Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Thursday and inaugurated series of projects worth Rs 1500 Crore. During the start of his visit to Varanasi PM Modi reached the Banaras Hindu University and inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore at the IIT-BHU ground.
He inaugurated, among other things, a 100-bed mother and child health (MCH) wing at BHU, multi-level parking at Godauliya, 'Ro-Ro' (roll on-roll off) vessels for tourism development on the Ganges, and a three-lane flyover bridge on the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway.
The Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth around Rs 744 crore. He also laid the foundation stones of projects and public works worth about Rs 839 crore. These include the Centre for Skill and Technical Support of Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology (CIPET) and 143 rural projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, the chief minister and several state ministers were present on the occasion.
The prime minister also inspected the MCH at BHU, and interacted with doctors.
PM calls UP's handling of second Covid wave 'unprecedented', praised CM Yogi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the Uttar Pradesh government for its handling of the Covid crisis and said the way it had controlled the second wave of the infection was "unprecedented".
PM Modi appreciated the Yogi Adiyanath-led government for working with a development-oriented approach rather than one based on corruption and nepotism, and bringing in rule of law in the state.
Describing the efforts of the government in combating COVID-19 as "commendable", the prime minister said Uttar Pradesh's population is more than a dozen big countries but the way it has controlled the second wave of corona and stopped its spread is unprecedented".
Earlier, even minor problems assumed monstrous proportions due to the shortage of health facilities and the lack of willpower, he said.
The people of Uttar Pradesh, the prime minister said, had seen an era when there were problems in tackling diseases such as encephalitis.
"And this (Covid) is the biggest problem the world is facing in 100 years. It is the biggest pandemic, and hence efforts made by Uttar Pradesh to tackle the corona are commendable.
"Another important thing the government today is not run through corruption and nepotism ('bhrashtarchar aur bhai bhatijawaad') but through development ('vikasvaad'). Therefore, in UP, the benefits of schemes are reaching the people and new investments and opportunities of employment are increasing," he added.
Efforts being made for the development of Varanasi are continuing with the blessings of 'Mahadev' and the efforts of the people of the city, he said.
"A river of development is flowing in Kashi. Kashi's ancient glory is now existing in its modern form. It never stops or gets tired. During COVID, when the country stopped, Kashi stayed balanced and disciplined, but the flow of development continued" said PM Modi.
'Inauguration of Rudraksha Convention Centre a Historic Chapter in Indo-Japan Relations': PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of India and Japan for the inauguration of the Rudraksha Convention centre which represents the history and culture of both countries. PM said that a new historic chapter has been added in Indo-Japan relations. PM said that Japan is one of the most trustworthy friends of India and is continuously supporting our country for development.
"Rudraksh'has modern shine and cultural aura. This project portrays India-Japan ties and scope for future opportunities. Today, with the efforts of both countries, a new chapter has been written on development and bilateral relations" said PM Modi in Varanasi.
' Varanasi is the centre of India's rich culture', said Japan PM Yoshihide Suga
On behalf of the Govt & people of Japan, I would like to convey my heartfelt congratulations on the inauguration of the Varanasi International Cooperation & Convention Center. Varanasi is the center of India's long history & rich culture: Japan PM Yoshihide Suga said in a video-message