"Year-long series of events planned to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations "
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Law of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. K. Shanmugam, called on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today. He conveyed the message of the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, that the relations between the two countries, which are based on mutual trust, should be made even stronger through a series of concrete steps. During the meeting, it was planned that an year-long series of events be held to mark the completion of fifty years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India. Both Prime Ministers are keen that the occasion should be celebrated in a way that further expands the canvas of the relationship.
Mutual cooperation in the fields of skill development, development of smart cities, water management, shipping, port management and coastal development was discussed in depth.
Shri Narendra Modi said that his Government plans a major thrust in low-cost and affordable housing, and sought Singapore's assistance in construction technology for this purpose.
Observing that Singapore is one of the top tourist destinations worldwide, the Prime Minister suggested that Indian states should hold one-month long special campaigns in Singapore to highlight their tourism potential, during celebrations of the fifty years of relationship.
The meeting was attended by Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Lim Thuan Kuan, High Commissioner of Singapore to India, and senior officials from both sides.
PM reviews seven critical infrastructure projects across the Railways, Power and Road sectors
Projects reviewed span across 9 States with cumulative investment of around ₹30,000 crore
PM also reviews Ken Betwa Link Project and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0
PM says Ken-Betwa River Inter-linking Project should serve as a model for other States to resolve inter-State water issues amicably
PM asks States to expedite the completion of solid waste management-related infrastructure, including waste processing plants and GOBARdhan plants
PM calls for mission-mode rooftop solar coverage in urban areas
Acting upon the advice of PM, system of monthly review of social sector schemes at State level operationalised, starting with review of Swachh Bharat Mission
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the 51st meeting of PRAGATI, the ICT-enabled, multi-modal platform aimed at fostering Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, by seamlessly integrating efforts of the Central and State governments, at Seva Teerth, earlier today.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed seven critical infrastructure projects across the Railways, Power and Road sectors covering nine States worth around ₹30,000 crore. These projects, pivotal to economic growth and public welfare, were reviewed with a focus on timelines, inter-agency coordination, and timely issue resolution. Prime Minister also reviewed Ken Betwa Link Project and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
While reviewing power sector projects, Prime Minister emphasized the need to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across urban areas, with a special focus on cities, residential clusters and public institutions. He underlined that rooftop solar should be taken up in mission mode to reduce electricity costs, improve energy security and promote clean energy at the household and community level.
While reviewing road and port connectivity projects, it was emphasised that Vadhavan Port should be developed as a model of port-led, multi-modal development, where every major mode of transport is seamlessly integrated to create a future-ready logistics ecosystem. The project should not be seen merely as a port, but as a national gateway connected through coastal shipping, inland waterways, dedicated freight corridors, high-speed rail connectivity, highways and airport linkages.
Prime Minister emphasised the need for effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 and underlined that the mission should move beyond infrastructure creation and ensure measurable outcomes through regular monitoring, citizen participation and convergence between various stakeholders. He asked States to expedite the completion of solid waste management-related infrastructure, including waste processing plants and GOBARdhan plants.
While reviewing Ken-Betwa River Inter-linking Project, Prime Minister observed that Ken-Betwa project should serve as a model for other States to resolve inter-State water issues through cooperation, timely clearances, technology-based monitoring and mission-mode execution. States were encouraged to identify similar opportunities where river-linking, water conservation, groundwater recharge and efficient irrigation can be taken up in an integrated manner to ensure long-term water security.
Prime Minister also underlined that the delay in the implementation of public projects leads not only to cost escalation but also deprives citizens of timely access to essential facilities and development benefits. He observed that every delay has a direct impact on people’s lives, regional growth and public resources. He stressed that Ministries, Departments and States must adopt a more proactive and time-bound approach to resolve pending issues, remove bottlenecks and ensure faster execution.
Prime Minister also emphasized that innovative use of canal networks should be explored, including installation of solar panels along canals and over canals for clean electricity generation. This would help optimize land use, reduce evaporation losses, generate renewable energy and create additional economic value from water infrastructure.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary informed that, in pursuance of the directions of the Prime Minister, a system of monthly review of social sector schemes at the State level has also been operationalised. This mechanism aims to ensure regular monitoring, faster resolution of implementation issues and greater accountability at the State and district levels. As part of this initiative, Swachh Bharat Mission has been taken up for review at the State level in the first instance.
