NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in ‘Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh’: Completion of one year of State Government of Rajasthan’ programme. Addressing the gathering, he congratulated the government of Rajasthan and the people of Rajasthan for successfully completing one year of state Government. He added that he was fortunate enough to take the blessings of lakhs of people who had gathered at the event.  Modi lauded the Chief Minister of Rajasthan and his team for the efforts undertaken to give a new direction and pace to the developmental works of Rajasthan. He added that the first year has served as a strong foundation for the upcoming many years of development. He further added that today’s event not just marked the completion of one year of the government, but also symbolised the radiating brightness of Rajasthan and a festival of development of Rajasthan. Recalling his recent visit to the Rising Rajasthan Summit 2024,  Modi remarked that many investors spanning across the globe were present and today projects worth over Rs 45,000 crores were inaugurated. He added that these projects will provide a befitting solution to the obstacles being faced with respect to water in Rajasthan and also make Rajasthan one of the most well-connected states among India. The PM remarked that these development works will invite more investors, create umpteen job opportunities, strengthen the tourism sector as well as benefit the farmers, women and youth of Rajasthan. 

“The Governments at the Center and State are becoming a symbol of Good Governance today”, said  Modi. He added that their Government will ensure the achievement of resolutions undertaken by them. He further said that today, people were of the opinion that his party symbolised the guarantee of Good Governance and this was the reason for getting the support of the public in so many states. Thanking the people of India for giving them the opportunity to serve them for the third time in a row, the PM said that there was no such precedence of forming a Union Government by the same party for three times in a row in the last 60 years. PM Modi thanked the people for their support and electing them twice continuously in Maharashtra and Haryana and this showed the trust of the people in them. 

Thanking the previous governments of Rajasthan headed by  Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, for laying a strong foundation for development and Smt Vasundhara Raje Scindia, for  taking forward the heritage of good governance, PM Modi said the current government of  Bhajanlal Sharma is now actively taking efforts to further strengthen the heritage of good governance. He added that the works undertaken in the last one year shows the impression of the same. Adding that the projects and work undertaken in the last one year was discussed in detail, PM Modi said many decisions were taken for the development of the poor families, women, labourers, Vishwakarmas and the nomadic tribes. Highlighting that the maladies like paper leak, employment scams as identity of the previous government, PM Modi said the youth had suffered and now the process of ironing out the issues was being done by the incumbent government. He added that the incumbent Government of Rajasthan had also created thousands of job opportunities in the last one year. He further noted that job examinations were being conducted with complete transparency as well as appointments were also being done. The PM remarked that the people of Rajasthan had to pay more for Petrol and Diesel as compared to other states during the previous governments. He added that now the people have received relief in terms of Petrol and Diesel prices under the incumbent Government. PM Modi underscored that the Union Government directly credits the money to the bank accounts of farmers through PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, and the state Government of Rajasthan adds additional funds to support farmers. The PM noted that the governments at the Center and state were rapidly implementing infrastructure projects on the ground by swiftly fulfilling its promises, and today's program is a significant part of this commitment.

PM Modi remarked that with the blessings of the people of Rajasthan, his government has been in power at the center for the past 10 years. He highlighted that during these 10 years, they have focused on providing facilities to the people and reducing their difficulties. The PM noted that they have accomplished more in 10 years than what previous governments had in 5-6 decades after independence. Emphasising the importance of water in Rajasthan, where severe droughts occur in many areas while in other regions, river water flows unused into the sea, the PM highlighted that  Atal Bihari Vajpayee envisioned linking rivers to address this issue and formed a special committee for it. He added that the goal was to transfer excess water from rivers to drought-affected areas, solving both flood and drought problems. He further added that the Supreme Court also supported this vision, but the previous governments never aimed to alleviate water issues and instead promoted water disputes between states. PM Modi underscored that Rajasthan suffered greatly due to this policy, affecting the women and farmers. The PM recalled his efforts as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to bring Narmada water to various parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, despite the then Government’s attempts to obstruct it. He highlighted that his continued efforts benefited Rajasthan, and senior leaders like  Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and  Jaswant Singh appreciated these efforts. PM Modi expressed happiness that districts like Jalore, Barmer, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, and Hanumangarh are now receiving Narmada water.

Highlighting the delay in the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), PM Modi said that his Government believed in cooperation and solutions as against opposition and obstacles. He added that his government has approved and expanded the ERCP. PM Modi highlighted that as soon as their governments were formed in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, an agreement was reached on the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link project, which would interlink the Chambal River and its tributaries, including Parbati, Kalisindh, Kuno, Banas, Banas, Ruparel, Gambhiri, and Mej rivers. The PM remarked that he envisions a day when Rajasthan will no longer face water scarcity and will have sufficient water for development. Highlighting the benefits of the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal project,  Modi said it will provide irrigation and drinking water to 21 districts in Rajasthan while accelerating the development of both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Stressing that numerous new schemes are being created to empower women, the PM highlighted the "Namo Drone Didi" scheme, under which thousands of women are being trained as drone pilots. He noted that thousands of groups have already received drones, and women are using them for farming and earning income. He emphasized that the Rajasthan government is also making significant efforts to advance this scheme.

Touching upon another recently launched significant scheme for women - the Bima Sakhi Scheme, PM Modi highlighted that under this scheme, women and daughters in villages will be involved in insurance work and receive training. He added that this scheme will provide them with income and another opportunity to serve the nation. Emphasizing the remarkable achievements of the Bank Sakhis, who have extended banking services to every corner of the country, opened accounts, and connected people with loan facilities, the PM remarked that the Bima Sakhis will now help connect every family in India with insurance services.

“Our government continuously strives to improve the economic condition of villages, which is essential for building a developed India”, said the PM. He highlighted that they are focusing on every means of income and employment in villages. Noting that their government in Rajasthan had made several agreements in the electricity sector, benefiting farmers the most, PM Modi emphasized that the Rajasthan government's plan to provide electricity to farmers during the day is a significant step towards freeing them from the compulsion of overnight irrigation.

“Rajasthan has significant potential for solar energy and can become the leading state in this sector”, highlighted PM Modi. He added that the government had made solar energy a means to reduce electricity bills to zero. Touching upon the central government run - PM Suryagarh Free Electricity Scheme, which provides ₹78,000 for installing solar panels on rooftops, the PM emphasized that the electricity generated can be used by the household, and any surplus will be purchased by the government. The PM was pleased that over 1.4 crore families had registered for this scheme, and nearly 7 lakh homes have already installed solar panel systems. He highlighted that more than 20,000 homes in Rajasthan are included in this initiative, and these households have started generating solar power, leading to savings on their electricity bills.

The PM underscored that the government was providing assistance for installing solar power plants not only on rooftops but also in agricultural fields. He highlighted that under the PM KUSUM scheme, the Rajasthan government plans to install hundreds of new solar plants in the times to come. PM Modi stressed that when every family and farmer becomes an energy producer, it will generate income from electricity and increase the income of every household.

“We are committed to make Rajasthan the most connected state in terms of road, rail, and air travel”, exclaimed PM Modi. He highlighted that Rajasthan, situated between major industrial centers like Delhi, Vadodara, and Mumbai, presents a significant opportunity for its people and youth. He further added that the new expressway connecting these three cities with Rajasthan will be one of the best in the country. Highlighting that the construction of a major bridge over the Mej River will benefit the districts of Sawai Madhopur, Bundi, Tonk, and Kota, the PM said that it will make it easier for farmers in these districts to access major markets in Delhi, Mumbai, and Vadodara. He highlighted that it will also facilitate easier access for tourists to Jaipur and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. PM Modi stressed that their primary goal was to ensure that people saved time and their convenience was increased.

Explaining that the Jamnagar-Amritsar Economic Corridor, when connected to the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, would link Rajasthan to the Vaishno Devi ne, PM Modi highlighted that this will provide direct access for industries in northern India to the Kandla and Mundra ports, benefiting the transport sector in Rajasthan with the establishment of large warehouses, creating more jobs for the youth. The PM also noted that the Jodhpur Ring Road would improve connectivity to Jaipur, Pali, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, and the international border. He emphasized that this will reduce unnecessary traffic congestion in the city, making it easier for tourists, traders, and businessmen visiting Jodhpur.

Emphasizing the importance of water conservation and stating that it is the responsibility of both the government and society to use every drop of water effectively, the PM urged the people to engage in micro-irrigation, drip irrigation, and the maintenance of Amrit Sarovars, and to raise awareness about water management. He also encouraged them to promote natural farming among farmers. PM Modi highlighted the significance of planting trees and suggested the "Ek Ped Maa ke Naam" campaign to honor both mothers and Mother Earth. He also urged the people to raise awareness about the use of solar energy and the benefits of the PM Suryagarh campaign. The PM remarked that when people see the right intent and policy behind a campaign, only then they join and advance it, as seen in the Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaigns. He expressed confidence that similar success will be achieved in environmental conservation.

The PM underscored that the modern development and infrastructure projects in Rajasthan will benefit both the present and future generations. He added that these efforts will contribute to building a developed Rajasthan, which in turn will accelerate India's development. Concluding his speech, PM Modi said that in the coming years, the Governments at the Center and state will work at an enhanced pace and assured the people that the central government will leave no stone unturned in supporting Rajasthan's development.