Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday ruled out privatisation of the railways and said people must not be wary of foreign and private capital being utilised for improving infrastructure of the national transporter which, in turn, will help boost the country's economy.
On a visit to his constituency here, the prime minister recalled his childhood days when he had sold tea near a railway station, saying, "I have an association with the railways that is older than what most of the railway employees can claim to have.
"There is a misunderstanding that Railways is being privatised. However, I want to make it clear that we are not privatising railways. We cannot go in this direction. You don't have to worry. It is neither our wish nor thinking," he said, asking the unions not to pay heed to "rumours" in this regard.
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Modi made it clear that he planned to utilise the enormous capital available with business establishments within the country as well as abroad for improving the infrastructure.
He was speaking at the Diesel Locomotive Works, on the outskirts of the city, where he inaugurated a project for expansion of the workshop and also dedicated to the nation a 4,500 horse-power air-conditioned passenger train engine.
Modi said the railways can be made an attractive career option for many talented young people. "For that we would need to bring in technological upgradation and better human resource management. It is for this purpose that we have decided to set up four railway universities across the country," he said.
Modi on Thursday was visiting his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi as part of nation-wide 'Good Governance Day' celebrations being held by his government.
He said development and good governance are the only ways ahead. All Member of Parliaments of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which Modi had steered to a comprehensive victory in the general elections earlier this year, have been asked to be in their respective Parliamentary constituencies for 'Sushasan Diwas (Good Governance Day)' and the Prime Minister through his own visit has sought to lead by example.
"Development & good governance are the only ways ahead. Together, let us make a positive impact in people's lives & create a developed India," the PM tweeted ahead of his visit.
Taking forward his Swachh Bharat campaign, Modi on Thursday revisited his constituency and lauded people for helping rid the Assi Ghat of mounds of soil and garbage to restore the historical site to its old glory.
Addressing a function at Banaras Hindu University here, Modi made a strong pitch for producing good teachers in large numbers.
He launched a mission in this regard amid his assertion that the whole world is looking at India with great expectations "but we are not ready".
He advocated introduction of a five-year training course after schooling for those aspiring to pursue a career in teaching and said the country should aim to export top-class teachers across the world.
Modi also extended Christmas greetings to everyone around the world and hoped the festival will enhance the spirit of harmony, peace and brotherhood in the society.
"Merry Christmas to everyone around the world. May this day enhance the spirit of harmony, peace and brotherhood in society," he said.
The Prime Minister also visited former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the latter's residence on his 90th birthday and said there is no bigger tribute to him than celebrating it as 'Good Governance Day'.