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that today marks a new chapter in the Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat Abhiyan. He noted that India's largest state has now become one of the states with the highest number of international airports. PM Modi shared that he felt doubly proud , first, for having laid the foundation stone of this airport and now inaugurating it, and second, because the name of this grand airport is linked to Uttar Pradesh. "This is the state that chose me as its representative and made me a Member of Parliament, and its identity is now associated with this magnificent airport," remarked Shri Modi.
Highlighting the far-reaching impact of the new airport, the Prime Minister said that the Noida airport will benefit a vast region encompassing Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr, and Faridabad. He emphasised that the airport will bring numerous new opportunities for the farmers, small and medium enterprises, and the youth of western Uttar Pradesh. "Aircraft will fly from here to the world, and this airport will also become a symbol of a developed Uttar Pradesh taking flight," said Shri Modi, extending his heartfelt congratulations to the people of the state, especially western UP.
Speaking about the current global situation, the Prime Minister observed that the entire world is deeply concerned today, with a war raging in West Asia for over a month, creating crises of essential commodities including food, petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers in many countries. He noted that India imports a very large quantity of crude oil and gas from the conflict-affected region. "The Government is taking every possible step to ensure that the burden of this crisis does not fall on ordinary families and farmers," affirmed Shri Modi.
Underscoring India's continued momentum of rapid development even during times of global crisis, the Prime Minister noted that in Western Uttar Pradesh alone, this is the fourth major project to be either inaugurated or have its foundation stone laid in recent weeks. "During this period, the foundation stone of a major semiconductor factory in Noida was laid, the country's first Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat train gained speed, the Meerut Metro was expanded, and today the Noida International Airport is being inaugurated," highlighted PM Modi.
The Prime Minister credited the current Government for these remarkable achievements in UP's development. He noted that the semiconductor factory is making India self-reliant in technology, the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat Rail are providing fast and smart connectivity, and the Jewar Airport is connecting entire North India to the world. " Today under the current government, the same Noida is becoming a powerful engine of UP's development," asserted Shri Modi.
Elaborating on the history of the airport project, The Prime Minister recalled that the Jewar Airport was approved by Atal ji as early as 2003. And as soon as the current government was formed here, the foundation was laid, construction happened, and now it has started operations," said Shri Modi.
Drawing attention to the region's emerging role as a logistics hub, the Prime Minister pointed out that this area is becoming the hub of two major freight corridors , special railway tracks laid for goods trains, which have enhanced North India's connectivity with the seas of Bengal and Gujarat. He noted that Dadri is the strategic point where both these corridors converge, meaning whatever farmers grow and industries produce here can now reach every corner of the world swiftly, by land and by air. "This kind of multi-modal connectivity is making UP a major attraction for investors worldwide," explained PM Modi.
Addressing the transformation of the region's image, the Prime Minister said. "Today, Noida is ready to welcome the entire world. This whole area is strengthening the resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the farmers who gave up their lands to make this project a reality, noting that agriculture and farming hold great importance in the region's economy. Shri Modi noted that the expansion of modern connectivity will further boost food processing prospects in Western UP, adding, "The agricultural produce from here will now reach global markets more efficiently."
Acknowledging the contribution of sugarcane farmers to reducing India's dependence on crude oil, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant role of ethanol produced from sugarcane. PM Modi highlighted that without the increase in ethanol production and its blending with petrol, India would have had to import an additional four and a half crore barrels,approximately 700 crore litres of crude oil annually, adding, "The hard work of our farmers has given the country this enormous relief during the time of crisis."
The Prime Minister further elaborated that ethanol has not only benefited the nation but has also greatly benefited farmers, with approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth of foreign exchange being saved. He recalled the earlier days when sugarcane farmers had to wait for years for their dues. "Today, thanks to the efforts of the current Government, the condition of sugarcane farmers has improved significantly," affirmed Shri Modi.
Emphasizing that airports are not merely amenities but catalysts for progress, the Prime Minister pointed out the remarkable expansion of India's aviation infrastructure. Highlighting that today, there are more than 160 airports, PM Modi remarked that the Air connectivity is now reaching not just metropolitan cities but also smaller towns. “ The current government has made air travel accessible for the common Indian," asserted Shri Modi, adding that the number of airports in Uttar Pradesh has been increased to seventeen.
Highlighting the impact of the UDAN scheme, the Prime Minister said that the government has consistently strived to ensure that while airports are built, airfares remain within the reach of ordinary families. Noting that more than one crore sixty lakh citizens have travelled by air at affordable rates by booking tickets under the UDAN scheme, Shri Modi remarked, “ Recently, the Central Government has further expanded the UDAN scheme with an approval of approximately Rs 29,000 crore, under which 100 new airports and 200 new helipads will be built in smaller cities in the coming years. UP will also benefit immensely from this."
Speaking about India's rapidly growing aviation sector, the Prime Minister noted that as new airports are being built, the demand for new aircraft is also rising, with various airlines placing orders for hundreds of new planes. Shri Modi observed that this creates tremendous opportunities for the youth, including pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance professionals, adding that "our government is also expanding training facilities in the aviation sector" to meet this growing demand.
Addressing a critical gap in India's aviation ecosystem, the Prime Minister drew attention to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector, noting that 85 per cent of Indian aircraft still have to go abroad for MRO services. PM Modi noted that the government has resolved to make India self-reliant in the MRO sector as well and highlighted that today, the foundation stone of an MRO facility has been laid here at Jewar. “When ready, it will serve aircraft from India and abroad , generating revenue for the country, keeping our money within India, and creating numerous jobs for the youth," announced Shri Modi.
Underlining the government's priority of ensuring citizen convenience and saving their time and money, the Prime Minister spoke about the expansion of modern rail services such as Metro and Vande Bharat. "The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Rail has already been used by over two and a half crore passengers. The journey between Delhi and Meerut that used to take hours is now completed in minutes," said PM Modi.
Underscoring the unprecedented investment in modern infrastructure for a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister shared that over the past eleven years, the infrastructure budget has been increased more than six-fold, with Rs 17 lakh crore spent on highways and expressways and over one lakh kilometres of highways constructed. He noted that railway electrification has expanded from 20,000 kilometres before 2014 to over 40,000 kilometres since then, with nearly 100 per cent of the broad-gauge network now electrified. The Prime Minister highlighted that for the first time, the Kashmir Valley and the capitals of the North-East are being connected to the rail network, while port capacity has more than doubled in the past decade and the number of inland waterways continues to grow. "India is working at a rapid pace in every sector necessary for building a Viksit Bharat," stated Shri Modi.
Calling for collective effort and national unity in the face of global challenges, the Prime Minister said he had spoken at length in Parliament and held detailed discussions with Chief Ministers about tackling the crisis arising from the ongoing conflict. He appealed to the people to face this crisis with a calm mind and patience, calling it the greatest strength of Indians. PM Modi reiterated that what is in the interest of Indians and in the interest of India, that alone is the policy and strategy of the Government of India." I am fully confident that all political parties will lend strength to the country's united efforts”, concluded Shri Modi.
UP has now emerged as one of the states with the highest number of international airports in India. pic.twitter.com/6KW3flH1EG
