Development only way to solve India’s problems: PM
RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made a strong pitch for development saying it is the only way to solve the problems that India is facing and urged state governments and local governing bodies to work in tandem to make the country poverty-free. He also said skilled youth can pull themselves out of poverty and help fuel the engine of growth.
“Development in all spheres is the one and only way to solve the problems faced by the country. In the states wherever we are getting an opportunity, and in the country, we are trying hard to move ahead on the path of development with full commitment. The full stress of our government is on uplift of poor,” he told a gathering on the opening ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav - the 16th foundation day celebrations at Naya Raipur.
Pitching for empowerment of the poor, he said, “The Centre, states, municipalities and panchayats should work together to eradicate poverty. We have to work shoulder-toshoulder to tackle the menace.” He said the Centre is observing 2016 which is Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay's birth centenary year as Garib Kalyan Varsh for the uplift of the poor.
Linking skilling with his ‘Make in India' initiative, the prime minister said people with sufficient skills can help boost the country's economy.
“Poor youth with sufficient opportunities, training, skills and tools can pull themselves and others out of poverty,” he said. He pointed out the government's initiative on skill development that is helping youths to enhance their capability and skill.
“The country has large youth population. They have immense power and if they get opportunity they can change the world. Making them, particularly the poor, skilled will help them shape their future and enhance their dignity,” he said. On the issue of Centrestate relations, Modi said the government believes in cooperative federalism, where states compete with each other in implementing new schemes.
“The Centre wants a healthy competition among the states in the areas of development and better performance, assuring that his government is committed to support and encourage each and every state for their development,” he said.