Many economic indicators better today than pre-Covid times: PM after releasing 10th instalment of PM-KISAN

Observing that many economic indicators are better than the pre-Covid times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that coronavirus has posed challenges but it cannot stop India’s pace.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that the country needs to accelerate its pace further in 2022.

Earlier, Modi interacted with selected members of the Farmers’ Producers Organisation from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. He also released the 10th installment of financial benefit under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme today.

Speaking after releasing the 10th installment of PM-Kisan, Modi said, “Aaj bahut se economic indicators uss samay se bhi achchha kar rahey hain jab corona hamare beech nahin thha (today many economic indicators are doing better than pre-Covid times). Today, the growth rate of our economy is more than 8%. Record foreign investment has come to India. Our foreign exchange reserves have reached record levels.

“Old records have been surpassed in GST collection. We have also set new paradigms in case of exports, especially agriculture.”

In his address through a video conference, Modi said that transactions of more than Rs 70 lakh crore were done using UPI in 2021. More than 50,000 start-ups are operating in India, of which 10,000 were launched in the last six months, he said.

“In 2022, we have to accelerate our pace (of development) further,” he said. “Coronavirus has posed challenges but it cannot stop our pace. India will fight against corona with utmost caution and will also fulfill its national interests,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister’s attempts to reassure the country comes amid rising Covid-19 cases, and predictions of a third wave of the virus hitting the country,

Quoting a Sanskrit verse, Modi said, “darr, bhay, aashankaon ko chhodakar hamen shakti aur saamarthy ko yaad karana hai. deshaprem kee bhaavana sarvopari rakhanee hai (Leaving worry, fear and apprehensions behind, we have to keep in mind our power and strength. The feeling of patriotism has to be kept paramount.)”

The spirit of ‘Nation First’, is becoming the sentiment of every Indian today, he added.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and beginning of Ram Mandir construction.

“Today, while India is strengthening its start-up ecosystem on one hand, and at the same time is equally proudly empowering its culture. From Kashi Vishwanath Dham beautification project to Kedarnath Dham development projects; from rebuilding the samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya to bringing back hundreds of idols stolen from India. And from construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya to Dholavira and Durga Puja festival getting World Heritage status, India has so much,” Modi said.

“We are working to strengthen our heritage,” and that will lead to an increase in tourism and pilgrimages, he said.

Modi began his speech by offering condolences to families of victims of the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The Prime Minister said that he spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding arrangements for the injured.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, an amount of Rs 20,946 crore was transferred into bank accounts of 10.09 crore farmers in the latest round of payments under the PM-Kisan scheme.

With this, total Rs 1.80 lakh crore has been transferred into bank accounts of beneficiary farmers till now, Modi said.

“During the programme, the Prime Minister also released equity grant of more than Rs. 14 crore to about 351 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which will benefit more than 1.24 lakh farmers. Prime Minister interacted with FPOs during the event,” according to a government statement.

The Prime Minister also mentioned about allowing entry of girls in Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy. He spoke about the government’s initiative towards raising the marriage age for girls from 18 to 21 years.