PM Modi pitches for technological solutions in flood-hit areas

PM, in Mann ki Baat, said government hospitals will offer free check-ups on the 9th of every month, which poor pregnant women should make use of

The Centre is working closely with states to help the flood-hit people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday as he pitched for technological solutions to the daily life problems and informed about the government plans to earmark Rs 10 crore for innovation.

In his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', he also talked about a number of other subjects, including the Indian participation in the Rio Olympics, upcoming Independence day celebrations, his recent visit to South Africa and passage of a bill by Parliament that will unlock over Rs 40,000 crore to states for afforestation.

During the 35-minute broadcast, he spoke about the need to curb deaths during child delivery and said government hospitals will offer free check-up on 9th of every month which poor pregnant women should avail.

He urged gynaecologists, who do not work in government hospitals, to devote one day for this purpose, saying lakhs of such doctors are required.

Talking about the floods that have hit some parts of the country, Modi said, "sometime back, we were concerned about drought but now we are enjoying the rains and there are reports about floods. The state governments and the Centre are working closely, making all efforts to help the flood-affected people."

A number of states, including Assam and Bihar, are reeling under floods, which have killed over scores of people and caused widespread damage to property.

"India is going through many problems. We encounter problems in daily life. Now, we will have to look for technological solutions," Modi said.

Exhorting youth to go for research to find technological solutions to such problems, Modi referred to the 'Atal Innovation Mission' (AIM) through which the government intends to create an ecosystem of innovation, experiment and entrepreneurship and generate jobs.

"If we have to prepare next generation innovators, we will have to connect our children with the AIM. That is why, the central government has taken the initiative of Atal Tinkering Labs," the prime minister said.

Whichever school establishes these labs, it will get Rs 10 lakh and an equal amount for maintenance of these labs for five years, the Prime Minister said.

Noting that innovation is directly linked to 'Incubation Centre', Narendra Modi said under the Atal Incubation Centre programme, the government plans to earmark a "big amount" of Rs 10 crore.