Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils ambitious developmental projects during Lakshadweep visit
The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, embarked on a significant two-day visit to Lakshadweep Islands on January 2nd and 3rd, 2024. The focal point of the visit was the inauguration and foundation stone laying for various developmental projects amounting to Rs. 1200 Crore, demonstrating the government's commitment to the holistic development of the region.
On the second day of the visit, Prime Minister Modi graced Kavaratti Island for a Public Function, where he was warmly welcomed by Hon'ble Administrator of Lakshadweep, Shri Prafull Patel. The diverse welcoming committee included representatives from political parties, ex-servicemen, religious leaders, college toppers, beneficiaries of welfare schemes, and Lakpati Didis, collectively extending their greetings to the esteemed guest.
In his welcome address, Shri. Praful Patel expressed gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for envisioning "Sabka Saath, Sabha Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas" for Amrit Kal. He acknowledged the Prime Minister's commitment to making India self-reliant, particularly in defense, sustainable energy, and telecommunications.
Lakshadweep has a major role to play in fulfilling our dream of a Viksit Bharat. pic.twitter.com/4Fp8JDcZFT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2024
Following the warm welcome, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated projects amounting to Rs. 1156 Crore, including:
1. Kochi Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Cable Project: A Rs. 1072 Crore initiative providing 100 Gbps internet connectivity to the Islands.
2. Low Temperature Thermal Desalination Plant at Kadmat Island: With a capacity to produce 1.5 lakh litres of drinking water per day.
3. Functional Household Tap Connections: Implemented in all households of Agatti and Minicoy Islands under Jan Jeevan Mission.
4. 1.4 MW Solar Power Plant in Kavaratti: Equipped with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
5. Headquarters of Indian Reserve Battalion at Kavaratti.
Additionally, the Hon'ble Prime Minister laid the Foundation Stone for key projects:
1. Renovation of Primary Health Care Facility in Kalpeni Island:A Rs. 28 Crore initiative.
2. 5 Nand Ghar model Anganwadi: To be established in Islands of Agatti, Minicoy, Androth, Chetlat, and Kalpeni.
After the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi distributed benefits to various beneficiaries, including laptops for college students, bicycles for girls in schools, Kissan Credit Cards, and PMJAY Cards.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi praised the natural beauty of Lakshadweep Islands, noting that despite its small geographical area, the hearts of the people are as deep as the ocean. He highlighted the government's efforts in various developmental initiatives, such as achieving saturation of PM Awas Yojana (Gramin), providing free ration to beneficiaries, and the distribution of PM Kisan Credit Cards and Ayushman Cards.
PM Modi recalled his 2020 guarantee of ensuring fast internet within 1000 days, a promise fulfilled with the dedication of the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI - SOFC) project. This initiative promises to bring 100 times faster internet to Lakshadweep, enhancing services in government, medical treatment, education, and digital banking.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government's steps toward higher education in Lakshadweep, mentioning the establishment of educational institutions for arts and science in Andrott and Kadmat islands and a Polytechnic College in Minicoy.
Highlighting efforts for the welfare of Haj Yatris, PM Modi noted the ease of Haj visa and digitalization of the visa process. He also underscored India's push to increase its share in the global seafood market, benefiting Lakshadweep with the export of local Tuna fish to Japan. The Prime Minister discussed the potential of export-quality local fish and the exploration of seaweed farming.
Closing his speech, Prime Minister Modi assured the people of Lakshadweep that the Central Government will continue to take every possible step to ensure their ease of living, ease of travel, and ease of doing business.
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