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Shri Narendra Modi's speech at Function to hand over the Appointment Letters to Supervisor Inspectors in Industrial Training Institutes (ITI)

Published By : Admin | November 21, 2011 | 12:45 IST

MahatmaMandir, Gandhinagar

Dt. 21-11-2011

Many times questions arise in the minds of people-is the condition of our society is such that the attitude of people towards small scale units is different? If a person is doing some work in which he or she earns bear minimum within which he can fulfill his basic necessities, he himself feels that it would have been better if he would have worked as a peon in any bank or so. Oursociety has some strange psychologies. If a person drives an auto-rickshaw or even owns three rickshaws and earns much better than what he would have earned asa service man, still our society considers his work inferior. Unless and until such attitude exists, it will be very difficult to create feeling of dignity and self respect in all fields of work. But how? How to create a feeling of respect towards our work? And once a dignity for our job is established, it gets accepted by the society also.

There was a time when Anganwadi was not given much importance. It was considered just an ordinary middle class work wherein themaids, whose even names were unknown, were considered just as caretakers of children. But today,thisGovernment has given importance anddignity to Anganwadi, wherein accomplished women areencouraged by‘Mata Jashoda Awards’. We made the world understand that such Anganwadi was initiatedby Mata Jashoda long back. Devki’s son ‘Krishna’ was nurtured andbrought up by Mata Jashoda, and so a great personality was created who is remembered even after thousands of years. Hence, Mata Jashoda is considered important. In Anganwadi, children are nurtured, cultured and brought up in the same way asMata Jashoda brought up Krishna. Now to run an Anganwadi is considered as a dignified job, even uniforms are provided to women working over there.Butstill ITI is considered inferior. If5 to 15 friends go out and are asked what do you study? And ifITI is said then immediately a distance is created.Oh, ITI! I want to change this situation. I want to establish dignity for ITI.‘Work is Worship’, this is what we say then work of any kind should be considered important and respectable. ITI plays the same role of what Lord Brahma played in creation of this world. Lord Brahma could have worked on the much larger, universal scale. Those who have taken admissions in ITI, must have experienced that in their childhood whenever any guests arrived at their house, the parents would introduce them to guestas he ismy son, we want him to be an engineer or she is my daughter, we want her to be a doctor but when you grew up you could not study beyond 8th Std. and then your parents must haveblamed your teachers or might have given some or the other reason for your poor performance. Somehow you managed to get admission in ITI. Even you might keep on thinking that I wanted to be an engineer but I am doing ITI. You might think, I wanted to do this and that, but now I have to do ITI, and because of this feeling you can not concentrate.Even your teachers over there must have learnt engineering or they must have done some diploma course. They too might feel thatitsall ok!Do I understand you all very well? Do I know all your problems? Friends, this gap which is created,I want to fill it and also started taking steps for that. Initial step is how to make an ideal ITI model, How to make best ITI? How to improve the buildings? How to bring modernapproach in its curriculum? How to maintain discipline? What should be theuniform? How to make use of technology in it?In short, all these initiatives for upgradation of ITI are taken by us. And I remember some 5years ago, all the secretaries of Indian Government related to ITIvisited Gujarat to study the implementations and modifications carried out to give a new look to ITI of Gujarat. They were surprised to know that Gujarat Government has made so many efforts for the betterment of ITI!Previously, ITI was not counted at all. But friends, now such a situation has came up that the experiments made by Gujarat Government in ITI are considered and on that base various schemes forupgradation of ITI are made. Now ITIs of Gujarat has become a role model all over the country. In the beginning the situation was such that after passing 8th class one who did ITI was considered 8th pass only, the one who passed 10th class with just 35% even then would tease ITI person that they are just 8th pass. By passing 12th class after two trials without even taking Maths or English still if he meets ITI person he would say let it be, I am 12th class..! It was happening in this way,no? But we have changed the situation. We have decided that after passing 8th class, if one does ITI then he should be considered as 10th class pass. After 10th those who did for 2 years they should be considered as 12th pass.Friends, theseefforts are taken because I want to develop a dignity for it.

You must have seen that any soldier of an army, even ordinary worker of an army, who may sometimes work as a gardener or dig holesbut in his uniform, parade, in all these matters there is equality and because of this when he gets out of his house he looks impressive. His confidence level gets increased. An ordinary soldier of a very low post in our army, doing work the same as what a peon does or of even low level but he has a dignity in institution and in the society also.Wherever he goes he is looked uponwith dignity.Ladies & Gentlemen,An ordinary peonis looked upon as a peon only, our institutional arrangement is such that same kind of work ifdone by a person in an army, then he is looked upon with dignity. If he passes by, we too have a desire to shake hand with him that Wow..! If he stands on platform, we feel to have a photograph with him. Why? Just because that person is trained in a particular way. There has been a change in his uniform, personality, the way he stands, talks, walks and so he has got thisachievement. Ladies & Gentlemen,this is what I am trying for.In the coming days, in ITI whichever course you may do of a turner or fitter, welder or anything else, you may be doing job of wireman or automobile work but I wish to remove the feeling that our country has no need of you and that you are useless now. You should not come here without any ambition. I want to do this and so I request all officers of this field that in coming years, along with the technical knowledge, short skill course of 15 days or a month should also be associated.How to shake hands? How to speak? How to talk with your boss? How to talk with your colleague? A confidence level should develop and this work of short skill is equally important.The way you speak, your behavior… You may be technically sound enough but if you are not able to communicate, express yourself then your value becomes zero. So if you are capable then youcan achieve this also.How to remain systematic, How to speak five-fifteen sentences in English, few Hindi sentences, How to show manners, How to speak on phone… all these things can be included in training and once in our ITI cadre it is included along with the technology,I am confident Friends, this will become stepping a stone towards dignity and it will become your strength in life.You must have seen that in ashop or in a provision store where 5-50 items are sold, there is one helper and the shop owner orders him to bring this and often says “where were you? Can’t you see customer waiting?” This is what happens, isn’t it? But when you go to any big mall, we see a nice well dressed, with coat and tie, up-to-dateboy or girl. What he gives us? The same thing, isn’t it? This thing, that thing... He is also a helper, isn’t he? He is helper of a mall and the other one was the helper of a store. But since he works in a mall, so his dressing, soft skill creates a dignity and we too feel that he is an important person. In fact he does the same job as what a helper of provision stores does. There is no difference in the type of work but the culture of a mall creates dignity.This change develops a confidence in manand I believe, in our journey towards progress these important things should be added.

Friends, 21st century is the century of India. We all have heard about it, but are we prepared for it? It will come to an end soon. The preparation that was supposed to have been made in 20th century was made or not but nowdelay any more will be incorrect.If India wants to make 21st century as century of India, we need to pay attention onyouthpower of India. India is the county of youth. It consists of65% youth population. Youmay not be fortunate to go to Europe, but on TV, sometimes on BBC or something else, mostly old are seen with a walking stick, walking slowly… when such 50-100 persons pass through then you are able to see a youth. This is the situation of entire Europe. In our country, entire youth power is seen everywhere. How to make themwork in the formation of our country? If we want to make them work, we need to concentrate on three things.And Friends, all these things are useful to you also. If 21st century is the century of knowledge then the youth should become the devotee of knowledge.Friends, There is no door of knowledge,there is no full stop for knowledge.If you have given up studies after 8th class, that doesn’t mean that everything is over. Friends, I had carried out one work in our Government, a few years back.I told those peopleto make a list of the students who did ITI, whose career of life began with ITI and with self efforts,became big industrialists themselves on the basis of whatever they learnt.And we published a book which made us know that in Gujarat, there are many such ITI students under whom 50 to 100 ITI students work and I have published its book that must be available in the library of all the ITI institutes. Why is it done? To create a dignity, to develop a confidence that just by joining ITI doesn’t mean that everything in life is over, much can be done from ITI also.

ITIs as I said should be an attraction for knowledge, to know something new. Today you can easily operate mobile phones;you all know how to use it.Few days backI visited Kaprala, a remote village in Valsad district, for the opening of a chilling centre.That is a tribal area and a small chilling centre was established where tribal women bring and collect milk. The tribal sisters who bring milk were from near-by- villages, they had gathered for opening ceremony and when the rituals for opening ceremony were going on, all tribal sisters started taking photographs from their mobile phones!I was so surprised!Those tribal sisters, who only rear cattle and fetch milk, were taking photographs with their mobile phones! So I went near them and asked what will you do by taking photographs from your mobile? The answer of our tribal sisters was that we will get it downloaded..! It means that you are very much imbibed to this technology and if you understand mobile technology, the computer technology is not different. If you naturally become computer savvy… it will be your additional qualification.As I toldyou that inITI also, in coming days a turner will get job work through e-mail only. The instructions to complete it will also be giventhrough e-mails.So along with soft skill he will also need to be IT savvy, he will have to be Techno-savvy and Computer savvy also and if we make arrangement for this then our students will become prosperous with knowledge.

Second important need is skill, talent. Friends,value addition is necessary. A person who makes value addition by himself can change the situation.How is value additiondone?My village, my native is Vadnagar. Once I was going to Mehsana by train. A boot polish man boarded the train. He was handicap andnot knowing Gujarati. I still remember that incident from my childhood. He was from Karnataka, speaking Kannada. As that man was handicap, I felt sympathetic for him and started asking him. He was unable to speak Gujarati, so he was telling everything in broken English. I asked why have you left everything there and came here? This is such an area where shoes are purchased but they are never polished. How would you get work here? He said I don’t know much about anything, in whichever train I board, I board there. He then asked me that Sir, will you get your shoes polished by me. At that time the cost was just 25 paisa. I said yes, definitely. Sowhat he did? He took out ‘The Times of India’ newspaper from his bag and handed itto me to read and he wrote ‘Have a nice day!’ on the newspaper. Now here he did value addition.He polished my shoes and also gave me newspaper to read. Naturally I felt greedy as without spending money, I was able to read newspaper also. We are Gujarati, ‘Singlefare, double journey’. But today also his reflection in my mind is as it is. He knew fully wellwhat should be doneto satisfycustomers. Along with well polished shoes given to me, he developed professional skill in such a way that he gave me newspaper also to read. He went to next customer, again he handed the same newspaper till he polished his shoes. Customer could at least read headlines of the paper. A small improvement,even a boot polish man is able to do..!Friends, all these value addition skills increase our importance.There can be no compromise in the matter of skill.How much skill do you have, what kind of skill do you have, to live lifehappilydependson it.

The third thing that is needed is ‘Capacity’. Know your capability. You may have enough knowledge, skill, but you may not have capacity to deliver it. At your home, you may have gas, cooker, stove, floor, water, fuel everything, but if you do not have the capacity to cook, how can you make ‘Laddu’? Therefore, to have capacity is very important. So Knowledge, Skill and Capacity, if we work in all these three directions, then I am confident Friends that we can prepare ourselves for everything. Secondly, Friends,when you dream then… I would tell all mystudents, young friends that even after learning ITI, there is no fullstop in your lifeand you can cross all the heights. Friends, nowadays-even poets have started paying income tax! Haven’t you understood?Otherwise in the past, those who have this skill, question wasarisen that what about their daily bread? If he was a poet or a writer, then hardly he could manage to survive his daily necessities.Today even poets, writers pay their income-tax. So those who have technology,they have so much of power.How great a technologist can do?Friends, many times it happens that a high level man makes innovation but in his comparisona low level mandoes much better innovations.I know a watch repairer in Rajkot. Even today I remember and I know he has a hobby that if a watch which is considered excellent through the world and if it needs to be repaired by him, then he would feel happy. Once a Swiss made watch came to him for repairing. He repaired the watch but he made a correspondence that their watch has some manufacturing defect, there is a defect in the design itself and so you will have to face this problem again and again. He also gave solution for that problem, he made a diagram and did correspondence with that Swiss company and today also I know that Swiss company. He could have repaired the watch and got his money and the matter could have ended. But he did not do so. He took interest in it and the Swiss company accepted that he has given a very good solution and the new product which they willlaunch that will be manufactured after correctingthe defects and they gave him a reward and also appreciated him for that. Today also in his watch shop, the appreciation letter islyingas it is. This means, Friends that if you have innovative nature then even a small work can bring lot of changes and prestige can be built up.And therefore constantly you all technology users, people of technical field,yourparents must be describingthat in your childhood wheneverany toy was given to you, you used to break it first and then again get itrepairedyourself.This must be in your nature, Friends. It must be your tendency. This power that God has gifted you is beyond imagination, Friends! You are lucky enough for God has given you this power. The use of this power can work as energy in your personal development,it can work as a power generator. This is the tendency and you have to know it. And if you understand it and transform it into your capability, it can open many doors of your life.The students and people of technical field have to think on it.

The way Gujarat is progressing, the wayindustrial development is taking place in Gujarat, and theprime need in industrial development is technically skilled manpower.Higher the number of manpower, higher will be the possibility of industrial development. The ‘Vibrant Summit’ which we organize since 2003 in Gujarat. We organized it in ‘03,’05, ‘07, ‘09, ’11 andit resulted to give maximum employment opportunities in Gujarat. Even the figures of Indian Governmentalso state thatin the entire country, employment opportunities are the maximum in Gujarat. And the reason behind it is this technical work.But we will do something in such a way that,the needs of those new companies that are establishinghere and our ITI institutions, engineering colleges, technical universities or any other universities to have a balance between them. After ‘Vibrant Summit’, we place a meeting and we ask them what kind of industry they are planning and that what kind of skilled man power is required by them so that syllabus for skilled man power can be prepared accordingly. And this is the reason to insist for need-based syllabus in Gujarat. So that as early as possible the child finishes his education he can get a work… If its Morbi, teach ceramics, it its Mandvi or Mundra then he can be taught something related to port or shipping, if it’s towards Ankleshwar, he can be taught of chemicals… in this way based on need, requirement, he can be trained so that local children can immediately get a job.We have made an arrangement for it and on a very large scale. And Friends,the progress that Gujarat wants has three main bases.On the support of these three main bases Gujarat wants to develop, as far as youth power is concerned. One, ‘Scale’. It is on a very huge scale and after looking at this ‘Mahatma Mandir’, you may also feel that this is what a big scale is called.Otherwise in past, a room of 10 x 10 size was madebut now it is on a big scale, everything is on a large scale. Second,‘Skill’. How to prepare youth power of Gujarat with multiple skills? How much skill a young man should have, how much should he be technically sound? Scale, Skill and third important thing is ‘Speed’. We wish to develop Gujarat by holding these 3’S.

Ladies & Gentlemen,today more than 2600 youngsters are getting orders for jobs.In last 10 years,this Government has provided jobs to 2.5 lacs people, 2.5 lacs people! And this year, the process is going on to give employment to another 60,000 people. What was happening in the past? Advertisement was published, then applications were collected, Government letter would come and in this process if there is 2months, 6months, 12 months duration then in this duration what the applicant used to do?He starts finding a channel, a jack and in between if he finds someone, he would say Oh, you have given an application? Ok I will manage, but you will have to pay me this much amount..! In between time-table is prepared, everything has to be settled, isn’t it?Then a call for interview comes, this will also take next 2 months. He may feel happy and may even dance thatWow, I have got a call for an interview. Then, he would search for a politician, who can lend it to him for interview.I have an interview sir, please do something! He fixes something after that, some fixing might also be done. He might be a poor boy, son of a widow, his mother may have a small ornamentand by mortgaging it, he might have arranged some money..!Thensomehow he would reach just for an interview. It will take another 3 months for further step. And within these 3 months, some third, higher cadre people would come forward to fix job for him. All the arrangements! I have removed all this things with a single stroke!Many widows are there who have stress of whether her son will get a job or not? Once her son comes back with an appointment letter then only her tension gets relieved. Without a single penny corruption can’t a youth of our country get a job? Why he needs to beg and touch feet to get a job? Ladies & Gentlemen, I don’t agree with this. A youth of our country should live his life with respect, speak with confidence and should be ready to stand against injustice. On-line, the whole procedure is transparent, on-line!

More than 2600 people will get jobs today.But I want to tell something to those who have already got a job and to those who will get a job in future. Friends, you haven’t got this job or getting the salary just because you have got some degree ordone some diploma course, or because you have some specific certificates of Engineering. This much is not sufficient. But more than that is whatever you are today is because of the obligation of the society, Friends.You might have spent just Rs. 200, 500 or 1000 to learn. Friends, if you are habitual to drink tea, thenits one month bill or even less than what you have spent on learning. Government means society. You could study because of the contribution of many people. They gave contributions, so you have achieved all these. So never forget to return back something to the society.Today, a youth thought it was just the first day of his job, he made a contribution of Rs.5000 towards ’Kanya Kelavani’. For me, even if the amount he gave was only Rs. 51, still it would have been equally important. Because of the thought that whatever I am today, is because of our society. God has given me a chance to return somethingback tothe society. As whatever I am at present, whatever I have learnt, it is because of this society. So never forget to repay this obligation of our society. Now the method is very transparent, with on-line facility within a very limited period of time… Otherwise, to provide a job means number of litigations, another shop would run..!Somebody would have definitely filed PIL.Recruitmentitself getsstopped. One may have got an order but unable to appoint him. Fortunately, because of this transparency, these youth have got their jobs today without any controversy.

Friends, it must be the dream of your life, that those brothers and sisters, who would be trainedunder you, achieve newerheights in their life.That should be the satisfaction of your life and the aim to serve your nation, with such acharacter, may all you friends, progress, develop and move forward with this spirit and enthusiasm. Friends, there are many sectors in this State, like Automobile Industry.You just imagine, in the past if anybody who was trained in automobile, used to work just in a garage. Those were the days, right? “Oye Noor, open this side…” This was it. That scooter repairer would say “Oye Nooiya, open the bonnet..!”This way the life was going on, isn’t it? Whole terminology is different. In this automobile sector, each spare part is given a unique name. Give this, give that. Friends, today Gujarat is becoming the biggest automobile hub in Asia. There will be a drastic need for technicians. In the comingdays, Gujarat wants to make an entry in the Shipping Industry, making huge ships.In ship building, work of a welder is very important and responsible, as welding has to be very perfect so that the ship could survive in sea water for 50 years and if any deficiency is left, everything is over..! Now just think, a small work of a welderwill be appreciated once the ship is to be built.

Friends,there are many sectors of progress in Gujarat.Higher the level of your skill, easier it will be for you to reach the sky.Friends, my heartiest congratulations to all of you, andI hope you must have got a new direction to fulfill your dreams in life. My young friends, we will be celebrating 150th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and it will be celebrated as ‘Youth Power Year’. There also we are going to dothe same important tasks,enrichment of skill, talentGujarat is going to work in that direction for the whole year. You can imaginehow great opportunities are waiting for you. With full strength say with me,

 

Bharat Mata kiJai!

Thank you, Friends!

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Assam has picked up a new momentum of development: PM Modi at the foundation stone laying of Ammonia-Urea Fertilizer Project in Namrup
December 21, 2025
Assam has picked up a new momentum of development: PM
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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.