Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there is need to strengthen the federal structure in view of its increasing importance. He said there is need for creative thinking and optimum utilisation of youth capability asserting the country has to push Public Private Partnership model.
He said, the government will soon come out with a new institution to replace Planning Commission to address the emerging economic needs. Mr. Modi said Planning Commission may have been relevant for the past, but today the time has changed and needs to be re-invented.
The Prime Minister also announced scheme for opening bank accounts by poor people with one lakh rupees insurance cover under the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana'. This will help poor farmers to get rid of their debt which many times forces them to commit suicide.
Mr. Modi also announced 'Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana' under which MPs will adopt and build model villages to change the face of India.
Mr Modi called for waging a war against poverty by SAARC nations saying by working together they can change the outlook of the world towards the region.
Mr. Modi asked the people to take a pledge and embark on a campaign to make India litter-free by 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He said, it will be the best tribute to Mahatma Gandhi who dreamt of a clean India.
Prime Minister said that the government will give impetus to tourism sector to harness its potential. He said the sector provides employment to large number of people, particularly the poor.
Lamenting over the incidents of communal and caste violence he said that the country should be freed from these tensions as they hinder the growth of the nation.
The Prime Minister said no one has gained from terrorism and Maoism and advised people involved in such activities to engage themselves in constructive work instead of carrying guns on their shoulders. He termed the female feoticide as a blot on the 21st century India and asked the parents not to kill daughters in the womb.
Mr Modi said increasing incidents of rapes are matter of shame and asked parents to impose restrictions on their sons to curb the scourge.
Commending sports persons for bringing laurels to the nation in international sporting events, he said, he is proud of India's daughters who have won medals.
