10 % quota for general category poor step in right direction : PM

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Giving a major push to develop and enhance Tourism infrastructure in Agra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2019, launched development projects worth Rs 2,900 crore for the Agra city and the adjoining areas. The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation, Gangajal project, which will provide Agra with better and more assured water supply at an estimated cost of Rs 2,880 crore. Gangajal project aims to bring 140 cusecs of Ganga water to Agra. This will help meet the drinking water demands in the city.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation of Integrated Command and Control Centre for Agra Smart City. In this project, CCTVs will be installed throughout Agra City for monitoring and surveillance for the purpose of safety and security at a total cost of Rs 285 crore. This will help develop Agra as a modern world class smart city befitting its stature as a premium tourist destination.

Addressing a rally at Kothi Meena Bazaar at Agra today, the Prime Minister said, ”With the  projects like Gangajal project, and facilities like CCTV cameras, we are taking steps towards making Agra a Smart City.” The Prime Minister added that these facilities will also attract tourists.

Under Ayushman Bharat Yojana. the Prime Minister laid the foundation of the upgradation of S N Medical College at Agra. It will result in creation of 100 bed maternity wing in the Women’s hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore and add to  the health and maternity care for the weaker sections of the society. The Prime Minister lauded Ayushman Bharat Yojana and said that more than 7 lakh people have availed the benefits under the scheme within a span of 100 days.

On 10% reservation for the general category poor, the Prime Minister said that this is a step in the right direction. He made it clear that the Government will be adding more number of seats in the educational institutions to ensure that the other category students will not be affected. The Prime Minister said, “We have taken a major step to provide education facilities at the higher educational, technical and professional institutions in addition to the reservation for the poor from general category. We have also increased the number of seats in the higher education institutions by 10%. We won’t have have a system which takes away the right of änyone.”

Emphasizing the priorities of his Government, the Prime Minister reiterated that Panchdhara – five facets of development – hold the key to the progress of nation. These include education for children, irrigation for farmer, livelihood to youth,  medicines for elderly, grievance redressal to everyone.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation of sewerage network project for the western part of Agra under AMRUT scheme. The project will lead to improved sanitation facility in over 50,000 houses, according to a PIB release.