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PM lays foundation stone and dedicates to the nation various projects worth over Rs 3900 crore in Modhera, Mehsana, Gujarat

Published By : Admin | October 9, 2022 | 16:46 IST
PM declares Modhera as India’s first 24x7 solar-powered village
“Today marks the origination of new energy in the field of development for Modhera, Mehsana and entire North Gujarat”
“Modhera will always figure in any discussion about solar power anywhere in the world”
“Use the power you need and sell the excess power to the government”
“The double-engine government, Narendra and Bhupendra, have become one”
“Like the light of the sun that does not discriminate, the light of development also reaches every house and hut”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated various projects worth over Rs 3900 crore to the nation in Modhera, Mehsana, today. The Prime Minister also declared the village of Modhera as India’s first 24x7 solar-powered village.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that today marks the origination of new energy in the field of development for Modhera, Mehsana and the entire North Gujarat. The Prime Minister said that multiple projects ranging from electricity and water to railways and roadways, from dairy to skill development and health have been inaugurated or the foundation stone has been laid. Laying down the benefits, the Prime Minister said that these projects will become a source of employment in the region, and help in increasing the income of farmers and people in the field of animal husbandry, while also giving a boost to heritage tourism in the state.

The Prime Minister also extended Sharad Poornima and Valmiki Jayanti greetings to the nation and said that Maharishi Valmiki has introduced us to the ‘Samras’ life of Lord Ram and taught us the lessons of equality.

The Prime Minister said earlier Modhera was known for Surya Mandir but now Surya Mandir has inspired Saur Gram and that has made a place on the environment and energy map of the world. Despite several attempts over the centuries to raze Modhera to the ground, now Modhera is becoming the example of a blend of ancient and the modern, he said. “Modhera will always figure in any discussion about solar power anywhere in the world”, he said. The Prime Minister credited the successes in the area of solar energy and electricity coverage to the confidence of the people of Gujarat in the governments at the centre and the state. He said with dedication and far-reaching thinking and clear intention nothing is impossible.

The Prime Minister pointed out solar energy will power house lights, agricultural needs as well as vehicles in Modhera. “For a self-reliant India of the 21st century, we have to increase such efforts related to our energy needs”, Shri Modi added. The Prime Minister said that he is working in the direction where the producer and the consumer of electricity are the people themselves. “Use the power you need and sell the excess power to the government”, he added. This will also get rid of electricity bills and will also generate extra income”, he added. The Prime Minister remarked that the norm used to be that the government used to produce electricity and the public would buy it from them, but today the Central Government is working towards policies that allow people to produce electricity by setting up solar panels in their homes and farmers in their fields while also installing solar pumps for irrigation.

​​Recalling the tough times, the Prime Minister said that it was the education of the girl child that got vastly affected by the absence of electricity. The Prime Minister also remarked that the people of Mehsana are naturally good at mathematics and science. “If you go to America, then the miracle of North Gujarat will be seen there in the fields of mathematics. If you go all over Kutch, you will see the teachers of Mehsana district”, he added, “It was the lack of electricity that obstructed their ability to achieve the deserved heights.” The Prime Minister further remarked that Gujarat has stamped its flag in India due to the faith that the people have shown in the government in the last two decades.

Recalling the time when the Prime Minister led Gujarat as the Chief Minister, Shri Modi said that a large chunk of the state budget had to be allocated to water as Gujarat was troubled by famine for seven out of ten years. “And that's why when we came out with the Panchamrut scheme that focused on the water crisis in Gujarat”, he added. The Prime Minister recalled the success of Jyotigram Scheme that began in Unjha to provide electricity to every village for twenty-four hours, and the government had allocated a thousand days to complete the work. Talking about the Sujalam Sufalam Scheme, the Prime Minister expressed immense gratitude towards the farmers of the land who gave away their land for the Sujalam Sufalam Canal that irrigates the fields of North Gujarat today. The Prime Minister further added that the inauguration of water-related schemes today will benefit the health of the families, mothers and sisters.

The Prime Minister pointed out that in the last two decades, the government has emphasised connectivity, and with the double-engine government, Narendra and Bhupendra, have become one. Shri Modi pointed out that in 1930, the British had made a road map of the development of Mahesana-Ambaji-Taranga-Aburod railway line, but the subsequent governments paid no heed. “We took out everything, made all the plans, and you can imagine the financial prosperity that it is going to bring”, he added.

The Prime Minister expressed happiness upon the success of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra which provides medicines at a subsidised rate. Shri Modi also urged everyone to purchase their medicines from these Jan Aushadhi Kendras where generic medicines which used to cost Rs 1000 now costs Rs 100-200. Talking about tourism, the Prime Minister said that the industry is a source of employment for a large number of people. “Just look at the excavation carried out in Vadnagar!”, Shri Modi exclaimed, “ Relics as old as thousands of years have been found.”

The Prime Minister observed that in the last two decades, sincere efforts have been made to restore Gujarat’s temples and shaktipeeths. “The improved situation at Somnath, Chotila and Pavagadh are examples of this'', he added “Pavagadh did not hoist its flag for 500 years, till the day I arrived and hoisted the flag after 500 years.”

In concluding the address, the Prime Minister remarked on the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’ being the foundations of the double-engine government. “Like the light of the sun that does not discriminate, the light of development also reaches every house and hut”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, Members of Parliament, Shri C R Patil, Shri Bharasinh Dhabi, Smt Shardaben Patel and Juganji Lokhandvala were those present on the occasion among others.

Background

The projects being dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister include Gauge Conversion of Sabarmati-Jagudan segment of Ahmedabad-Mehsana Gauge Conversion project; ONGC’s Nandasan Geological oil production project; Sujalam Sufalam Canal from Kherava to Shingoda Lake; Dharoi Dam Based Vadnagar Kheralu and Dharoi Group Reform Scheme; project of four laning of a section of Bechraji Modhera-Chanasma state highway; project to expand a section of Unja-Dasaj Upera Ladol (Bhankhar Approach Road); New Building of Regional Training Centre, Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), Mehsana; and Projection Mapping at Sun Temple at Modhera, among others.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of multiple projects that include four laning of a section of NH-68 from Patan to Gozariya; a water treatment plant at Chalasan village of Jotana taluka of Mehsana district; a new automated milk powder plant and UHT milk carton plant at Dudhsagar Dairy; Redevelopment & Reconstruction of General Hospital Mehsana; and Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for Mehsana and other districts of North Gujarat, among others.

The Prime Minister declared the village of Modhera as India’s first 24x7 solar-powered village; This first-of-its-kind project realises the Prime Minister’s vision of solarization of the sun-temple town of Modhera. It involved developing a Ground Mounted Solar power plant and more than 1300 Rooftop solar systems on residential & Government buildings, all integrated with Battery Energy storage system (BESS). The project will demonstrate how India’s renewable energy prowess can empower people at the grassroots.

 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi, earlier today. The three-day Conference was held in Pusa, Delhi from 26 to 28 December, 2025.

Prime Minister observed that this conference marks another decisive step in strengthening the spirit of cooperative federalism and deepening Centre-State partnership to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister emphasised that Human Capital comprising knowledge, skills, health and capabilities is the fundamental driver of economic growth and social progress and must be developed through a coordinated Whole-of-Government approach.

The Conference included discussions around the overarching theme of ‘Human Capital for Viksit Bharat’. Highlighting India's demographic advantage, the Prime Minister stated that nearly 70 percent of the population is in the working-age group, creating a unique historical opportunity which, when combined with economic progress, can significantly accelerate India's journey towards Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister said that India has boarded the “Reform Express”, driven primarily by the strength of its young population, and empowering this demographic remains the government’s key priority. Prime Minister noted that the Conference is being held at a time when the country is witnessing next-generation reforms and moving steadily towards becoming a major global economic power.

He further observed that Viksit Bharat is synonymous with quality and excellence and urged all stakeholders to move beyond average outcomes. Emphasising quality in governance, service delivery and manufacturing, the Prime Minister stated that the label "Made in India' must become a symbol of excellence and global competitiveness.

Prime Minister emphasised the need to strengthen Aatmanirbharta, stating that India must pursue self-reliance with zero defect in products and minimal environmental impact, making the label 'Made in India' synonymous with quality and strengthen our commitment to 'Zero Effect, Zero Defect.’ He urged the Centre and States to jointly identify 100 products for domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependence and strengthen economic resilience in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister emphasised the need to map skill demand at the State and global levels to better design skill development strategies. In higher education too, he suggested that there is a need for academia and industry to work together to create high quality talent.

For livelihoods of youth, Prime Minister observed that tourism can play a huge role. He highlighted that India has a rich heritage and history with a potential to be among the top global tourist destinations. He urged the States to prepare a roadmap for creating at least one global level tourist destination and nourishing an entire tourist ecosystem.

PM Modi said that it is important to align the Indian national sports calendar with the global sports calendar. India is working to host the 2036 Olympics. India needs to prepare infrastructure and sports ecosystem at par with global standards. He observed that young kids should be identified, nurtured and trained to compete at that time. He urged the States that the next 10 years must be invested in them, only then will India get desired results in such sports events. Organising and promoting sports events and tournaments at local and district level and keeping data of players will create a vibrant sports environment.

PM Modi said that soon India would be launching the National Manufacturing Mission (NMM). Every State must give this top priority and create infrastructure to attract global companies. He further said that it included Ease of Doing Business, especially with respect to land, utilities and social infrastructure. He also called upon states to encourage manufacturing, boost ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and strengthen the services sector. In the services sector, PM Modi said that there should be greater emphasis on other areas like Healthcare, education, transport, tourism, professional services, AI, etc. to make India a Global Services Giant.

Prime Minister also emphasized that as India aspires to be the food basket of the world, we need to shift to high value agriculture, dairy, fisheries, with a focus on exports. He pointed out that the PM Dhan Dhanya Scheme has identified 100 districts with lower productivity. Similarly, in learning outcomes States must identify the lowest 100 districts and must work on addressing the issues around the low indicators.

PM also urged the States to use Gyan Bharatam Mission for digitization of manuscripts. He said that States may start a Abhiyan to digitize such manuscripts available in States. Once these manuscripts are digitized, Al can be used for synthesizing the wisdom and knowledge available.

Prime Minister noted that the Conference reflects India’s tradition of collective thinking and constructive policy dialogue, and that the Chief Secretaries Conference, institutionalised by the Government of India, has become an effective platform for collective deliberation.

Prime Minister emphasised that States should work in tandem with the discussions and decisions emerging from both the Chief Secretaries and the DGPs Conferences to strengthen governance and implementation.

Prime Minister suggested that similar conferences could be replicated at the departmental level to promote a national perspective among officers and improve governance outcomes in pursuit of Viksit Bharat.

Prime Minister also said that all States and UTs must prepare capacity building plan along with the Capacity Building Commission. He said that use of Al in governance and awareness on cyber security is need of the hour. States and Centre have to put emphasis on cyber security for the security of every citizen.

Prime Minister said that the technology can provide secure and stable solutions through our entire life cycle. There is a need to utilise technology to bring about quality in governance.

In the conclusion, Prime Minister said that every State must create 10-year actionable plans based on the discussions of this Conference with 1, 2, 5 and 10 year target timelines wherein technology can be utilised for regular monitoring.

The three-day Conference emphasised on special themes which included Early Childhood Education; Schooling; Skilling; Higher Education; and Sports and Extracurricular Activities recognising their role in building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready workforce.

Discussion during the Conference

The discussions during the Conference reflected the spirit of Team India, where the Centre and States came together with a shared commitment to transform ideas into action. The deliberations emphasised the importance of ensuring time-bound implementation of agreed outcomes so that the vision of Viksit Bharat translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. The sessions provided a comprehensive assessment of the current situation, key challenges and possible solutions across priority areas related to human capital development.

The Conference also facilitated focused deliberations over meals on Heritage & Manuscript Preservation and Digitisation; and Ayush for All with emphasis on integrating knowledge in primary healthcare delivery.

The deliberations also emphasised the importance of effective delivery, citizen-centric governance and outcome-oriented implementation to ensure that development initiatives translate into measurable on-ground impact. The discussions highlighted the need to strengthen institutional capacity, improve inter-departmental coordination and adopt data-driven monitoring frameworks to enhance service delivery. Focus was placed on simplifying processes, leveraging technology and ensuring last-mile reach so that benefits of development reach every citizen in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Conference featured a series of special sessions that enabled focused deliberations on cross-cutting and emerging priorities. These sessions examined policy pathways and best practices on Deregulation in States, Technology in Governance: Opportunities, Risks & Mitigation; AgriStack for Smart Supply Chain & Market Linkages; One State, One World Class Tourist Destination; Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Swadeshi; and Plans for a post-Left Wing Extremism future. The discussions highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism, replication of successful State-level initiatives and time-bound implementation to translate deliberations into measurable outcomes.

The Conference was attended by Chief Secretaries, senior officials of all States/Union Territories, domain experts and senior officers in the centre.