Working with grit, checked leakages of Rs 36,000 crore: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that his government was working with determination to fulfill its promises to people and had been able to check leakages to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore in its two years in office.

In his speech at the "Ek Nai Subah" event held at India Gate here to mark completion of two years of his government, Modi targeted Congress over alleged corruption during the UPA rule and said his government will provide cooking gas connection to five crore poor rural women by 2019.

In a veiled attack on Congress and parties critical of the government, Modi said some parties will only oppose for political reasons.

"Two things have emerged in the last 15 days. One is 'Vikasvad' (development) and the other is 'Virodhvad' (opposition). What is the reality, people can judge for themselves," he said, stressing attempts should not be made to inject a sense of negativity.

The prime minister said a government's work should be evaluated in reference to the work of its predecessor. Referring to the controversy over coal allocations during the previous UPA government, he said that courts had cancelled licences and there were daily reports in the media concerning scams.

"If we remember the days (of previous government) we will realise how big a change has come about," he said, referring to the coal allocations made during his government.

Comparing corruption to a termite, Modi said his government had taken series of steps to tackle it including making payments through direct benefit transfer and using Aadhar, while leakage of Rs.15,000 crore in LPG subsidy was saved.

Modi said the government had identified over 1.62 crore fake ration cards and checked other malpractices such as appointment of fake teachers.

"In broad terms we have been able to plug leakages of Rs.36,000 crore," he said, adding "it is natural for people hurt by his government's moves against corruption to oppose him".

Referring to the government's push for LED bulbs, he said it will help save 20,000 MW once the government achieves its target of providing such bulbs in 500 cities and this will help save Rs.1 lakh crore needed to install 20,000 MW power.

Taking a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who had got subsidised cylinders increased from nine to 12 during UPA rule, Modi said over one crore people had given up these on his appeal.

"Is it not a change? It is an example of people's participation," he said.

Modi said his government had reposed trust in people and more steps will be taken to reduce "red-tapism".

He said there was a "new thinking" among people and this was the biggest change.

"We are doing our best to live up to the faith of people. We are leaving no stone unturned. The national interest is supreme. We are taking states along. We will continue to work for the people of the country and seek their blessing," he said.

--IANS

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