Gandhinagar, June 20: Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi announced on Friday that over 4 million permanent homes have been constructed across the country under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana in the last 12 years. This initiative has provided millions of impoverished families, who previously lived in slums and temporary shelters, with the opportunity to lead a dignified life.
Sanghvi made these remarks while addressing the ‘Namo Youth Dialogue: Blueprint for Developed India’ event at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar. He emphasized that since 2014, the country has made remarkable progress in various sectors, including agriculture, economy, transportation, law and order, as well as youth and women’s empowerment, benefiting citizens nationwide.
The event aimed to inspire youth to actively participate in the vision of a developed India and connect their ideas to the national development agenda. During his interaction with students and young people, Sanghvi discussed the objectives of “Developed India 2047.”
He pointed out that before 2014, a significant number of poor individuals were forced to live in temporary housing. However, the construction of over 4 million permanent homes under the PM Awas Yojana has transformed the living conditions for a large segment of society.
Sanghvi noted that more than half of the poor and middle-class families were previously excluded from the banking system. Now, they have bank accounts and are connected to financial services. “These figures are not just statistics; they reflect the country’s strong commitment to improving the living standards of the underprivileged,” he stated.
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed that he was not there to give a speech but to listen to the thoughts and experiences of the youth. He highlighted that the development since 2014 has impacted various sectors and contributed to enhancing people’s lives.
Discussing infrastructure development, he mentioned projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Atal Tunnel, which have significantly reduced travel time and fuel consumption. He also noted that by 2026, India will have developed two and a half times more airports compared to those built from independence until 2014.
Referring to the Udaan scheme, he stated that now common citizens and senior citizens can afford air travel at reasonable rates. On railway connectivity, he mentioned that the Vande Bharat Express and the proposed bullet train will not only save time but also positively impact the social lives of millions who commute regularly for work.
Sanghvi highlighted the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, stating that the growing awareness of cleanliness among children is laying a strong foundation for a cleaner India in the future. He urged youth to avoid littering in public places and to act responsibly.
He also referred to the GIFT City project, which critics once labeled a ‘pipe dream’ but has now emerged as a global financial hub. He advised young entrepreneurs to focus on long-term and sustainable business models rather than short-term gains.
Addressing the role of social media, he urged youth to steer clear of unverified rumors and misinformation, and to trust factual information. “Developed India 2047 is a commitment to the collective development of nearly 1.4 billion people in the country,” he said.
Inspiring the youth, he encouraged them to draw motivation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s struggles and perseverance during times of despair. “Whenever you feel disheartened, read about Prime Minister Modi’s life and his books, and find a way to move forward through hard work,” he advised.
This event also marked the completion of 12 years of Prime Minister Modi’s governance. During the program, Sanghvi released a book titled ‘Narendra Modi: A Creator,’ written by Bhagyesh Jha, the President of the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi.
–
Leave a Comment