Prime Minister Narendra Modi Said today that some of the reforms initiated by the government may initially seem unfair but later benefit the country. Modi’s remarks came amid massive protests across the country against the government’s new Agneepath military recruitment scheme. However, the PM did not make any mention of this scheme during his speech.
“At present times some of our initiatives may seem bitter. But, they will bear fruit in the coming days,” the Prime Minister said while addressing a public meeting in Bengaluru. He also said that the private sector is equally important as the government sector, as both provide equal opportunities. “But, the mindset of the people has not changed. They don’t talk about private enterprises so well,” PM Modi said.
Earlier today, Modi reached Bengaluru on a two-day visit to Karnataka. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones of rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 28,000 crore in the state capital.
The Agneepath scheme, announced on June 14, has a provision to enroll youth between the age of 17 and a half years to 21 years only for four years, of which 25 per cent is to be retained for 15 more years. Later, the government increased the upper age limit for recruitment to 23 years in 2022. Protests have started in many states against the Centre’s plan.
Defense Ministry on Sunday refused To withdraw this scheme and said that from now on the recruitment in armed forces will be through Agneepath scheme only. It also clarified that ‘Agnivars’ – as they are known – will get the same allowance in areas like Siachen and other areas that is applicable to the presently serving regular soldiers and a compensation of Rs 1 crore will also be disbursed. Martyrdom of personnel
The ministry also said that ‘Agnivars’ will have to submit a certificate declaring that they have never participated in any protest as “there is no place for arsonists in the Indian Army”.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in view of the nationwide ‘Agneepath’ protest. Major traffic jams were reported on the way to Noida, where Section 144 has been imposed. The Delhi-Gurugram Expressway was also heavily jammed following the call for Bharat Bandh. A massive pile-up was witnessed on the expressway on Monday near the Sarhaul border as Delhi Police was inspecting every vehicle before entering the capital to ensure law and order. The gridlock started around 8:30 am and got worse during peak hours.
The Ministry of Railways said that around 530 trains were canceled on Monday, including 348 passenger trains and 181 mail/express trains.
Modi lays foundation stone of Bengaluru suburban rail project
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the ambitious Bengaluru suburban rail project, which is being implemented at a cost of Rs 15,767 crore. Criticizing the previous governments for delaying the project for 17 years, Modi said, “We are working towards cutting down travel time by building rail, metro, roads and flyovers in Bengaluru. It is being talked about for 40 years. It is no small thing. When it is implemented it will reduce the pressure on Bengaluru to a great extent.
“I will fulfill this dream in 40 months. I will work day and night. If this project is implemented, vehicles from other states and cities need not enter Bengaluru. Rail services have been transformed in terms of speed, safety and comfort.
PM Modi also inaugurated the new campus of Dr BR Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE) University and also unveiled a statue of the architect of the Indian Constitution installed on the campus. In this program, he scored 150 . also unveiled technology Hubs which have been developed by transforming Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Karnataka.
Developed at a cost of over Rs 4,700 crore, technology The Hubs initiative is supported by multiple industry partners and aims to create a skilled workforce to meet the Industry 4.0 manpower needs.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and several state cabinet ministers were present. After a year and a half, the Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to the state.
(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
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