On 27th – 28th July 2023, Prime Minister(PM) of India, Narendra Modi was on a two day visit to Rajasthan and Gujarat to inaugurate and launch various new initiatives and events.
PM Modi visit to Rajasthan:
On 27th July 2023, during his visit to Rajasthan, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of medical colleges in Rajasthan and dedicated various development projects to the nation.
Release of 14th instalment of PM-KISAN:
i.He released the 14th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme worth over Rs 17,000 crore to more than 8.5 crores farmers.
ii.The PM-Kisan Scheme was started on February 24th, 2019 to supplement the financial requirements of all land-holding farmers who meet specified income exclusion conditions.
iii.Financial benefit of Rs 6000 per year in three equal instalments in every four months is transferred into the bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Launch of Urea Gold – Sulphur Coated Urea:
i.He also launched ‘Urea Gold’, a new variety of Urea coated with Sulphur to address sulphur deficiencies in the soil.
ii.This new fertiliser is more cost-effective and efficient than Neem-Coated Urea, resulting in increased nitrogen use efficiency, lower consumption, and improved crop quality.
Launch of 1,600 FPOs On-boarded on ONDC:
i.He also launched the onboarding of 1600 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
ii.The FPO initiative was launched in February 2020 with a total budget of Rs 6,865 Crore to set up 10,000 new FPOs within 2025.
iii.ONDC empowers FPOs with direct access to digital marketing, online payment, business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C)transactions, and encourages local value addition, catalysing growth of logistics in rural areas.
Dedicating 1.25 lakh PMKSKs to the nation:
i.PM Modi dedicated 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras to the farmers. Under this scheme, the retail fertilizer shops converted into PMKSK in a phased manner.
ii.PMKSKs will cater to a wide variety of needs of the farmers and provide agricultural inputs (fertilizers, seeds, implements), testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilizers.
iii.PMKSK also generates awareness among farmers, provides information regarding various government schemes and ensures regular capacity building of retailers at block/district level outlets.
Inauguration of 5 Medical Colleges and Laying of foundation stone for 7 Medical colleges:
i.PM Modi inaugurated 5 Medical Colleges at Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Sirohi, Sikar, and Sri Ganganagar.
- These 5 new medical colleges were developed at a cumulative cost of more than Rs 1400 crore.
ii.He also laid the foundation stone for the 7 new medical colleges at Jhunjhunu, Baran, Bundi, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk and Jaisalmer.
- These 7 medical colleges will be built at a cumulative cost of Rs 2275 crore.
- These medical colleges are being established under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for “Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/ referral hospitals.
iii.With these new medical colleges, the number of medical colleges in the State has grown from 10 in 2010 to 35, which is a 250% increase.
iv.The 12 new medical colleges will increase the number of MBBS(Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) seats in Rajasthan to 6275 seats from 1750 seats in 2013-14, which would be a 258% increase.
v.The new airport in Rajkot will contribute not only towards the development of the local automobile industry of Rajkot but will also encourage trade, tourism, education and industrial sectors throughout Gujarat.
Inauguration of 6 Eklavya Model Residential Schools and One Kendriya Vidyalaya:
i.He inaugurated 6 Eklavya Model Residential schools in districts of Udaipur(2), Banswara(2), Partapgarh(1) and Dungarpur(1) in Rajasthan.
ii.EMRS was founded in 1997-98 to provide quality education to ST children in remote places, allowing them to pursue chances in further and professional education and gain jobs in a variety of fields.
PM Modi visit to Gujarat:
Inauguration of Gujarat’s first greenfield airport in Rajkot:
i.PM Modi inaugurated Gujarat’s first greenfield airport‘ Hirasar greenfield International airport’ in Hirasar, Rajkot,Gujarat.
- The Airport will be the epitome of the local architectural heritage and will reflect the cultural glory of art and dance forms of the Kathiawar region of Gujarat.
ii.It is located in Hirasar village around 30 km from Rajkot and is spread over an area of 1,500 acres and has been developed at a cost of Rs 1,405 crore.
iii.It has a 3,040 metre (3.04 km)-long and 45-meter-wide runway, capable of accommodating 14 planes simultaneously.
iv.The design of the terminal was inspired by Rajkot’s cultural vibrancy which would feature the art forms from Lippan art to Dandiya dance.
v.The new airport in Rajkot will contribute not only towards the development of the local automobile industry of Rajkot but will also encourage trade, tourism, education and industrial sectors throughout Gujarat.
Inauguration of SemiconIndia 2023 in Gandhinagar
On 28th July 2023, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2nd edition of SemiconIndia 2023 conference organised by India Semiconductor Mission at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- The Conference was held from 28th-30th July 2023 under the theme of ‘Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem’.
- It offers a platform to the participants to deliberate on various aspects shaping the semiconductor ecosystem in India.
Objective of the conference:
i.It aims to bring together global leaders from industry, academia and research institutions.
ii.It also highlights India’s semiconductor strategy and policy, which aims to make the country a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacture, and technological development.
Note:
Prior to the conference, SemiconIndia 2023 exhibition inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister(CM) Bhupendra Patel in the presence of Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar on 25th July 2023.
Other notable inaugurations in Gujarat:
PM Modi dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 860 crores in Rajkot, Gujarat.
i.Sauni Yojana Link 3 Package 8 and 9 will help further strengthen irrigation facilities and provide drinking water benefits for the Saurashtra region.
ii.The upgradation of Dwarka Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS), conservation, restoration & development of Uparkot Fort Phase I & II, construction of a water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, and flyover bridge among others.
Penned by – Muthu Karuppan, PR by – Abarna Anandhan
