Modi 3.0 kicks off with focus on farmers, poor

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took two major steps on the first day of his third term - releasing another instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Nidhi and approving a proposal to build 30 million houses for the rural and urban poor.

Modi's first signature on Monday sanctioned the release of about ₹20,000 crore for nearly 93 million farmers.

"Ours is a government fully committed to kisan kalyan (farmers' welfare). It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come," the PM said in an official statement.


On his arrival at his South Block office here, he was greeted with applause by the PMO employees who lined up to greet him. Later, in the evening, Modi chaired the first Union Cabinet meeting of his new government. The meeting approved 30 million houses for the rural and urban poor.

Interacting with his Cabinet colleagues, Modi asked them to not make unnecessary statements and avoid giving sermons, according to people in the know. He also advised them to "reach the ministry on time and set an example for others". Laying emphasis on team spirit among colleagues, Modi urged Cabinet ministers to "involve their respective ministers of state in work and policy decisions".