From G Sudhakar Nair
Port Louis,

Asserting that his government has a strong resolve to combat graft, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said fetching of over Rs 2 lakh crore from auction of just 20 coal blocks has shown that policy-driven governance can rid the system of corruption.

Addressing a civic reception in his honour here in the Mauritian capital, Modi took a potshot at the previous UPA government on allocation of coal blocks, saying they were distributed in an arbitrary manner due to which the Supreme Court cancelled the allotments.

“20 coal blocks out of 204 have been auctioned so far and we received more than Rs 2 lakh crore from them. If we run the country based on policies, if we run it efficiently, the system can be rid of corruption. We can develop graft-free system. We have taken this burden and are going ahead in that direction,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister said his government took “quick decisions” and initiated auctioning of the coal blocks as the country required power to fuel growth.

Highlighting his ‘Make in India’ initiative, Modi said the country was aiming to reach new heights and his government was determined to ensure robust growth.

“We are telling the world — come and invest in India and manufacture in India. You will get low cost manufacturing, you will get manpower, you will get red carpet instead of red tape. All countries are taking a lot of interests in India,” the Prime Minister said on the second day of his visit to Mauritius.

Underlining the need to tackle climate change, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, Modi said India can take the lead in combating the challenge as the country has a lot to share on the issue with the world. .

Talking about Indian tradition, the Prime Minister said it makes people aware about taking care of the environment.

“The Indian tradition talks about values. Our tradition teaches us to love the environment. It says exploitation of nature is a crime,” he said.

Emphasising the need for cooperation among countries to deal with climate change, Modi used the Sanskrit phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the “whole world is one family”.

Modi also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy that one should use only as much as he or she needs to stress about concerted efforts needed to protect the environment.

The Prime Minister also noted that new governments came to power in both the countries after getting clear mandate in the elections last year. He said this happened because the “younger generation wants change, development and opportunity.They do not want favour”.

The Prime Minister also highlighted his government’s skill development initiative, saying India should prepare its manpower that can serve anywhere in the world.

“Youth of the nation has given a new identity to India,” he said.

Lauding the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, Modi said he was overwhelmed by their hospitality and would do his bit for their welfare.

“Mauritius has won me…Your ancestors have made this land heaven,” he said.

Modi also underlined the importance of technology and said digital access to people was key for ensuring all-round development.

PTI