"UPA talks of national security, but indulges in political security"
New Delhi : Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi today demanded a white paper on internal security situation in the country, which continues to be vulnerable to the threats posed by cross border terrorism and left wing extremism; besides becoming increasingly susceptible to newer forms of security threats such as cyber-attacks, narco-terrorism and terror-financing. He also criticized the UPA Government for raising a pitch for national security but indulges only in political security.
Speaking at the Conference on internal security convened by the Government of India under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the presence of various Chief Ministers at Vigyan Bhawan here, Shri Modi affirmed that a two-pronged strategy must be followed to tackle Left-Wing Extremism. We do not have a pre-emptive strategy but only a reactionary strategy. There is an urgent need to not only focus upon Maoist violence-affected states but also Maoist violence-targeted regions.
From Pashupati to Tirupati, Maoists have spread a bloodied red corridor. Now they are targeting areas of the country which are the drivers of the industrial progress of the country, he said, adding that he had earlier informed the Prime Minister about the potential targeting of the ‘Golden Corridor’ of the Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad industrial belt by the Left Wing Extremism's document on its urban plan. This had been proved in the written reply given by GoI in a Lok Sabha question on October 13, 2011. He demanded that the Central Government must convene a separate meeting of Maoist-targeted States on the lines of the meeting of Naxal-affected States slated later for the day.
Urging the Prime Minister to disband the NCTC proposal for once and all, the Gujarat Chief Minister asserted that the Centre is constantly weakening the federal structure in the name of setting up newer superstructures. He further stated that this will add to multiplicity of existing agencies and will destroy the Constitutional fabric of the well-established agencies in the country.
He cited the example of how MAC (Multi Agency Centre) was established under the Intelligence Bureau but now it is proposed to be shifted to Ministry of Home Affairs. There remains considerable scope for further strengthening of its functioning such that it can provide more actionable intelligence inputs on a real time basis.
On the issue of Modernization of Police Force in the context of funding, many states had made a special request for 100 per cent central funding of the MPF Scheme central funding of the MPF Scheme and not burdening the State Government with a 25 per cent share. But, the Union government instead of agreeing to the same, chose to increase the state share from 25 per cent to 40 per cent. Is this how Go I react to the suggestions of State Governments, he questioned.
Shri Modi pointed out that to strengthen the Coastal Security Mechanism inGujaratState, a Marine Commando Battalion has been created, with its recruitment already underway. In order to setting up of a Marine Police Training Academy in Gujarat, the Union Home Ministry had initially asked for 25 acres of land to set up such a training academy, which the Gujarat Government had promptly responded to, agreeing to provide it for free. Subsequently, the requirement of land was increased to 250 acres. This too the Government of Gujarat conveyed willingness to provide for free - identifying the land in Dwarka, inJamnagardistrict.
He asked the Central government to call a separate meeting of Chief Ministers of all maritime states to discuss all such issues related to coastal and maritime security in a comprehensive manner.
The Gujarat Chief Minister suggested entrusting border fencing to an organization created along the lines of the Border Road Organisation (BRO) - a company of defence personnel / engineering corps to undertake such work instead of the present CPWD.
He further emphasized that to strengthen our border security solar parks should come up on international borders of Gujarat and Rajasthan, making the borders ofIndia more secure and also benefitting the energy sector of the country.
Shri Modi also demanded speedy implementation of the recommendations of Sarkaria Commission and Punchchi Commission on settling the inter-state conflicts and Centre-States disputes in an amicable manner.
Gujarat Chief Minister opined that a strong message should emanate from this meeting that the entire country supports the state of Chhattisgarh and its Chief Minister Shri Raman Singh. He further stressed on zero tolerance towards Left Wing Extremism.
Shri Modi drew the attention of the august gathering to the Andhra Pradesh incident where a District Collector was kidnapped by Maoists who demanded release of their seven cadres, which included a chairperson of an NGO run by a member of the National Advisory Council!
Gujarat Minister of State for Home Shri Rajanikant Patel, Principal Secretary Shri G.C.Murmu (Law & Order) Shri Amitabh Pathak, Director General of Police and Resident Commissioner Shri Bharat Lal attended the meeting.
Text of PM’s address at third edition of Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi
October 04, 2024
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Today, India is the fastest growing major economy:PM
Government is following the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform:PM
Government is committed to carrying out structural reforms to make India developed:PM
Inclusion taking place along with growth in India:PM
India has made ‘process reforms’ a part of the government's continuous activities:PM
Today, India's focus is on critical technologies like AI and semiconductors:PM
Special package for skilling and internship of youth:PM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ji, President of the Institute of Economic Growth N K Singh ji, other distinguished guests from India and abroad at the Conclave, ladies and gentlemen! This is the third edition of the Kautilya Conclave. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet you all. There will be numerous sessions here, discussing various economic issues over the next three days. I am confident that these discussions will help accelerate Bharat’s growth.
Friends,
This Conclave is being held at a time when two major regions of the world are in a state of war. These regions are crucial for the global economy, especially in terms of energy security. Amidst such significant global uncertainty, we are gathered here to discuss ‘The Indian Era.’ This shows that trust in Bharat today is unique... It demonstrates that Bharat’s self-confidence is exceptional.
Friends,
Today, Bharat is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Bharat is currently the fifth largest economy in terms of GDP. We are number one in terms of global fintech adoption rates. Today, we are number one in smartphone data consumption. We are the second largest internet user base globally. Nearly half of the world’s real-time digital transactions are taking place in Bharat today. Bharat now has the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. In terms of renewable energy capacity, Bharat is ranked fourth. When it comes to manufacturing, Bharat is the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Bharat is also the largest producer of two-wheelers and tractors. And not just that, Bharat is the world's youngest country. Bharat has the third-largest pool of scientists and technicians globally. Whether it’s science, technology, or innovation, Bharat is clearly in a sweet spot.
Friends,
By following the mantra of ‘Reform, Perform, and Transform,’ we are continuously making decisions to drive the nation forward at a rapid pace. This is the impact that has led the people of Bharat to elect the same government for the third consecutive time after 60 years. When people’s lives change, they gain confidence that the country is moving on the right track. This sentiment is reflected in the mandate of the Indian public. The trust of 140 crore citizens is a great asset for this government.
Our commitment is to continue making structural reforms to make Bharat a developed nation. You can see this commitment in the work we have done in the first three months of our third term. Bold policy changes, a strong commitment to jobs and skills, a focus on sustainable growth and innovation, modern infrastructure, quality of life, and the continuity of rapid growth are reflected in the policies of our first three months. During this period, decisions amounting to over 15 trillion rupees i.e. 15 lakh crore rupees have been made. In these three months alone, work on numerous mega infrastructure projects has begun in Bharat. We have also decided to create 12 industrial nodes across the country. Additionally, we have approved the construction of 3 crore new houses.
Friends,
Another notable factor in Bharat’s growth story is its inclusive spirit. It was once believed that with growth comes inequality. But the opposite is happening in Bharat. Along with growth, inclusion is also taking place in Bharat. As a result, 250 million i.e. 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 10 years. Along with Bharat’s rapid progress, we are ensuring that inequality is reduced and that the benefits of development reach everyone.
Friends,
The confidence in Bharat’s growth predictions also shows the direction we are heading in. You can see this in the data from recent weeks and months. Last year, our economy performed better than any prediction. Whether it’s the World Bank, the IMF, or Moody’s, all have upgraded their forecasts for Bharat. All these institutions are saying that despite global uncertainty, Bharat will continue to grow at a 7+ rate. We Indians are confident that we will perform even better than that.
Friends,
There are solid reasons behind this confidence in Bharat. Be it manufacturing or the service sector, the world today sees Bharat as a preferred destination for investment. This is not a coincidence but a result of major reforms over the past 10 years. These reforms have transformed Bharat’s macroeconomic fundamentals. One example is Bharat’s banking reforms which have not only strengthened the financial conditions of banks but also increased their lending capacity. Similarly, the GST has integrated various central and state indirect taxes. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has developed a new credit culture of responsibility, recovery, and resolution. Bharat has opened sectors such as mining, defence, and space for private players and our young entrepreneurs. We have liberalized the FDI policy to create more and more opportunities for investors around the world. We are focusing on modern infrastructure to reduce logistics costs and time. Over the past decade, we have significantly scaled up investments in infrastructure.
Friends,
India has integrated process reforms into the government’s ongoing initiatives. We have eliminated over 40,000 compliances and decriminalised the Companies Act. Numerous provisions that previously made business operations difficult have been amended. The National Single Window System has been introduced to simplify the processes of starting, closing, and obtaining clearances for companies. Now, we are encouraging state governments to accelerate process reforms at the state level.
Friends,
To boost manufacturing in Bharat, we have introduced Production Linked Incentives (PLI), the impact of which is now visible across many sectors. Over the past three years, PLI has attracted investments of approximately ₹1.25 trillion (₹1.25 lakh crore). This has resulted in the production and sales amounting to about ₹11 trillion (₹11 lakh crore). Bharat's progress in the space and defence sectors is also remarkable. These sectors have only recently been opened up, yet more than 200 start-ups have already emerged in the space sector. Today, our private defence companies account for 20 percent of the country’s total defence manufacturing.
Friends,
The growth of the electronics sector is even more remarkable. Just 10 years ago, Bharat was a major importer of most mobile phones. Today, over 330 million or more than 33 crore mobile phones are manufactured in Bharat. In fact, no matter which sector you look at, there are exceptional opportunities for investors in Bharat to invest and earn high returns.
Friends,
Bharat is now also focusing on critical technologies such as AI and semiconductors, and we are investing significantly in these areas. Our AI mission will enhance both research and skills development in the AI field. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, investments totalling ₹1.5 trillion (₹1.5 lakh crore) are being made. Soon, five semiconductor plants in Bharat will begin delivering 'Made in India' chips to every corner of the world.
Friends,
You are all aware that Bharat is the leading source of affordable intellectual power. A testament to this is the presence of more than 1,700 global capability centres of companies from around the world operating in India today. These centres employ over two million i.e. 20 lakh Indian youth, who are providing highly skilled services to the world. Today, Bharat is placing an unprecedented focus on maximising this demographic dividend. To achieve this, special attention is being devoted to education, innovation, skills, and research. We have introduced a significant reform in this area with the implementation of the New National Education Policy. In the past 10 years, a new university has been established every week, and two new colleges have been opened each day. During this period, the number of medical colleges in our country has doubled.
And friends,
We are focusing not only on expanding access to education but also on improving its quality. As a result, the number of Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings has more than tripled over the past decade. In this year's budget, we announced a special package for skilling and interning millions of young people. Under the PM Internship Scheme, 111 companies registered on the portal on the very first day. Through this scheme, we are supporting 1 crore youth with internships at major companies.
Friends,
Bharat's research output and patent filings have also seen rapid growth in the past 10 years. In less than a decade, Bharat has risen from 81st to 39th in the Global Innovation Index rankings, and we aim to advance further. To bolster its research ecosystem, India has also created a research fund worth ₹1 trillion.
Friends,
Today, the world has high expectations from Bharat regarding a green future and green jobs, and there are equally significant opportunities for you in this sector. You all followed the G20 Summit held under Bharat's presidency. One of the many successes of this summit was the renewed enthusiasm for the green transition. During the G20 Summit, the Global Biofuel Alliance was launched at Bharat's initiative, and G20 member countries strongly supported Bharat's development of green hydrogen energy. In Bharat, we have set a target to produce 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by the end of this decade. We are also advancing solar power production at the micro level.
The Government of India has launched the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, a large-scale Rooftop Solar Scheme. We are providing funding to every household for setting up rooftop solar systems and assisting with solar infrastructure installation. So far, more than 13 million i.e. 1 crore 30 lakh families have registered for this scheme, meaning these households have become solar power producers. This initiative will save an average of ₹25,000 per family. For every three kilowatts of solar power generated, 50-60 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be prevented. This scheme will create approximately 1.7 million (17 lakh) jobs, producing a vast workforce of skilled youth. Therefore, numerous new investment opportunities are emerging for you in this sector as well.
Friends,
The Indian economy is currently undergoing a significant transformation. With strong economic fundamentals, India is on a path of sustained high growth. Today, Bharat is not only striving to reach the top but is also making concerted efforts to stay there. The world today offers immense opportunities across every sector. I am confident that your discussions will provide many valuable insights in the days to come.
I am confident that in the coming days, many valuable insights will emerge from your discussions. I extend my best wishes for this endeavour, and I assure you that this is not merely a debating forum for us. The discussions that take place here, the points raised, the do's and don'ts—those that prove beneficial—are diligently integrated into our governmental system. We incorporate them into our policies and governance. The wisdom you contribute during this churning process is what we utilise to shape a brighter future for our country. Your participation is, therefore, of immense importance to us. Every word you offer holds value for us. Your thoughts, your experience—they are our assets. Once again, I thank you all for your contribution. I also congratulate N. K. Singh and his entire team for their commendable efforts.
