Tackling Unemployment Narratives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi confidently affirmed that the remarkable creation of 8 crore new jobs over the last 3-4 years has effectively quashed the “fake narratives” about unemployment, further underscoring the government’s impressive achievements in job creation and infrastructural gains. Quoting a recent report from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Prime Minister asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government continues to prioritize stability and growth, and added that small and big investors have welcomed the NDA’s third term with enthusiasm.
During an event launching projects worth ₹ 29,000 crore in the road, railway, and port sectors, PM Modi took a swipe at opposition parties for spreading misinformation on job creation, labeling them as hindrances to progress. He stated, “This figure has silenced those spreading fake narrative on jobs,” in a veiled attack on the opposition that had made unemployment a key issue in the recent Lok Sabha polls.
Investing in Infrastructure for Growth
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s focus on infrastructure development is crucial for the country’s growth. The upcoming infrastructure projects in and around Mumbai, including the expansion of the metro rail network, the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road, and the twin tunnels connecting Thane and Borivali, are expected to boost connectivity and improve the quality of life for the people.
PM Modi highlighted the rapid pace of the metro rail network expansion in Mumbai, which has grown from just 8 kilometers a decade ago to 80 kilometers now, with an additional 200 kilometers under construction. He also mentioned the completion of the Coastal Road and Atal Setu, the country’s longest sea bridge connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, which is estimated to save ₹ 20-25 lakh worth of fuel and reduce travel time to Panvel every day.
Transforming the Railway Sector
The Prime Minister also emphasized the transformation of the railway sector in Mumbai and Maharashtra. He mentioned the redevelopment works of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Ajni-Nagpur, as well as the inauguration of new platforms at CSMT and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, which will enable the railways to run 24-coach trains.
Boosting the Port Sector
In addition to the infrastructure projects, the Prime Minister highlighted the Centre’s approval of the ₹ 76,000 crore Vadhavan port in Dahanu, Palghar, which is expected to generate 10 lakh jobs. This investment in the port sector is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the country’s logistics and trade capabilities.
Empowering Maharashtra’s Growth
The Prime Minister emphasized the critical role that Maharashtra has to play in the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), given the state’s power in the industry, agriculture, and finance sectors. He expressed his aim to make Maharashtra a global financial powerhouse and Mumbai a global fintech capital, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the standard of living and quality of life for the people.
Rejecting Opposition’s Misinformation
PM Modi strongly criticized the opposition parties for spreading misinformation on job creation, labeling them as “enemies of investment, infrastructure development, and the country’s growth.” He asserted that their policies are aimed at “betraying the youth and stalling employment,” but now they are being exposed as the people are rejecting their lies.
Skill Development and Employment
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of skill development and employment in the country and stated that his government is working in this direction. He reiterated his commitment to improving the standard of living and quality of life for all, with a focus on better connectivity and infrastructure development in areas close to Mumbai.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address highlighted the government’s focus on job creation, infrastructure development, and empowering Maharashtra’s growth. By quoting the RBI report on employment figures and showcasing the progress made in various sectors, the Prime Minister sought to counter the opposition’s narratives on unemployment and position the NDA government as a driving force behind the country’s economic and social transformation.
The launch of the ₹ 29,000 crore infrastructure projects, the expansion of the metro rail network, the completion of the Coastal Road and Atal Setu, and the approval of the Vadhavan port project are all indicative of the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, improving the quality of life, and generating employment opportunities for the people. As the state assembly polls loom, the Prime Minister’s address aimed to highlight the NDA government’s achievements and garner support from the people of Maharashtra.