Chandigarh June 2- Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Lal said that first year of NDA Government, under the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi would always be remembered as a year full of historic achievements. The second term of NDA government would also be known for its tough and big decisions that have changed the country’s image worldwide.
The Chief Minister shared this while addressing a digital press conference on the successful completion of one year of Modi 2.0 here today.
Praising the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said in this one year, Modi Government not only took bold decision including abrogation of Article 370, criminalizing Triple Talaq and introducing Citizenship Amendment Act but also laid the foundation of self-reliant India. He said that historic opening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), etc are among other major achievements of Modi 2.0 achieved in a short duration of one year.
The Chief Minister said that along with making India ‘Atmnirbhar’, Prime Minister also made sure to convert COVID-19 Pandemic into an opportunity. He said that at a time when the entire world is fighting a tough battle against this Pandemic, a ₹20-trillion stimulus package was announced by the Prime Minister, which is a giant leap for Indian Economy and is aimed at ensuring the welfare of the poor, farmers and labourers and further giving a big boost to Industrial and Education and health sector, making India a global leader.
The Chief Minister while sharing the details about the State Government’s achievements said that many public welfare schemes were introduced by the State Government in the short period of six months of Government’s formation in its second consecutive tenure, including Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojna (MMPSY), and Rs. 2250 monthly pension to the citizens suffering from cancer and kidney disease and HIV patients in the state. The State has a distinction of paying highest daily wage of Rs. 309 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Briefing the media persons about Haryana’s contribution in the Country’s development, the Chief Minister said,” Haryana has always been known for making pivotal contributions in the country’s economy. In terms of ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in 2014, Haryana was ranked 16th in the country but now State’s ranking has improved to third position, and is ranked first in Northern India.”
Besides this, with the objective of industrial expansion throughout the State, a district-wise cluster scheme will be formulated for all the 22 districts, he added.
He also shared various new initiatives taken by the State Government to woo foreign investors including allotment of land to manufacturing units on lease basis. He said that talks are underway with various overseas multi-national companies for investment in Haryana. He said that talks are already being held with the investors from Japan and US, while soon a webinar would be held with investors from Korea.
Sharing the details about the State Government’s efforts to fight against the on-going global Pandemic COVID-19, the Chief Minister said that various steps are being taken to prevent the spread of virus, however, while fighting this battle, providing ration to every needy has remained the topmost priority of the State Government so that no one remains hungry in this hour of crisis.
“The ration cardholders, as well as those who do not have any card, have been provided ration through ‘Distress Tokens’. This facility was provided to around 5 lakh people in the State” he added.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government has made elaborate arrangements to send labourers back to their respective home through Haryana Roadways buses and Special Sharmik trains in a safe and systematic manner. He said that additional procurement centers were set up by the government for hassle-free procurement of farmers’ crops during COVID-19 Pandemic.
Responding to a question regarding the criticism by the opposition on 'Mera Pani Meri Virasat' scheme, the Chief Minister said, “Considering water conservation issue as the need of the hour; 'Mera Pani Meri Virasat' scheme has been launched. Under this scheme, the farmers have been advised to adopt crop diversification by sowing other crops namely maize, millet, pulses, vegetables, and fruits in their paddy fields. For sowing other crops, farmers would be given an incentive amount of Rs. 7000 per acre.”
“I have already visited six blocks out of the eight included in this scheme and have had a detailed discussion with the farmers of these blocks. Till now farmers having 50,000 hectares of land have given their consent to this scheme. I would like to advise opposition not to politicize things unnecessarily”, he added.
He also said that all those who adopt crop diversification would not only get an incentive of Rs. 7000 per acre but would also become entitled to get benefits under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Thus, they would get an incentive of Rs. 7700 per acre. He said that the farmers who are ready for this should get their registration done immediately. At the time of sowing the crop, an amount of Rs. 2000 would be released as the first installment and later another installment of Rs. 5000 would be given to the farmers.
Responding to another question regarding no restriction on inter-state movement, he said,” The guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs were followed while taking this decision but the Delhi Government decided not to allow any movement. Now any decision in this regard would be taken after discussing it with the Delhi Government as borders would be opened after mutual consent of both the Governments.”