At HTLS, PM Modi outlines policy mantra: Development with dignity

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday detailed his vision and road map to make India a developed nation by 2047, underlining public confidence in government, the belief of the ordinary citizen, and a transformation of the social mindset as crucial propellers of that journey. He spoke about the National Democratic Alliance government’s record in delivering public goods and welfare benefits, eschewing vote bank politics, restoring public confidence in governance, and giving the administration a higher purpose – attaining developed country status by the centenary of India’s independence, August 15, 1947. “When public confidence and self-confidence rise, an incredible impact is seen on national development.” He said the common thread between early civilisations and modern developed countries is the presence of a risk-taking culture. He said plugging leakage through direct benefit transfer saved the country ₹3.5 lakh crore, while free health care under the Ayushman Bharat scheme saved people ₹1.1 lakh crore, subsidised medicines under the Jan Aushadi scheme saved ₹30,000 crore, subsidised stents and knee implants saved thousands of crores, Ujala schemes saved ₹20,000 crore in electricity bills, Swachh Bharat reduced illnesses and saved ₹50,000 per family, toilets saved ₹70,000 per family according to Unicef, and free piped drinking water saved ₹10,000 per family for 120 million people, according to the World Health Organization.