We need to see Urbanisation as an opportunity rather than a threat:Modi

Gandhinagar, 26 July 2013

Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Urban Development Workshop for elected representatives on 26th July at Mahatma Mandir. He also handed out the cheques to the municipal corporations across Gujarat.

AT the Urban Development Workshop, Shri Narendra Modi said that Gujarat is getting urbanised at a rapid rate and a large population of Gujarat lives an urban lifestyle. He pointed out that while a lot of people consider urbanisation as a threat and look to dodge it, Gujarat thinks otherwise. He opined that we need to change our outlook and to see urbanisation as an opportunity, rather than a threat. Shri Modi said that there was a time when there was no budget or provisions for ensuring proper health of the urban poor. He informed that now the budget for Urban Development is Rs 5600 crore. Shri Modi said that it is imperative to address the needs and requirements of the ever rising urban population.

Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the heads of the nagarpalikas for taking some tough decisions and hiring proper staff. Shri Modi said that various problems faced by nagarpalikas have been addressed and solutions have been found. He added that the Government is moving forward in a scientific way and created teams in various fields for nagarpalikas keeping in mind the long term implications. He also said that computerisation helped the Government discover a lot of people who were not paying taxes. Shri Modi stressed that Man Power, Machine Power, Money Power and Mobility can truly empower the process of Urban Development.

Shri Modi said that the feeling in an elected representative should not be just of happiness at defeating the opposition. He said that an elected representative should feel that it is his duty to serve the people. He added that just like today people fondly remember the developmental works done by the Gaekwads, elected representatives should have a desire to carry out developmental works which would be remembered. Shri Modi urged the elected representatives to decide some developmental works which they will complete within five years. He further added that we should refrain from mere symbolism in developmental works by constructing gates, but should think of the needs of the society. He said that meaningful works like construction of toilets should be taken up to stop open defecation.

Shri Modi said that we need to create capability to effectively utilise the large amount of money allocated for urban development. Shri Modi said that after E-governance and M-Governance, Gujarat is taking big strides in the field of Geo-Spatial Governance. He added that the neo middle class should be empowered to fulfill their aspirations and announced the plan of creating 22 lakh affordable houses. He said that while real estate investment is on the decline in the country, it is rising in Gujarat.

Shri Modi pointed out that in a conversation whenever a person mentions that he is from Gujarat, a sparkle in the other person’s eyes can be seen. He said that a similar effort should be made to inculcate a feeling of pride for the cities and towns. Shri Modi added that there should be a strong feeling of attachment with our cities and towns and their birthdays must be celebrated every year. Shri Modi pointed out that just as the entire town unites in times of calamities or celebrations, more such opportunities should be created for instilling a sense of unity and oneness at the local level.

Shri Modi reminded that at one time nobody used to visit Kankaria Lake, but now people make it a point to take their guests to the Kankaria Lake. Similarly people make sure they go for a ride in the BRTS when they are in Ahmedabad. He urged the elected representatives to never compromise on the quality of work and to not clear the bills just because the deadlines for utilising the grants is near. Shri Modi said that Gandhiji never used to compromise on cleanliness. He added that the best way to pay tribute to Gandhiji was to ensure cleanliness. He also gave an example of how to make multiple use of resources by saying that the CCTVs installed for traffic regulation on the roads can be also used to monitor whether the roads have been cleaned.