PM exhorts Goans to continue with 'double engine' govt

Panaji, Oct 23: Lauding Goa's new model of development, a reflection of collective efforts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people of the coastal state to realise the benefits of having a BJP government both at the state and Centre as he reminded them about the complete lack of team spirit during earlier non-BJP rules that hampered progress.

Virtually interacting with the Swayampurna Mitras, sarpanchs, panchayat members and beneficiaries under the Swayampurna Goa scheme, Modi said: 'Goa has achieved the target of making the state 100 per cent open defecation free and taking electricity to each household. Whether 'Har Ghar Jal Abhiyan or giving free rations to the poor, Goa achieved all targets.'

The Prime Minister said the state had everything and it was possible only due to 'double engine' government (BJP government at the Centre as well as the State).

Modi said the state could become the country's strength due to the fisheries sector. He said, 'The infrastructure being developed in Goa will also help in increasing income of farmers, livestock farmers and fishermen. This year Goa's fund for modernisation of rural infrastructure has been increased five times as compared to earlier,' he said.

He exhorted the civil servants to take on every challenge and said "more responsible our bureaucrats become more will it benefit our country".

Slamming earlier non-BJP governments in the coastal state, Modi said: "There was a lack of team spirit and positive environment in the previous governments. For a long time, in Goa, political interest prevailed over good governance."

"There was a lack of team spirit and positive environment in the earlier government of Goa. For a long time, political interest prevailed over good governance. There was a political instability in the state which had affected development of the State.

"But in a few years this instability was converted into stability by the sensible people of Goa," Modi said in an apparent reference to the previous Congress government.

He said the situation had changed after the BJP government came to power.

"My friend late Manohar Parrikar ji (former CM) who had given Goa's development pace, similarly our Pramod ji's (Pramod Sawant) team is sincerely taking Goa to new heights. Today Goa is moving ahead with renewed team spirit. The result of this new team spirit is the resolve of Swayampurna Goa," Modi said.

Goa's fund for modernization of rural infrastructure has been increased five times this year as compared to earlier, he said, lauding the Pramod Sawant government of "doing a great job in providing facilities like toilets, Ujjwala gas connections and Jan Dhan Bank accounts to women".

"Goa means new model of development and reflection of collective efforts. It also means solidarity for development from Panchayat to Administration," Modi said naming the many schemes being run to empower the women of the country.

"The story of the daughters of our country is being heard everywhere whether it's sports or border," Modi said.

Modi first interacted with Isha Sawant, a Goa under secretary as the virtual interaction began. Sawant said,'Working as Swayampurna Mitras was a gratifying job. It's a bond between the people and the government. We visited the panchayats and solved the problems of the people. Government schemes have reached the people.'

The Prime Minister was also interested in knowing how technology helped in reaching the people and what was done for women empowerment.

He advised that Self Help Group (SHG) could also join the services sector.

Next, Swampurna Mitra to speak to the PM was Miranda, a sarpanch. Miranda explained how farmers were helped in increasing agricultural produce. He said he got support from the government in helping people involved in the animal husbandry and other sectors.



Kundan from Bicholim Municipal Council was next to interact with Modi. He told Kundan digital transactions should be encouraged. The PM sought to know how the funds granted by Goa government were being utilised.

The PM told the beneficiaries that banks were being opened for the poor and needy.

Luis Cardozo, a traditional fisherman, explained how he benefited from the government schemes of the Fisheries Department. Modi said he would like to see fishermen processing as well.

From Ruki Ahmed, a kiosk owner and a para table tennis player, Modi sought to know whether the benefits given by the government reached him smoothly or were there problems in availing them.

Nishita Gawas, from a SHG, said she and her colleagues benefited from the Goa Biodiversity Board. The PM said many schemes had been launched during the last seven years for women empowerment.

The Prime Minister advised those engaged in dairy farming, to visit Gujarat. He said the Kisan Credit Card has played an important role in helping farmers. 'Government's efforts are to increase the income of farmers,' he said.

A short video was also screened on the occasion. The programme was attended by the Chief Minister, his cabinet colleagues, Union Minister Shirpad Naik, MLAs, among others.