The Prime Minister inaugurated BSNL's indigenous 4G network from Jharsuguda. He stated that over 97,500 mobile towers, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹37,000 crore, are being dedicated to the nation today. This marks a new incarnation of BSNL and a major step towards self-reliant India in the telecommunications sector.
Prime Minister Modi said it is a proud moment that while 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies were being developed worldwide, India was left behind. At that time, we witnessed stories of corruption and scams in the telecommunications sector, but now India has taken a pledge and developed indigenous technology. This success today symbolizes that India is rapidly moving towards self-reliance and will soon strengthen its position as a global technology hub.
The Prime Minister stated that India must become self-reliant in every sector, from semiconductors to shipbuilding. He stated that a package of ₹70,000 crore has been approved to promote shipbuilding in the country. Shipbuilding will strengthen the country in all sectors—trade, technology, and security—and ensure that imports and exports will not be disrupted during times of crisis.
The Prime Minister stated that Odisha is now progressing at the pace of the double-engine government. During the assembly elections a year and a half ago, the people pledged for a developed Odisha, and now the state is rapidly moving in that direction. Launching various projects from Jharsuguda, he said that this decade is extremely important for Odisha. Nature has bestowed many gifts upon this state. The hard work and talent of its people will lead the state to prosperity.
During the event, the Prime Minister distributed acceptance letters to 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Housing Scheme. The scheme aims to provide pucca houses and financial assistance to widows, disabled individuals, and families affected by disasters. He said, "When a poor family gets a pucca house, it makes life easier not only for the present but also for future generations. So far, more than 40 million families across the country have received pucca houses."
The Prime Minister stated that the BJP government is focusing on providing basic amenities to the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities. He cited the recently implemented GST reform, saying it has provided significant relief to women in managing their household budgets. Citing an example, Modi said that a farmer previously had to pay ₹70,000 in taxes on purchasing a tractor, but now, after the GST reform, there will be a direct saving of ₹40,000. Similarly, farmers have received relief on other agricultural equipment.
Taking aim at the Congress, he said that before 2014, the tax burden on income was heavy on poor and middle-class families. During the Congress regime, taxes were levied on annual incomes of up to ₹2 lakh. Today, taxes are exempt from taxes on incomes up to ₹12 lakh. This is a significant relief for the poor and middle class.
In his address, the Prime Minister criticized the Congress and its allies. He said that the Congress never missed an opportunity to loot the country. Their governments were busy filling their coffers by looting the poor. The situation persists even today wherever Congress governments are in power. Citing an example, Modi said that when the central government reduced diesel and petrol prices, Congress-ruled states imposed separate taxes to prevent the public from receiving the benefits. Similarly, when cement prices were reduced, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh imposed its own taxes. He said, "The Congress's plundering government becomes a barrier between the benefits the Government of India wants to provide to the public."
The Prime Minister said that the Congress party has become accustomed to using abusive language, but the BJP government will continue to work to serve the people and make the country self-reliant.
Taking aim at the Congress, he said that the public must remain vigilant, as the Congress and its allies have still not given up their politics of plunder. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the people of Odisha and the country will achieve new heights of development and prosperity together with the BJP government.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express train between Brahmapur and Surat. He said that the connection between Surat and Odisha is of special significance, as Gujarat, especially Surat, has the largest Odia community. This new rail service will provide convenience to millions of Odia families living there.
Praising Odisha's art and culture, the Prime Minister said that Odisha's love and affection for culture is world-renowned. The state is an integral part of India's cultural heritage.
The Prime Minister said that during the auspicious festival of Navratri, he was privileged to visit this land of Maa Samoli and Maa Ramochandi Devi and seek their blessings. He bowed to the people and said, "Your blessings are our strength."
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