Today's centre of attraction Shri Dilipbhai, Shri Ashok Advani, Shri Shashi Ruia and all the other respected people present over here.
I AM THANKFUL to Ashokji that I got a chance to meet you people. I congratulate Dilipbhai for the honoured award received. I know Dilipbhai for many years; he speaks very little and is shy by nature. But he has conquered new heights and will continue to do it.
Speaking of the pharmaceutical industry ... in the whole of India, Gujarat has contributed the most, and, to top it all, Gujarati people are the most involved in this industry outside India. The core fact behind it comes from the so-called game changers denned these days - our ancestors who started the first pharmacy college in India 50 years ago in Ahmedabad. Due to the foundation of this college, human resource developed in the country and India found its roots in this sector.
I am being introduced as the longest running chief minister and I want to cite a small example - when I got the responsibility of Gujarat state for the first time, our state was financially deficit. We had a total deficit of Rs. 6,7OO crore, and, today, we are a surplus state.
When I started my career as the chief minister of Gujarat, people used to request power supply for just dinner purposes, which shows that Gujarat was short of power supply. From there, we started our journey in the power sector and now we are the only state in the country where three-phase uninterrupted power is being supplied. We don't know the meaning of load shedding. In the rest of the country, if power supply is received, it becomes news; while in Gujarat, news is created when there are power cuts. We had a deficit of 2,000 MW but, with our innovations, the situation has changed. In our country, all state-owned electricity companies are in huge debt. When I became Gujarat's CM, our power companies were making Rs. 2,600 crore losses per year. I added Rs. 900 crore to it by giving discount to schools and farmers, and the total reached Rs. 3,500 crore. We are now Rs. 700 crore profits. During the last 10 years, we have doubled the power production and it is great to know that we haven't increased the tariff by a single rupee. We can do this by taking precautions and stopping leakages.
We initiated solar energy power production. Gujarat was the first state in the country that introduced the solar policy and then the Central government followed with the same. When we started the policy, we quoted a rate of Rs. 12, while the Central government quotes Rs. 19. And it was made mandatory that suppliers go for them. But it went the other way round and they came to us at less rates and now Gujarat is a world leader in the field of solar energy production. It's been seen that all public sector units have a definite end. In our state, we have many well-known companies which were in debt and they were funded by the government in 2001. We concentrated on many issues and professionalised them and now they have become four times profitable. Things can be changed if we give proper attention and Gujarat is the best example.
In the agricultural sector during the last 20 years, all the governments have been targeting 4 per cent growth, which has still been unachievable. Gujarat is a state where we face draught in seven out of every 10 years, and we only have the Narmada River. We started a mass movement of rain water harvesting and made lakhs of check dams to stop water. And Gujarat is the only state where the water table has increased from 3 metres to 13 metres. You'll be happy to know that our agricultural growth is 11 per cent, while other states do not have even 4 per cent growth in the last 10 years. In 2001, total production of cotton in Gujarat was 23 lakh bales, whereas today the number has reached 1.23 crore; but, for some reason, today, the Central government has banned the export, which is adversely affecting trade relations with other countries. No buyer will take interest if the policies of the government fluctuate. Our prime minister is an economist; yet, I don't know why this decision was taken. Last year, due to the fluctuating policies of this government, farmers in Gujarat faced a total loss of Rs. 14, 000 crore.
In Gujarat, we conduct cattle healthcare camps, where we have eradicated 112 common cattle diseases. Gujarat is the only state in the world where we conduct cattle cataract operations and dental check-ups. Due to this, I guarantee that if you have tea in Singapore, it will contain milk from Gujarat.
We were not known for our agricultural sector, but now I guarantee that if you visit Europe, you will find bhindi (lady's finger), which are grown in Bardoli (Gujarat). And, you will also find in Afghanistan tomatoes that have come from Gujarat, We are also concentrating on service and tourist sectors. We all know that Gujaratis are the best tourists, but Gujarat had no attractions for the tourism sector - apart from the Gir forest and Somnath and Dwarka temples. In the last three years, we had commenced aggressive campaigns for it and now Gujarat tourism has grown by 40 per cent, which is double the growth figure for Indian tourism. We are growing in all sectors - whether it is service, agriculture or tourism. This was possible because we turned development into a mass movement. We took an example from our freedom struggle in which many individuals gave up their lives. But Mahatma Gandhi's contribution, whereby he converted our freedom struggle into a mass movement that resulted in our freedom, was unique. In this manner, development should be a mass movement in which every individual in the country should think of the country's development. We created this type of environment in Gujarat. Now we have started to see the future. When I came into power, there were 11 universities in my state and now we have 41. We are initiating a world-class intimation centre - 'I CREATE' - which will help the young people innovate with a spark and thus help in our growth.
Till date, India imports a lot of weapons and equipment for defence purposes. Gujarat is taking initiatives to make India self-sufficient in the sector of defence by bringing out a new policy -for those interested in this field; we will make Gujarat a heavenly place for them. In this way, we will help our nation in its defence.
Gujarat is coming up with many new cities -states within the state - which are very modern. You all must have heard of our gift city, Dholka, which is coming up. It is a special investment region that is double the size of Shanghai and will be the biggest in the world. All of you can imagine how much Gujarat will benefit from it and Mumbai will directly benefit from it because all the money earned in Gujarat is being deposited in banks located in Mumbai. I don't have a problem with that. I wish luck to the bankers over here. I am thankful to have got the opportunity to come here and I again congratulate Mr Dilipbhai and his family.
Daman has become a living example of Mini India: PM Modi
June 05, 2026
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The launch of projects across healthcare, aviation, tourism and infrastructure marks a new development push for Daman that will transform lives across the UT: PM
The data released today reflects the strength of India's economy, with growth of 7.7% in FY 2025–26 and 7.8% in the quarter ending March 31: PM
Even amid severe global challenges, the collective efforts of 1.4 billion Indians have ensured that India is not only sustaining itself but also staying ahead of the curve: PM
The National Family Health Survey clearly reflects the government's focus on healthcare. While most deliveries in India earlier took place outside hospitals, today over 90% of all deliveries occur in hospitals: PM
Thanks to Mission Indradhanush, child immunization coverage in India has risen from 60% before 2014 to nearly 90% today: PM
Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Praful Bhai Patel, my colleague in Parliament Kalaben Delkar, President of Daman Municipal Council Deepika Tandel Ji, Chairman of Daman District Panchayat Dharm Babu Patel, Chairman of Silvassa Municipal Council Somnath Devre Ji, Chairperson of Dadra Nagar Haveli District Panchayat Nisha Bhavsar Ji, Chairman of Diu Municipal Council Harish Kapadia Ji, Chairperson of Diu District Panchayat Kotia Ranjitaben, and my dear brothers and sisters who have gathered here in such a large number,
Just as you have gathered here, in Lakshadweep too a large number of people are connected with us through video, because today a new beginning of development in Lakshadweep, a new project that will bring revolutionary change in the lives of the people of Lakshadweep, has also been inaugurated and foundation stones have been laid for some schemes.
Friends, A few years ago, when I came among you, I had said that our Daman is rapidly becoming Mini India, and today I see, on the left side is entire Bengal and on the right side is entire Assam. Daman has become a living example of Mini India. The diversity here, people from different regions residing here, gives a beautiful glimpse of the whole of India among you. You all have come in such large numbers to bless us, for this I thank you all very much.
Brothers and sisters, I have had the opportunity to come to Daman and Diu many times. I also keep visiting Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and when I was not Chief Minister or Prime Minister, I used to come here many times. But now when I come here and see the good governance, the governance model, it feels very good. Every time I feel that compared to the last time, this region has moved miles ahead on the path of development.
Friends,
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu had dreamt of development for decades. The generations who dreamt earlier have passed away. But today the present generation is seeing with their own eyes that the dreams their parents and grandparents used to see are now being fulfilled before their eyes. Even today, many projects related to connectivity, health, education, tourism, and urban infrastructure have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. These development works will make life easier for the people of Daman and the entire Union Territory. They will create new opportunities for the youth. Behind these works, the vision of Praful Bhai Patel, his and his team’s hard work is clearly visible. For this, I also appreciate Praful Bhai and his entire team. I extend many congratulations and best wishes to the people of Lakshadweep and Dadra-Nagar Haveli.
Friends,
Today as I have come among you, a pleasant news has arrived. I had already left Delhi this morning, but the figures that have just come, the news that has arrived, is truly delightful, and I also want to share this happiness with you. The figures that have come today clearly show how strong the foundation of India’s economy is. In the year 2025-26, that is, the financial year that has just ended, India has achieved a growth rate of 7.7 percent, 7.7, and the last quarter that ended on 31st March also recorded India’s growth at 7.8 percent, 7.8. And this is the fastest-growing large economy in the world. Every Indian should feel proud, this is its pace. Today the country is running on the Reform Express, today the country is witnessing such massive infrastructure development, such large-scale work is being done for the welfare of the poor, and the result of all these efforts is that today the country is moving ahead as the fastest-growing large economy. And we all know, the world is engulfed in crises, the economies of the whole world are buried under question marks, but even in this worst period of global crisis, with the collective efforts of 1.4 billion countrymen, India is not only able to sustain itself but also succeeding in staying ahead. I extend many congratulations to the countrymen for achieving this new height in the economic field, and I once again assure the nation that while facing these crises prevailing across the world, the country will continue to move forward with firm resolve, on the path of Reform, Perform, and Transform, at a rapid pace. This is my guarantee to the countrymen.
Friends,
Today development is as important for us as ensuring that our development model is sustainable. Today, on World Environment Day, our Union Territory State is realizing this resolution. Today, on one hand, development projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. At the same time, about one lakh one trees in the name of mother, one lakh saplings are also being planted here. I am proud that this is such a Union Territory which has achieved the feat of 100 percent use of solar energy in government buildings. Today, in Diu, the entire daytime electricity demand is being met only by solar power, and we have to take this further. Electricity should also be available in homes through solar energy, and not only that, families should also earn income from surplus electricity. For this, the initiative of installing rooftop solar plants has begun. I also appreciate you all for these achievements.
Friends,
Along with this, I have also been informed that the people of Daman are running a cleanliness campaign these days. This shows how cleanliness has become a part of the culture of Daman’s public life, and this culture is visible in the cleanliness efforts. I congratulate the people of Daman for these participatory efforts.
Friends,
Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, being a Union Territory, are also the identity and heritage of India. Therefore, our goals for its development are not ordinary. I remember, when I came to Silvassa last year, I gave you the example of Singapore. I had said that once Singapore was a small fishing village. But the people of Singapore dreamt, they set big goals, and today that same Singapore has become the world’s biggest business hub. Today Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are also dreaming the same dream. These projects like Namo Airport, the iconic bridge to be built on the Damanganga river, the convention center to be built on the ‘Beach Front’, through such infrastructure we are laying the foundation of big resolutions for the future. Through these projects, your movement will become easier. New possibilities for business will be created here. The pace of development on both sides of Daman will become faster.
Friends,
Here opportunities related to the hospitality economy will increase, and along with that, facilities like Transport Nagar will also give new momentum to trade and logistics.
Friends, The vision we have prepared for the Blue Economy in this region will also be realized only through the strength of hi-tech infrastructure. That is why, today itself, the foundation stone of modern ports is being laid in Kalpeni and Kadmat islands of Lakshadweep. All these efforts will increase the country’s strength in the Blue Economy, and as I said, these are initiatives that will change the destiny of Lakshadweep.
Friends, In the BJP government, in our NDA government, the first criterion of development for us is-change in the lives of the poor, the deprived, the tribal, and the middle class! For this, the health sector is our very big priority. In the past years, the country has moved forward with a holistic vision for healthcare. We have solved every concern related to treatment. Today even the poorest have the facility of Ayushman Card. They have the assurance of free treatment up to 5 lakh rupees. To ensure timely diagnosis of diseases, there is the arrangement of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Affordable medicines are also available through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. To make these facilities even better and more modern, today health services are being connected with technology through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Friends, Due to Ayushman Cards and Jan Aushadhi Kendras alone, the poor and middle class have saved nearly 2.25 lakh crore rupees from being spent.
Brothers and sisters, The policies of the central government have greatly benefited the people of this region too. At one time, there was a lack of good treatment facilities here. There was not even a medical college here. But now there is a medical college, and post-graduation studies have also started in it. Silvassa’s Namo Hospital has been serving thousands of people since last year. Today, Namo Hospital has also been inaugurated in Daman. The people of this region will now get the benefit of even better healthcare.
Friends, How our government is prioritizing health is also evident in the results of the National Family Health Survey. At one time, most deliveries in India did not take place in hospitals. Today, more than 90 percent of deliveries in the country are happening in hospitals, which has greatly reduced maternal mortality and infant mortality. Due to Mission Indradhanush, India has also made good progress in the field of child vaccination. Before 2014, only 60 percent of children were fully vaccinated. Today this figure has increased to about 90 percent. There has also been a big change in the field of health security. Before 2014, less than 30 percent of families were connected with health insurance schemes. Today Ayushman Bharat has changed those figures too. Now more than 60 percent of families are getting this protection.
Friends, If anyone has benefited the most from these efforts of the government in the field of health, it is the women power of my country.
Friends, Earlier the youth of this region also had to go outside for higher education. But today, not one but many national-level institutes have been established here. In recent years, new school buildings have been built here, smart classrooms have also been built in schools. More than 40 thousand students are benefiting from them. I am happy that the Union Territory is gradually moving forward in the field of education. Many constructions like Swami Vivekananda Education Hub are happening here.
Brothers and sisters, It is also our resolve that our daughters should not lag behind in this education revolution. For this, many big efforts are being made. Schemes like Saraswati Cycle Scheme and Saraswati Vidya Yojana are helping the daughters here a lot.
Friends, Today India is trying that the youth of the country should get the right direction along with the degree. They should get such exposure that connects local talent with global opportunities. In fields like design, law, engineering, medical education, IT, drone, and renewable energy, our present preparation will strengthen India’s workforce. Therefore, the expansion of professional institutions is very important.
Friends, Today the foundation stone of the eighteenth campus of NIFT has been laid. This institution will connect the youth here with global exposure. New courses like Drone Technician have also started in ITI Daman. Training programs related to PM Vishwakarma and PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme are also benefiting the youth.
Friends, Sports in the country have also been advanced with new thinking. Our sports are no longer limited to big cities or big stadiums. Efforts like Khelo India have given youth a new platform to showcase their talent. Because of this, children from small regions are coming forward at the national level in the field of sports, and this region has also benefited from it. Diu has emerged as a big center of beach sports today. The Beach Games held at Ghoghla Beach have also drawn the country’s attention to this region. Today modern sports infrastructure is continuously being developed here. The Football Center in Khanvel and the Volleyball Training Center in Daman are strengthening the sports culture here.
Friends, Today the country’s big focus is also on tourism. Our effort is that tourism should promote local art and culture. Small places should also be connected with big opportunities. Efforts like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ have inspired people to know about the diversity of the country. Today heritage tourism, beach tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism in India are getting new energy.
Friends, In Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, tourism is also a sector with immense possibilities. This region has been blessed with natural beauty. That is why the policies the country has worked on regarding tourism have greatly benefited Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu. In 2021, about 6 lakh tourists came here. In 2025, this number increased to about 50 lakh. That means in just a few years, tourism footfall has increased nearly tenfold. This has been possible due to better infrastructure, better facilities, and clean beaches. Daman Night Market, Ramsetu Sea-Front, Namopath Sea-Front, Nani Daman Fort, Gangeshwar Temple Complex, such numerous places are today becoming the new identity of this entire region.
Friends, To fulfill the dreams of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, we also have to increase the industrial strength here. It is also a matter of pride that this Union Territory has made its distinct identity in the field of man-made fiber. Dadra and Nagar Haveli are recognized as the National Man-Made Fibre Capital. This region is also continuously progressing in plastic export. The government has also made continuous efforts to support industries and MSMEs here. MSMEs and other industries here have been provided financial assistance of more than crores of rupees. New opportunities are opening up for small and cottage industries of the Union Territory. I am confident that in the coming time this region will become a big hub of manufacturing.
Friends, When sensitive governance is combined with the vision of development, transformation rapidly takes shape on the ground. Seeing the impact of our efforts in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu gives satisfaction. I have full faith in the people of this land. The youth here, the mothers and sisters here, the farmers, artisans, laborers, and entrepreneurs here will take this development journey further in the coming years. I assure you, the central government will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to fulfill your dreams. With this belief, I once again extend many congratulations to you for the development projects. Say with me, Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
