Modi urges Visva-Bharati University to develop 100 villages

Lauding the Visva-Bharati University for its rural construction programme in the neighbouring areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged the institution to bring 100 villages into its ambit by 2021 -- its centenary year.

"I have been told that you are doing development work in around 50 villages. When I was told about it, my hopes and expectations from you increased.

"So I have a humble request before you. In 2021, this great institution will complete 100 years. Can you extend to 100 or 200 villages, what you are doing in 50 villages now?" Modi said in his address at the 49th convocation of the university set up by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

He appealed to the university to take a pledge to develop 100 villages by 2021.

"In these villages, arrangements should be made for LPG connections for the people, women-child vaccination, digital connectivity. People should be able to know digital handling, filling up of important forms from service centres, etc, " he said.

He also mentioned the various schemes provided by the Central government that can be availed by the people of the University working for the developement of the villages.

"You know well how gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme and toilets under Swachh Bharat schemes have eased the lives of the women of our country. Your efforts in the villages will make the women folk strong. Also, efforts can be made to inspire the people of these 100 villages to protect the environment. Make them a part of your mission in safeguarding the nature," he mentioned.

According to him, there so many things which can be done by making a checklist.

"They (the village residents) must try to save water, keep the air free of pollution, make use of natural fertilisers and also save the land from erosion. They can take full benefits of Centre's Govardhan Yojana," he said.

--IANS

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