New Delhi, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said Central Public Works Department (CPWD) as an engineering organisation must also focus on innovation and modernisation in the infrastructure sector to ensure accelerated economic growth of the country.
Particular attention should be paid to last mile connectivity of rural roads and in providing health and educational infrastructure, water supply and sanitation, Mr Naidu said while addressing the 164th Central Public Works Department Day celebrations, here.
‘It is indeed a matter of satisfaction for all of us that our country at present has the distinction of being the fastest growing economy in the world. The country is going through a major phase of industrialization and modernization with huge activity taking place in construction and infrastructure projects. We are on the verge of witnessing a sustained growth in infrastructure,’ he said.
He said though, CPWD is contributing to this development process, there is a need for CPWD to play a bigger role in building new infrastructure projects, given its institutional spread and technical prowess.
The Vice-President said CPWD must make sincere efforts to take up more infrastructure projects and continue to be a major player in the development of the nation. Organizations like CPWD must take it upon themselves to provide a technical platform to launch these efforts.
‘Thus, it will be a golden opportunity for you to showcase your talents and abilities. We expect no less from a department of the caliber and capability as CPWD,’ Mr Naidu said.
He said transparency and accountability must become guiding principles for organisations that are working for larger public good. ‘The CPWD has a greater role in urban development and any construction in our cities must keep the nature in mind and must be environmental friendly,’ the Vice-President said.
He further said CPWD must make sincere efforts to take up more infrastructure projects and continue to be a major player in the development of the nation. Protect Nature, Culture and Architecture for better Future, he added.
Saying that India is witnessing urban renaissance, the Vice President said the entire world is impressed by the transformation of ‘our country because of the reforms undertaken by the Government of India’.
‘It is indeed a matter of satisfaction for all of us that our country at present has the distinction of being the fastest growing economy in the world,’ he added.
The Vice-President stressed on the need to use natural energy sources like Solar and said that every building must have provisions for rainwater harvesting. Climate change is a reality and we must keep the impact of it in mind, he added.Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) Alphons Kannanthanam and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
