PM calls for debate on simultaneous polls to LS, State Assemblies

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17, 2018, delivered closing remarks at the fourth meeting of the Governing Council of  NITI  Aayog. The Prime Minister called for widespread debate and consultations on simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha (LS) and State Assemblies keeping in view various aspects such as the resulting financial savings and consequent better utilisation of resources.

The PM said that all villages of the country are now electrified and under Saubhagya Yojana 4 crore houses are now being provided with electricity connections.

The PM said that rural sanitation coverage has increased from less than 40 percent to about 85 percent in four years. He said that after the implementation of the Jan Dhan Yojana, the entire population of the country will be connected to the banking system. Similarly, he said the Ujjwala Yojana is providing access to cooking gas and Mission Indradhanush is working towards universal immunization. He said the Union Government is working towards providing housing for all by 2022, according to a PIB release. He called upon all the Chief Ministers to contribute their efforts towards this objective of 100 percent implementation of schemes for the welfare of the poor.

The Prime Minister said that it is vital to identify the “last people in the line” so that benefits of governance can reach him. Similarly, he said, social justice is an important governance objective. He said that these noble causes require close coordination and constant monitoring. He said that on the lines of the 115 aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog, States can define their own parameters to identify 20 percent of the total blocks in the state as aspirational blocks.

Speaking on the issue of environment, raised by Chief Ministers, the Prime Minister urged all states to use LED bulbs in their government buildings, official residences and streetlights. He suggested that this could be implemented within a definite timeframe.

The Prime Minister said that the implementation of the welfare schemes is also bringing about a behavioural change in lives of people. In this context, he mentioned neem coating of urea, Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Accounts, and RuPay debit cards. He explained how these schemes are improving the lives of the people.

The Prime Minister said that Swachh Bharat Mission is being discussed around the world. In the last four years, 7.70 crore toilets have been constructed. He called upon all present to work towards 100 percent sanitation coverage by October 2, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of  Mahatma Gandhi.

The Prime Minister called for efforts towards water conservation and water management on a war footing.  He said that mining blocks, which have been successfully auctioned, should start production at the earliest. He urged States to take steps in this regard. He said District Mineral Foundations will help the poor and the tribals in a big way, according to a PIB release.