PM Modi fulfilling dream of Mahatma Gandhi's rural India: Jitendra Singh

KATHUA (J&K): Union Minister Jitender Singh today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's dream of empowering rural India, which should have happened in last six decades.

"What should have happened in last six decades is being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is fulfilling the dreams of Gandhiji's rural India," Singh said at National Panchayati Raj Day function under 'Gram Uday se Bharat Uday' at Government Degree College Kathua today.

"It actually was Mahatma Gandhi's concept that rural India should develop for wholesome development of the country because India lives in its villages," he said, adding that but unfortunately the governments in the last six decades did not accorded it high priority.

"Even in the opposition, we were promoting this Gandhian thought. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhay gave the concept, which means the last man in the last line will get the benefit of the democracy and that is real litmus test of the democracy," Singh said.

Now Modi government has tried to fast pace things that was not done in the past, he said, adding we have tried to make what could have been done in farm and rural India.

The BJP government, he said, restored the deserving glory and status of B R Ambedkar despite him being a Congress icon.

"It is a very health coincidence that just before his anniversary, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of his memorial which will come up in Delhi and also be memorable spot as well as of tourism and research," he said.

Singh, said the aim of an awareness drive under 'Gram Udey Se Bharat Udey' was to educate rural population about various development and welfare schemes launched by the government.

He said Panchayati Raj Institutions were vital for ensuring rural development and all stakeholders should work for capacity development and empowerment of rural masses.

Several development projects like Keeriyan Gandyal Bridge, Biotechnology Park and Shahpur Kandi irrigation canal have been initiated in Kathua district for the benefit of the people especially living in kandi and hilly areas of the district.

Singh said about 1120 toilets with scientific design were constructed in border areas of Hiranagar at the cost of over Rs 4 crore which will also provide natural manure and bio gas besides sanitation facility.