No village in country to remain without electricity by 2022: PM

The BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has set a target that not a single village across the country will remain without electricity by 2022.

Addressing a public rally after inaugurating the 450 Mega Watt Baglihar Hydro Electric Power Project Stage-II on the Chenab and laying the foundation stone for four-laning of Udhampur-Ramban and Ramban-Banihal sections of crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Chanderkote here, Modi said though electrification of as many as 18 thousand villages across the country was a big challenge, the government was determined to accomplish that.

He said in the present times when world has been facing the challenges of global warming and climate change, it becomes every body's social responsibility to switch over to renewable sources of energy.

He said that, in this regard, government is looking forward to generate unprecedented 175 gigawatts electricity through solar and wind energy.

He also appealed to people to shift to the using of modern gadgets and save electricity as saving electricity is as important as generating it.

Modi pointed out that during the NDA regime, the rate of average construction of roads across the country has risen from 2km to 18 km per day.

Modi made it clear that Rs. 80 thousand crore financial package announced for the state is meant for flood victims, youth employment, rehabilitation of refugees and migrants and development of tourism and other infrastructure in the State.

He added that any release of financial assistance by the Centre would be subject to its judicious use and proper implementation by the state.

He said the Centre's proposed raising of five India Reserve Battalions would absorb around four thousand unemployed youths of the state.

Modi also appealed to the people to take benefit of the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna and other schemes to start their income generating ventures.

Speaking on the occasion Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari threw light on the proposed programmes of the NDA government for the development of highways in the state, and added that with the completion of the four-laning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway the distance would be reduced by several hours.

He said keeping in view the pilgrimage to world famous Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, the Centre has also been working on the construction of proposed 'Delhi-Katra Express Highway.

The Prime Minister was also accompanied by Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh.