INDORE, Dec 25: The respect and empowerment of the underprivileged and impoverished segments of society is the government’s top priority, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. He added that during the BJP’s “double-engine” government (at the centre and in Madhya Pradesh), thousands of crores of rupees had been invested in the area around Indore. Modi stated this will result in thousands of job opportunities while speaking via video link at a programme held to distribute debts totaling Rs 224 crore that belonged to employees of the Hukumchand Mill in the city of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He said at the “Mazdooron ka Hit, Mazdooron ko Samarpit” programme that the decision will help over 4,800 labourers.The PM expressed his gratitude to the state government for finally resolving the long-standing issue and said he was fortunate to be present. According to him, the Madhya Pradesh government has made great progress in improving the lives of the underprivileged. As I’ve always stated, the poor, young, women, and farmers make up the largest four castes in my opinion. Respecting and empowering the underprivileged is our top priority, he declared. Modi went on to say that the “double-engine” government and the people of the state will benefit from receiving the blessings of labourers on Good Governance Day, which is observed on the anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth. Following the closure of the Hukumchand Mill in Indore in 1992 and its liquidation, the workers engaged in a protracted legal battle to recover their dues. The state Housing & Infrastructure Development Board and labour unions signed a settlement agreement on the Madhya Pradesh government’s initiative, and on December 20, the settlement money was deposited in the high court, according to officials earlier. According to what Modi has been told, there was a festive mood in Indore when the package for the workers at Hukumchand Mill was announced. “Our labourer brothers and sisters are even more joyful now that this decision has been made,” he remarked. According to Modi, years of penance by labourers produced today’s programme. It is the result of many years of their dreams and resolutions. I firmly believe that the families of labourers will shower their blessings upon the new team of the double-engine government,” he said.
The people of Indore will remember December 25 as the day the workers got justice, he said.
“I bow before your patience and salute your hard work,” the PM added.
He said the BJP’s “double-engine” government is committed to restore the glory of Indore.
“Notably, the investment corridor between Bhopal and Indore is being established. Also, the Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor and Multi-Modal Logistic Park are being developed,” he said.
The prime minister said amounts worth thousands of crores were being invested in these projects. “This will not only ensure development and prosperity in the region, but will also generate thousands of employment opportunities for our youth,” he said.
These developmental projects will strongly strengthen the economy of the region, he said.
“I am well aware of the impact of the blessings and love of the labourers,” Modi said.
He referred to Indore’s foremost position in cleanliness and delicacies, and also highlighted the textile sector’s role in the industrial landscape of the city.
He also mentioned about the importance of Maharaja Tukoji Rao Holkar cloth market here, the Holkars establishing the first cotton mill in the city and the popularity of Malwa cotton.
At that time, the rates of cotton used to be set by Indore and this place was compared with Manchester (a textile industry hub of the UK), he said.
That was the golden period of Indore’s textiles scene but it was neglected by the previous governments, Modi said.
“The double-engine government is trying to restore the old glory of Indore,” he said.
Many cities in MP, including Indore, have become examples of finding a balance between development and nature, Modi said.
He gave examples of Asia’s largest operational Gobar-Dhan (bio-CNG) plant here and the development of the electric vehicles charging infrastructure in the city.
PM Modi also mentioned about laying the foundation stone for a 60 MW solar power plant in Jalood, which will help the Indore Municipal Corporation to save Rs 4 crore per month in electricity bills.
Referring to the use of ‘green bonds’ in an attempt to arrange funds for the plant, he said it will ensure participation of the people in protecting nature.
The prime minister also said the state government is working to fulfil guarantees offered during the recent assembly polls.
In order to achieve saturation of the government schemes, ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ is reaching every corner of Madhya Pradesh, he said.
“I request the people of Madhya Pradesh to take full advantage of the ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ vehicles,” he added.
MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also addressed the programme. (Agencies)
