“चार वर्ष पहले जब काशीवासी, बदलाव के इस संकल्प को निकले थे, तब और आज में अंतर स्पष्ट दिखता है।
वरना आप तो उस व्यवस्था के गवाह रहे हैं जब हमारी काशी को भोले के भरोसे, अपने हाल पर छोड़ दिया गया था”: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 18, 2018
On the second day of a 2-day visit to Varanasi, PM Modi in his home constituency announced the launch of some big development projects worth over Rs.500 crore. This announcement came after a day of PM Modi’s 68th birthday which he celebrated in Varanasi itself. Termed as Modi’s return gift to Varanasi, he inaugurated projects that include Integrated Power Development Scheme(IPDS) for Puraani Kaashi(old kaashi) and Atal Incubation Centre at Banaras Hindu University(BHU). While IPDS is aimed at changing overhead cables to underground power cables benefitting 60,000 residents from power theft and voltage fluctuations, Atal Incubation Centre, the first of its kind in the state is all set to help startups and standups. Addressing a public meeting in BHU’s amphitheater he emphasized that he has come to account for each penny. He spoke about the development for around 40 minutes which mainly focused on overall progress of Varanasi to make it the gateway to Eastern India.
Among the projects whose foundation stone was laid are Regional Ophthalmology centre and Vaidik Vidyan Kendra at Banaras Hindu University. He also mentioned that new cancer hospital and super speciality hospital will be built to provide modern treatment techniques to patients. PM said that he wants to make Varanasi a world class medical hub. He was also gaga over the pace of development in Varanasi and said that Varanasi has become beautiful and accessible. He also congratulated the current YOGI led BJP government in the state to be associated with Ayushman Bharat, a pilot project in Uttar Pradesh that aims at providing comprehensive primary health services by creating health and wellness infrastructure and providing insurance cover to at least 40 percent of population who cannot afford secondary and tertiary health services.It will be launched on 25th September 2018.
PM Modi mentioned that the modernization of Varanasi was done while keeping in mind the cultural heritage of the city. He mentioned that all eyes will be on Varanasi next year when Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be organized and also appealed to the people to show their cultural heritage to the NRIs. He said that it is not only the city that is on the road to development but the adjoining villages are also being developed. He promised basic amenities of water, road and electricity in the nearby villages. He distributed 500 bee boxes under Honey mission and electric based machines to local porters and artisans.