President inaugurates Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan on 67th birthday
Dehradun: President
Droupadi Murmu
on Friday inaugurated part of the Presidential Retreat in Dehradun, now renamed Rashtrapati Niketan, on her 67th birthday and Rashtrapati Tapovan which will be open for public viewing from June 24.
The president, who is on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand that began Thursday, also laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre public garden at Rashtrapati Niketan.
She also visited the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) and was moved to tears when a group of visually impaired children sang for her on her birthday. Union Minister for social justice and empowerment, Virendra Kumar was also present on the occasion.
"The progress of a country or society can be judged by the way it treats persons with disabilities," she said. "India's history is full of inspiring incidents of sensitivity and inclusiveness. Elements of human compassion and love have always been present in our culture and civilisation. Through the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which focuses on creating an accessible physical, transport, information, and communication ecosystem, the govt is striving for empowerment and equal participation of the divyangjan.
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She added, "Today's era is one of science and technology. With the help of advanced tools, even people with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to the mainstream. Society must support and encourage them in every sphere."
Later, Murmu inaugurated the Rashtrapati Niketan in the presence of Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) and chief minister Dhami. She also released a postage stamp marking 125 years of the Raj Bhavan in Nainital.
The 172-acre Presidential Estate has been transformed from an exclusive retreat into a public space celebrating biodiversity, heritage, and sustainability. Established in 1838 as a camp for the Governor General's Bodyguard, the estate later served as a private retreat for India's presidents.
For decades, its serene orchards, colonial stables, and forest trails remained off-limits to the public till the creation of Rashtrapati Niketan, Rashtrapati Tapovan, and Rashtrapati Udyan.
Spread across 21 acres, Niketan blends natural beauty with heritage. It now features a 200-seat amphitheatre and visitor amenities designed to foster cultural engagement and reflection.
Its corridors showcase curated archival photographs from the Presidential Archives, offering glimpses into key moments of India's history and the evolving role of the presidency.
The presidential rooms have been adorned with Uttarakhand's traditional art including Pahari miniatures, Aipan designs, and local crafts reflecting the region's cultural richness.
Rashtrapati Tapovan, developed in collaboration with the Uttarakhand forest department, is a serene forest zone inspired by India's ancient tradition of learning in nature. It features silent zones, forest trails, meditation huts, shaded pergolas, and hosts 117 plant species, 52 butterflies, 41 bird species, and seven wild mammals, including protected species. Natural bamboo groves and undisturbed woodland ecosystems enrich the landscape.
While Tapovan will open to the public on June 24 while Niketan will open on July 1.
Biodiversity conservation lies at the core of the experience. Visitors can join expert-led walks to explore native medicinal plants, understand forest ecology, and learn from local ecological knowledge.
Rashtrapati Udyan, for which the president laid a foundation stone, is a 132-acre sustainable public park designed through public consultation.
It will include walking and cycling tracks, butterfly domes, an 800-seat amphitheatre, an aviary, and boating zones. Intended as a green lung for Dehradun, it also aims to serve as a national symbol of environmental responsibility.
Officials said biodiversity restoration is central across all three zones. Native trees have been replanted, degraded grasslands left untouched to encourage pollinators, and wetlands revived to support amphibians, birds, and aquatic life.
Interpretive boards throughout the estate explain these efforts: how the estate's microclimate supports the Doon Valley watershed, why native bees are vital for agriculture, and how small ecological interventions can have lasting impact. Heritage and ecology come together here to create a space that is intellectually enriching, emotionally grounding, and environmentally conscious.
A book documenting the biodiversity of Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan, and Udyan was also released on the occasion. It catalogues over 300 species of flora and 170 species of fauna, including butterflies, birds, and mammals found across the estate.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
India's gone from despair to optimism in 11 yrs: Home minister Amit Shah
Union home minister Amit Shah The Modi govt has completed 11 years in office. What would you count as the five biggest achievements? Let's not get caught in numbers... certain things cannot be quantified. There was widespread pessimism in 2014, and people voted for Modi ji as PM, seeking an end to corruption, weak internal and external security, a severe image deficit abroad, social disharmony, and the poor state of the economy, which had landed us in the unenviable 'Fragile Five' club. The youth were particularly apprehensive. Now, in 2025, people are confident that India will become a developed country by 2047. The transformed mindset is a result of hard work over 11 years, marked by farsightedness and microplanning. I consider the renewal of hope and confidence about the country's future a significant achievement. We are marching ahead with a sense of encouragement derived from the changed national psyche. But some of the issues raised in 2014 — poverty, inflation and unemployment — have not gone away… Let us be real. There are some issues which cannot be eliminated altogether. But can anyone say that the level of poverty and the number of poor are the same, or that their status has not changed? Over 26 crore people have been moved out of the BPL category, and more than 80 crore have benefited from welfare schemes, including housing, water, electricity, toilets and free LPG connections. Free health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, 5 kg of free ration and free LPG connections are available. These things had not been provided for in 70 years; in these 11 years, we have come a long way. It was a deliberate attempt to sabotage peace in Kashmir, to stop rising tourism and distract Kashmiri youth, who were employed, enjoying prosperity and were distanced from terrorism. The youth in Kashmir realises the evil plan. There were protests in every town in the Valley after the attack on tourists. The Valley had not shown such solidarity with the country before Amit Shah Congress says your performance on the economic front is underwhelming. Can India's rise to becoming the fourth largest economy from the 10th, surpassing six front-running nations in just 11 years, be termed an underwhelming performance? Is doubling of GDP from $2 trillion to $4.2 trillion underperformance? Isn't the unprecedented rise of capital expenditure from Rs 1.9 lakh crore to Rs 10.5 lakh crore a marker of the nation's stupendous growth? Since they demitted office, even per capita income has risen from Rs 68,572 to Rs 133,488 and transformed lives for good. And all these are besides the remarkable 143% jump in FDI, which is reflective of international confidence in India's economic policies. I can go on. Average inflation rate has been brought down from 10.1% to 4.6% and forex reserves have more than doubled to $654 billion. On the infrastructure front, the pace of highway construction has accelerated, Metro rail network has expanded four-fold to 1,000 km. In the banking sector, the turnaround is equally impressive. When we took office, non-performing assets were in double digits. Today, it is just 2.3%. As part of a historic push for financial inclusion, over 55 crore bank accounts have been opened in the last 11 years. Through Direct Benefit Transfer, Rs 44 lakh crore has been disbursed. Today, India accounts for nearly 50% of global digital transactions. Clearly, development under the Modi govt is not just a claim — it is a lived reality of 140 crore citizens. What about 'Make in India' as imports still remain high? Considerable progress has been made towards Aatmanirbharta. We manufactured defence products worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore and exported Rs 21,000 crore worth of defence products. The target is to increase it to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. We are now the second-largest exporter of mobile phones — from 26% mobiles being domestically produced, the share is now over 99%. Modi ji's push to the toy sector has not only ensured that our next generation grows up playing with indigenously manufactured toys but has also reversed the export-import ratio of toys. In 2014, only 20% of toys were manufactured indigenously, 40% of manufacturing units had shut down, and 20% of them were on the verge of shutting down. Disaffection with UPA's performance on the internal security front helped BJP in 2014. How do you view the situation now? The biggest challenge was govt's approach. Earlier, the focus was on containing the problem; our approach has been to eliminate it. Earlier, the concern was to manage a threat somehow while you were in office. It was not helpful. Take, for example, the issue of Naxalism. They had a plan to develop a red corridor from Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) to Pashupatinath (Nepal), and the threat appeared realistic to many. In 11 years, the challenge has shrunk from 123 districts to just six. I am confident that by March 31, 2026, the entire country will be free of the Naxal menace. Similarly, in the North-east, violence has come down almost 70%, not only by using force. We have negotiated over 20 peace agreements with insurgent groups, and over 10,000 people have surrendered. By the time the report for the year is released, the level of violence is likely to decrease by 90%. The success against Naxals wouldn't have happened overnight… By 2020, we began to choke off their supplies, whether it was money, arms or food. We set up over 500 camps, approximately every 8 km, to fill the security vacuum. Forces could now go out in the morning and return by evening after completing an operation. This helped reduce casualties significantly. Besides, we used the camps to distribute grains and medicine to the local population, which eroded the Naxals' support base. We also enhanced communication systems, utilising the latest technology, including drones that capture the chatter. Most states extended support, regardless of which party was in office. The Congress govt of Chhattisgarh was an exception. It refused to act, and so, the Naxals converged there. Initially, I found it to be a challenge. But it turned into an opportunity. First, a BJP govt was formed there. Second, it became possible to strike the Naxals since they were all located in one place. But the Pahalgam attack was a major setback. Congress has blamed the govt for it. It needs to be analysed differently. There was a time when 70% of terrorists killed in the Valley would be Indians from Kashmir, while 30% were from Pakistan . Now, that ratio stands at 5:95, which means that if you leave out the Pakistan element, then the homegrown component has almost come to an end. We decided to look at the root of local recruitment. It was fuelled by discontent over rigged polls and corruption that resulted in lack of development. Article 370 was another important factor, as it gave people a sense that they could break away. Nullification of the provision ended that subterranean feeling, with people realising that India is their sole destiny. Free and fair polls at all levels — from local bodies to Parliament — were conducted. Even opponents have not questioned their fairness and so the perception that elections are a sham and managed by Delhi gave way to a sense that the future of a village gets decided only by its residents. Efforts were made to promote Kashmir's local products. As a result, the enlistment in terrorism decreased. At the same time, there is zero tolerance for terrorists. Funeral procession of a slain terrorist is not allowed, and he is buried where he gets killed. Sympathisers of terrorists have been punished and weeded out from govt jobs, while those involved in stone pelting are debarred from govt jobs. This is why movie theatres have resumed and there are night screenings after 33 years. Tazia procession was taken out after 32 years and Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated at Lal Chowk, where Army had to guard Murli Manohar Joshi ji and Modi ji when they went to unfurl the tricolour there. As for Pakistan-sponsored terrorism that you mentioned in the context of the Pahalgam attack, we have a clear policy: be it Uri, Pulwama or Pahalgam, we have given a strong reply, and today, through your interview, I want to ask Congress, what used to happen during their time? How can Congress question us on the issue of terrorism? It used to do nothing except change a minister. Of all political parties, Congress certainly has no right to criticise us. The situation in Manipur is not of terrorism, nor is it an anti-national issue. It is related to ethnic tension. Today, there is no atmosphere of violence, but the rift between the two communities (Meiteis and Kukis) has not been healed. We are seeking to bring about reconciliation; we invited them separately and then asked them together, and now we are discussing this at the political level. We are hopeful of success soon Amit Shah Was the Pahalgam attack an act of desperation by Pakistan? It was a deliberate attempt to sabotage peace in Kashmir, to stop rising tourism and distract Kashmiri youth, who were employed, enjoying prosperity and were distanced from terrorism. The youth in Kashmir realises the evil plan. There were protests in every town in the Valley after the attack on tourists. The Valley had not shown such solidarity with the country before. There has been a radical shift in approach towards terrorism as the govt has said that any terrorist attack from now on will be considered an act of war. Yes, PM Modi has said so repeatedly, there should not be any confusion about it. Do you see the possibility of fresh attempts by Pakistan to disrupt normalcy? We cannot control what they are planning but any misdeed of theirs will be responded to with full force. We will not hesitate in acting against whatever Pakistan chooses to do, without any delay. Are more steps required to reassure tourists? No special effort is required. Tourists have resumed their travel and we will soon be able to reach earlier levels. What is the roadmap for granting statehood to J&K? What are the factors that will be borne in mind? The PM has stated this in his Independence Day speech, and I have said in both Houses of Parliament that J&K will be granted the status of a state at an appropriate time. There should be no doubt about that. Congress is making an issue of the decision to pause Operation Sindoor. In line with the PM's public declaration to punish terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack, we launched limited strikes on terror launchpads and made it very clear that was a targeted strike. Pakistan treated our strike on terrorists as an attack on its territory, ending the distinction. It attacked our civilian locations. We gave a befitting reply on May 10 by damaging their airbases, while sparing civilian areas. Within no time, Pakistan sought a suspension of strikes. No one will have any reason to complain when the delimitation exercise is conducted. We will establish a very good balance and no one will be dissatisfied. DMK is raising the issue only because of the 2026 assembly elections. Delimitation is not going to happen by then, and they know this. The 2029 elections will be held with women's reservation Amit Shah The opposition has been raising the issue of losses we suffered during Operation Sindoor... I will only say that when the country is facing hostilities, one should refrain from saying things which hurt the morale of our armed forces, who have done a sterling job. Our agencies gave precise coordinates of specific targets for our forces to strike them with full force. Our scientists also deserve praise for developing weapons systems that proved so effective. Indus Waters Treaty has been kept in abeyance, not fully annulled. Will it be restored in future? No, it will never be restored. International treaties can't be annulled unilaterally but we had the right to put it in abeyance, which we have done. The treaty preamble mentions that it was for peace and progress of the two countries but once that has been violated, there is nothing left to protect. So you mean status quo ante will not be restored? We will use water that rightfully belongs to India. Paani Rajasthan tak will take the water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably. What is your assessment of the situation in Manipur ? The situation in Manipur is not of terrorism, nor is it an anti-national issue. It is related to ethnic tension. We had an open border with Myanmar and when that country faced instability, infiltration started. Then the court order (on Meiteis also deserving quotas) triggered a spark. We need to keep in mind that in all the previous cases of ethnic violence in Manipur, the situation could be stabilised only after threefour years. Today, there is no atmosphere of violence, but the rift between the two communities (Meiteis and Kukis) has not been healed. We are seeking to bring about reconciliation; we invited them separately and then asked them to come together, and now we are discussing this at the political level. We are hopeful of success soon. When is an elected govt likely to be restored? Until the differences between the two communities are sorted, it will be difficult. Peace is very important. It has been alleged that in its third term, the Modi govt has been making key decisions under pressure, such as the one on caste census. This decision was not taken under pressure. The Modi govt has made the most significant contributions to inclusive and balanced development, encompassing both social and regional dimensions. Most of the poor are Dalit, backwards and minorities, and a larger part of the budget has been allocated to them. There is no bigger anti-OBC party than Congress; they tried to suppress the Kalelkar Commission report, and they did the same with the Mandal Commission. When the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented by a non-Congress govt, Rajiv Gandhi gave the longest speech as leader of opposition, a record that has not been broken also because you don't have such leaders of opposition now. The opposition has said that the govt notification does not mention caste census. Caste count will be part of the Census, period. The PM has said so and there have been three press releases. But the PM had earlier opposed it and you had said this was an attempt to divide Hindus. We did say that it is an attempt to divide society. But we also decided to blunt it by agreeing to the demand. Our goal is to keep everyone united. By when should we expect the Census numbers? They should be available towards the end of 2027, may be a few months earlier as we are deploying a lot of technology. Instead of five to six years in the past, it may take five to six months. Is delimitation a possibility before the 2029 elections? The 2029 elections will be held with women's reservation. The southern states have concerns around delimitation. How do you propose to balance that with the demand of northern states that their representation in Parliament should be proportionate to their numbers? No one will have any reason to complain when the exercise is conducted. We will establish a very good balance and no one will be dissatisfied. DMK is raising the issue only because of the 2026 assembly elections. Delimitation is not going to happen by then, and they know this. BNS has been enacted, how far have you progressed with implementing it? The three laws (IPC, Indian Evidence Act and CrPC) were enacted by the British to preserve their rule. The idea was to protect their forces, their property and their own security. We have kept people's interests at the forefront. We have provided for technological changes that will remain relevant for a century; the definition of an e-document will remain unchanged, despite changes in technology from floppy disks to pen drives, for instance. It allows for e-hearing and e-arguments, and the entire chargesheet can be filed electronically, making the process paperless. Forensics have been made compulsory for several offences; videography of search and seizures is also compulsory. We have provided timelines to ensure that justice is available promptly, and rights have been provided to victims. Along with all this, there is computerisation of police stations, and multiple types of databases will be available, such as those related to narcotics or terrorism. In two years, our legal system will be the most modern in the world. The improvement in Assam shows that we are on track to reach the global average of convictions. An infiltrator has to leave India. Our country is not a dharamshala. If you need to visit India, you must obtain a valid visa from our embassy. Whatever the perception or political colour, the country's security is paramount Amit Shah There were attempts to integrate various aspects through e-courts and e-prisons. There is an arrangement called ICJS. Legacy data has been added, and 95% of the integration is nearly complete. A common software will be introduced by Sept, connecting all police stations, forensic labs, prosecution wings, courts and prisons. Infiltration has been a major issue and steps have been taken in recent months. The govt has been accused of communal bias in dealing with it. Lies should not deter us from doing the right thing. An infiltrator has to leave India. Our country is not a dharamshala. If you need to visit India, you must obtain a valid visa from our embassy. Whatever the perception or political colour, the country's security is paramount. Communal violence appears to have decreased… That is because we (BJP) are in office in most states. But Bengal seems to be an outlier? Things will improve there too after the next elections In Delhi, are you happy with the work done by the govt in the first 100 days? Rekha ji's govt has made a very strong start, whether it is on health, ration cards, tackling water issues, cleaning and development of Yamuna. Her govt has started work on stopping revenue loss. You can't do much more in 100 days. We have been able to successfully convey to officers that they have to work hard. Drugs have emerged as a major concern. How are you tackling the issue? For any fight, infrastructure is crucial and that is in place now. There is a fourlevel arrangement — at the national level, between state and central, in districts and it is now going to the level of DySPs and police. Apart from Bengal and Kerala, states have also set up narcotics control wings. We have managed to step up recoveries, laws have been strengthened, we can attach property, keep people in jail for longer duration, now police stations can test samples. Over the next five-six months, we will strike on cartels in a very coordinated way. What about the new BJP president? It will happen soon. Will you be able to repeat the electoral successes of Maharashtra and Haryana in Bihar, West Bengal and Kerala, especially with anti-incumbency factor against Nitish Kumar? We will post convincing wins in Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Bengal. We are confident of victory in Tamil Nadu. There is a debate around language in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It's been raised in Tamil Nadu due to the polls. The public has clarity on the issue, and Indian languages have a bright future. Southern states have raised the issue of lower fund transfer and the formula being skewed against them. How do you view it? This is propaganda. Between 2004 and 2014, Rs 18.3 lakh crore was given as grants to states, and between 2014 and 2024, it was Rs 70 lakh crore. This aligns with the population of states. Are you hopeful of a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court on the waqf law? Absolutely. The law is entirely in line with the Constitution. The objective is not to offend or hurt religious sentiments in any way, but to eradicate corruption and make the operation of waqf transparent through the use of technology There is an effort to remove Justice Yashwant Varma. Is the govt seeking to use the opportunity for a National Judicial Appointments Commission-type body? Will we see some action during the monsoon session? There is no thinking within the govt (on NJAC-type body). For us, corruption is a major issue and when the Chief Justice of India in a letter has acknowledged Varma's culpability, then there is no reason to doubt. I am hoping that the removal happens unanimously. Will the same keenness be shown in the case of Justice Shekhar Yadav? It is not a corruption case, it is a case about conduct (of a judge), which is not within the purview of an elected govt, it has to be decided by the Supreme Court. Corruption and misconduct are two distinct issues with clearly defined boundaries.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
PM Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stone of development works worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bihar's Siwan
New Delhi [India], June 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bihar's Siwan on Thursday, as per a release from the Prime Minister's Office. Extending greetings to all present, the Prime Minister paid respects to Baba Mahendra Nath and Baba Hans Nath, and invoked the sacred presence of Sohgara Dham. Describing Siwan as an inspiring land in India's freedom struggle, PM Modi underlined that this land has empowered the nation's democracy and strengthened the Constitution. He highlighted that Siwan gave the country a great son in Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who played a pivotal role in both drafting the Constitution and guiding the country's direction. The release said that the Prime Minister further acknowledged Siwan's contribution in the form of a great social reformer, Braj Kishore Prasad, who dedicated his life to the cause of women's empowerment. Modi expressed happiness that the mission of such great souls is being advanced with strong resolve by the Union and State governments. He stated that today's programme is a part of these continued efforts. The Prime Minister announced that projects worth thousands of crores of rupees were inaugurated and foundation stones laid from the same platform, emphasising that these developmental initiatives will lead Bihar toward a brighter future and contribute to building a prosperous state. Modi remarked that the projects will play a major role in the growth of regions like Siwan, Sasaram, Buxar, Motihari, Bettiah, and Arrah. He highlighted that these initiatives will ease the lives of the poor, the deprived, Dalits, Mahadalits, backwards and extremely backwards communities and extended warm congratulations to the people of Bihar for these projects, the PMO release said. Stating that he had just returned from a foreign visit, Modi shared that during the tour, he engaged in discussions with leaders of some of the world's most developed nations. He highlighted that global leaders are deeply impressed by India's rapid growth. The Prime Minister remarked that these leaders see India emerging as the world's third-largest economic powerhouse and affirmed that Bihar will play a major role in this transformation. 'A prosperous Bihar will significantly contribute to the country's overall development', described Modi, attributing the confidence to the strength and capability of the people of Bihar. The Prime Minister commended the people for eradicating the era of lawlessness in the state. He observed that today's youth in Bihar know the state's condition two decades ago only through stories and anecdotes. Pointing out that they may not fully grasp the extent of deterioration caused during that period of misrule, PM Modi emphasized that Bihar, which led India's progress for centuries, had once become a symbol of forced migration due to the grip of previous regimes, it said. Emphasising that for every resident of Bihar, self-respect is paramount, the Prime Minister remarked that my Bihari brothers and sisters demonstrate remarkable resilience, succeeding even in the most difficult circumstances. He asserted that they never compromise on their self-respect. However, the Prime Minister noted that the previous regimes severely hurt Bihar's pride. He criticized these regimes of rampant corruption, which turned poverty into Bihar's misfortune. Despite numerous challenges, he said, under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, the present government has brought Bihar back on the path of development. Modi cited that in the last 10-11 years, approximately 55,000 kilometers of rural roads have been constructed in Bihar. He added that over 1.5 crore homes have been provided with electricity connections while 1.5 crore households have received water connections. Modi noted that more than 45,000 Common Service Centres have been established across the state, highlighting that new start-ups are now emerging in small towns across Bihar. Noting that the momentum of Bihar's development continues to accelerate, Modi cautioned that elements responsible for previous lawlessness are now seeking an opportunity to regain control of the government and Bihar's economic resources. He stated that these groups are resorting to various tactics to achieve their goals. The Prime Minister urged the people of Bihar to remain highly vigilant, emphasising the need to keep those who are poised to derail the journey toward a prosperous Bihar far away. The Prime Minister remarked that while the country has long heard slogans about eradicating poverty, their government has demonstrated that poverty can indeed be reduced. 'In the past decade, a record 25 crore Indians have overcome poverty', highlighted Modi, pointing out that globally renowned institutions like the World Bank have praised India's achievement. He noted that Bihar and, particularly, the government under Nitish Kumar, have played a significant role in this national success. Previously, the Prime Minister stated, more than half of Bihar's population fell into the category of extreme poverty. However, in the last ten years, nearly four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty. Pointing out that even decades after independence, millions remained poor not due to a lack of effort, but because they had no path forward, Modi attributed this to the long-standing license raj under the previous regime, which, he said, kept the nation poor. He noted that during that time, every service and opportunity was bound by rigid quota-permit systems, requiring even the smallest tasks to be approved. The Prime Minister stated that under the rule of previous governments, the poor were denied housing, while middlemen siphoned off ration supplies. He emphasized that healthcare remained out of reach for the poor, and education and employment were constant struggles. The Prime Minister observed that citizens had to make countless visits to government offices just to secure electricity or water connections. He added that getting a gas connection required an MP's recommendation, and jobs were inaccessible without bribery or influence. Stating that the worst affected by this system were primarily people from Dalit, Mahadalit, backward, and extremely backward communities, Modi said that while these sections were shown dreams of poverty eradication, a handful of families became millionaires and billionaires in the process. 'Over the past 11 years, our government has remained committed to removing every obstacle from the path of the poor. As a result, visible and impactful outcomes are now emerging', said Modi. He remarked that over the last decade, more than 4 crore poor families across the country have received pucca houses under government initiatives and an additional 3 crore homes are set to be constructed in the coming years. Modi emphasized that this development has significantly benefited the poor, Dalits, Mahadalits, backward classes, and extremely backward families in Bihar. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 57 lakh pucca houses have been built in the state alone. In Siwan district, the Prime Minister pointed out, over 1.10 lakh homes have already been constructed for the poor and affirmed that this work is ongoing without interruption. He stated that housing installments were disbursed today for over 50,000 families in Bihar. Modi expressed particular satisfaction that a majority of these houses are registered in the names of mothers and sisters. He noted with pride that women who traditionally never had property in their names are now becoming proud homeowners. Highlighting that the government is providing not only housing but also free ration, electricity, and water facilities to the poor, the Prime Minister remarked that over the past years, more than 12 crore new households across the country have been connected with tap water. He noted that in Siwan district alone, over 4.5 lakh families received tap water for the first time. Modi stated that the government is working with the objective of ensuring tap connections in every rural household and adequate drinking water in urban areas. He pointed out that in recent years, multiple pipeline and sewage treatment projects have been executed in various cities of Bihar. He added that new pipeline and sewage treatment plants have now been approved for dozens more towns. 'All these projects will significantly enhance the quality of life for poor and middle-class families', underlined the Prime Minister. Strongly criticising the track record of the previous dispensation, Modi stated that their actions have consistently been anti-Bihar and anti-investment. He remarked that whenever these parties speak of development, people are reminded of locked shops, stalled businesses, and crippled industries. The Prime Minister asserted that this is why such parties have never been able to win the trust of Bihar's youth. He stated that these parties have historically promoted dilapidated infrastructure, mafia rule, lawlessness, and corruption. The Prime Minister remarked that the talented youth of Bihar are closely observing and evaluating the work being done on the ground. He cited the Marhowra Locomotive Factory as a prime example of the NDA's development model in Bihar. He announced that the first engine manufactured at the Marhowra factory is being exported to Africa, marking a historic milestone. Modi emphasized that this factory stands in the Saran district, which was once dismissed as backward by the previous regime. He stated that today, this very district has earned a place on the global manufacturing and export map. Criticizing previous regimes for stalling Bihar's growth engine, the Prime Minister highlighted that an engine made in Bihar will now power trains in Africa, calling it a moment of immense pride. The Prime Minister expressed strong confidence that Bihar will emerge as a major hub for 'Made in India' manufacturing. He added that not only will local produce like makhana, fruits, and vegetables reach international markets, but goods manufactured in Bihar's factories will also find global demand. 'The products created by Bihar's youth will strengthen the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat', stated Modi. Underlining that the modern infrastructure being developed in Bihar will play a crucial role in the state's progress, the Prime Minister remarked that unprecedented investment is being made in roads, railways, air travel, and waterways across Bihar. He noted that Bihar is consistently receiving new trains, including state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains. Modi also announced a major milestone, stating that before the onset of Sawan, the land of Baba Hariharnath has now been connected to the land of Baba Gorakhnath through the new Vande Bharat Express. He added that the new Patna-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat train offers a modern travel option to devotees of Lord Shiva in Purvanchal. The Prime Minister emphasized that this train also serves as a vital link between the land of Lord Buddha's penance and his Mahaparinirvana site, Kushinagar. The Prime Minister remarked that such efforts will not only boost industrial and commercial activity in Bihar, but will also greatly benefit the tourism sector. He stated that these developments will help Bihar shine more prominently on the global tourism map. He stressed that as a result, countless employment opportunities will be created for the youth of Bihar. Affirming that the spirit of the Constitution is to ensure equal opportunities for all and eliminate discrimination, Modi reiterated the government's commitment to this principle through the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. He contrasted this with the approach of the previous regime, stating that their politics is centered around 'family-first' development, serving only their own interests. He criticised them for harming the interests of millions of families in Bihar and across the country for the sake of their own families. The Prime Minister emphasized that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stood firmly against such dynastic politics, and accused these parties of repeatedly insulting his legacy. He referred to a recent incident involving another party, where Dr. Ambedkar's photograph was allegedly disrespected, and noted that posters demanding an apology have appeared across Bihar. However, he expressed doubt that any apology would be offered, stating that these parties lack genuine respect for Dalits and Mahadalits. Modi remarked that while previous dispensations place Dr. Ambedkar's image at their feet, he holds Dr. Ambedkar in his heart. He accused them of trying to portray themselves as greater than Dr. Ambedkar by dishonoring him and asserted that the people of Bihar will never forget this insult to Baba Saheb. The Prime Minister remarked that the launching pad required for Bihar's rapid progress has already been prepared through the efforts of Nitish Kumar. He emphasized that it is now the responsibility of their alliance to work together and take Bihar to new heights of development. Modi expressed full confidence in the youth of Bihar, stating that together, they will restore the state's ancient glory and transform Bihar into a powerful engine of a developed India. He concluded by extending his best wishes for the ongoing development initiatives, it added. The Governor of Bihar, Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Jitan Ram Manji, Giriraj Singh, Chirag Paswan, Nityanand Rai, Ram Nath Thakur, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Satish Chandra Dubey were present among other dignitaries at the event. (ANI)
India Gazette
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- India Gazette
President Droupadi Murmu graces opening of Rashtrapati Tapovan, Rashtrapati Niketan for public visit in Dehradun
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 20 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Friday graced the opening of Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan at Dehradun. She also inaugurated public amenities, including the Visitor Facilitation Centre, the Cafeteria, and the Souvenir Shop, and laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan at Rashtrapati Niketan. President Murmu had also inaugurated an amphitheater at Rashtrapati Niketan yesterday. Rashtrapati Tapovan, situated on Rajpur Road in Dehradun, is a 19-acre Presidential Estate nestled in the Himalayan foothills, emphasizing spiritual retreat and ecological preservation. A dense forest patch rich in native vegetation, Tapovan hosts 117 plant species, 52 butterflies, 41 bird species, and 7 wild mammals, including some protected species. The area features natural bamboo groves and undisturbed woodland ecosystems, President's Secretariat said. Established in 1976 as a Presidential Retreat, Rashtrapati Niketan has a rich heritage tracing back to 1838 when the estate served as a summer camp for the Governor General's Bodyguard. It spans 21 acres and includes Lily ponds, featuring historic buildings, orchards, and stables. Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre public park, will be a model of accessibility and ecological responsibility -- a Net-Zero public park, fully accessible to Divyangjan. It aims to become a community engagement hub to promote wellness, culture, and civic pride among citizens. A book on the biodiversity of Rashtrapati Niketan, Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Udyan was also released on the occasion. This book catalogues over 300 species of flora and 170 species of fauna, including butterflies, birds, and mammals of Rashtrapati Niketan, Tapovan and Udyan. The Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan will be open for public viewing from June 24 and July 1, 2025 respectively. The President visited the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities at Dehradun and interacted with the students. She also visited the Model School Science Lab and Computer Lab as well as an exhibition. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the progress of a country or society can be judged by the way the people treat persons with disabilities in that society. India's history is full of inspiring incidents of sensitivity and inclusiveness. Elements of human compassion and love have always been present in our culture and civilization. She stated that through the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, which emphasizes developing an accessible physical environment, transport, information, and communication ecosystem, the government is striving for empowerment and equal participation of the divyangjan. The President said that today's era is the era of science and technology. With the help of advanced technology, even people with disabilities can be able to contribute to the mainstream. She was happy to note that the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities is giving special emphasis on the all-around development of students through an inclusive education system and latest technological resources. She said that efforts must be made by society to encourage disabled people in every sphere of life. (ANI)
