STRONGLY criticised by the Opposition for not addressing the needs of the poor, those who suffered job and income losses, and the small enterprises during the last two years of the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday told BJP workers that the massive four-fold jump in capital spending compared with 2013-14, will bring more investment and open multiple job avenues for the youth.
The Prime Minister’s remarks at a BJP symposium on Atmanirbhar Arthavyavastha (self-reliant economy), a day after the presentation of the Union Budget for 2022-23, were intended to explain its key proposals and their impact to party workers across the country, especially those in the five states going to Assembly polls this month.
Turning the Opposition’s argument over its head, Modi said, “The most special and unique aspect of the Budget this year is public investment. At Rs 7.5 lakh crore in 2022-23, It is four times more than the UPA government’s Rs 1.87 lakh crore in 2013-14.” Urging party workers to carry this message to the masses, he said, “When the government incurs such a huge expenditure, it will bring more investment, expand modern infrastructure, and create a positive impact among iron and cement producers… It will create many job opportunities as well.”
He said the government’s decision to spend so much will eventually provide relief to the common man, making his life easier and better. Elaborating the step up in capex for the workers, he said, “You try and understand this government’s work. In 2014, there were 90,000 km of national highways — these were built over 70 years; but in the last seven years, we built 50,000 km national highways… the highways not only result in better connectivity between villages and cities, but also bring new industries, in every sector, creating lakhs of new jobs.”
In the early days, Modi pointed out, villages came to life along river belts; but people now move to areas where there are highways, infrastructure and internet. “With logistics support, farmers are able to sell fruits and vegetables in markets more easily. Four multi-modal logistics parks over the next four years, 100 Gati Shakti cargo terminals over the next three years will ensure higher exports. This means higher production and more jobs,” he said.
Listing initiatives including plans to roll out 5G technology and schemes for farmers, the Prime Minister said the fundamentals of the economy were strong and the nation was moving in the right direction. The Budget, he said, has allocated Rs 48,000 crore to build 80 lakh houses for the poor, which would turn them into “lakhpatis”.
“In the last seven years, we have given three crore poor people ‘pucca’ houses, and made them ‘lakhpatis’. Those who lived in slums have their own houses. Our…
Read More: Rise in capex will create jobs, bring in more investment: PM Modi’s address