Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people of the country in his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme on Sunday. (File Photo)
Addressing the 42nd Mann ki Baat programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday touched upon the issues of MSP for farmers and his government’s aim towards “affordable and accessible” healthcare. Modi, who has set a target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022, said work was underway on reforming the agriculture market. “Work is underway to reform the agriculture market and to connect wholesale market with the global market to ensure the farmers get the right price for their crops,” the PM said.
The PM’s remarks come days after farmers across Maharashtra staged a huge rally, demanding loan waivers and implementation of recommendations made by the Swaminathan Committee report that asserts farmers should be paid one and a half times the cost of production. “Lot of farmers wrote to me on MSP. In the Budget, it has been decided that for notified crops, MSP of atleast 1.5 times will be given,” he said.
Yoga has attained worldwide recognition as a measure of preventive health care; Yoga is a guarantee of both fitness and wellness. Yoga has to be made popular among youth, senior citizens, men and women from all age groups through interesting way, says Modi. In health sector, nation has now moved ahead from conventional approach. Over the past 4 years, the sanitation coverage has been nearly doubled and close (80%), the PM asserts.
In the mid-40s, the world was talking about World War II, the Cold War and divisions, but one man, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was talking about unity, Team India and cooperative federalism, says Modi.
When I read in letters sent by you that how a rickshaw puller from Assam's Karimganj, Ahmed Ali built 9 schools for poor children, it gives me a glimpse into the nation's willpower, says Modi.
When I got to know the story of Dr Ajit Mohan Chaudhary of Kanpur that he goes to footpath to treat the poor people there and provide them medicines, it provided me the opportunity to feel the brotherhood of this nation, PM says.
Saidul sold jewllery from his home and collected money through donations. His customers also donated to him generously. After 12 years, Saidul built a 30-bed hospital in Punri village near Kolkata. This is the power of New India, says Modi.
13 years ago, Kolkata's cab driver Saidul Laskar lost his sister as she could not get medical facility on time. He then decided to build a hospital so that no poor ever dies due to absence of medical facility, says PM Modi
Continuing to speak on Ambedkar's ideals, Modi said, "The government was working on India's economic growth and fulfilling Dr Ambedkar's dreams. It was Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar who dreamt of vibrant cities with top infrastructure." We are deeply motivated by Dr. Ambedkar's emphasis on self-reliance, he said. "India is grateful to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for his vision for irrigation, port development," he said.
"Less than 100 days left for the 4th International Day of Yoga. Let us think of ways through which we can ensure more people join the programme and embrace Yoga," said Modi. The PM also paid rich tributes to BR Ambedkar. "It was Dr. Ambedkar who dreamt of India as an industrial powerhouse," he said.
Healthcare should be affordable and accessible. Cost of stents has been reduced by 85%. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, 10 crore people will benefit. One medical college in three districts will be opened. Presently, more than 3,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been opened across the country and more than 800 medicines being made available there at an affordable price, says Modi.
Speaking of healthcare and cleanliness, the PM said, "A healthy India is as vital as a clean India." Modi also touched upon the importance of preventive healthcare during his address.
Speaking on the Budget, Modi said, "This year's Budget has taken a huge decision to help farmers to get proper price for their crops. It has been decided that MSP for notified crops will be declared at least a half of their cost." He said the government was committed towards ensuring greater prosperity for the farmers.
Great people like Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Ji, Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji and Chaudhary Devi Lal ji spoke about the importance of agriculture and welfare of farmers, says Modi
The attitude of the world towards India has changed, says Modi. "All young people can come together to launch a movement of 'Fit India'," he said.
I read a post on MyGov by Komal Thakkar, where she referred to starting online courses for Sanskrit. Along with being IT professional, your love for Sanskrit has gladdened me. I have instructed the concerned department to convey to you efforts being made in this direction, the PM said.
PM Modi has begun his Mann ki Baat address. "Just like every time earlier, I have received a rather large number of letters, e-mails, phone calls and comments from people across India," he said. This time, people have written to me about exams, the upcoming vacations, water conservation among other issues, he said.