The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in the program ‘Mazdooron Ka Hit Mazdooron ko Samarpit’ via video conferencing today. He also handed over a cheque of about Rs 224 crore pertaining to the dues of the Hukumchand Mill workers, to the official liquidator and heads of the Labour Union of Hukumchand Mill, Indore. The program marks the settlement of long pending demands of the Hukumchand Mill workers. Shri Modi also laid the foundation stone for a 60 MW Solar power plant in Khargone district.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that today’s event is a result of the years of penance, dreams and resolutions of the Shramik brothers and sisters. He expressed happiness that the occasion is taking place on Atal Ji’s birth anniversary and that the Prime Minister’s first program in Madhya Pradesh after the establishment of the new government is dedicated to the poor and deprived Shramiks. He expressed confidence that the Shramiks will offer their blessings to the newly elected double-engine government in Madhya Pradesh. “I am well aware of the impact of the blessings and the love of Shramiks”, the Prime Minister said, ensuring that the new team in the state will accomplish many such feats in the coming years. Noting that the organization of today’s program added more enthusiasm in the festive period of Shramiks in Indore, the Prime Minister highlighted Atal Ji’s connection with Madhya Pradesh and stated that his birth anniversary is also celebrated as Good Governance Day. The Prime Minister said with the transfer of  Rs 224 crore to the workers a golden future awaits them and today's date will be remembered as the date of justice for workers. PM Modi acknowledged the patience and hard work. 

Referring to his four ‘Jatis’ of poor, youth, women and farmers, PM Modi praised Madhya Pradesh government’s steps to promote poor sections of society. “Dignity and respect for the poor and deprived is our priority. Empowered Shramik capable of contributing to a prosperous India is our goal”, Shri Modi said. 

Referring to Indore’s foremost position in cleanliness and delicacies, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of the textiles industry in the industrial landscape of Indore and mentioned the importance of Maharaja Tukoji Rao Cloth market and Holkers establishing the first cotton mill of the city and the popularity of Malwa cotton. That was the golden period of Indore’s textiles. He lamented the neglect by the previous governments and said that the double-engine government is trying to restore the old glory of Indore. He informed about the construction of investment corridor between Bhopal and Indore, Indore Pithampur Economic Corridor and multi-modal logistics park, Medical Device Park in Vikram Udyogpuri, PM MITRA park in Dhar, projects that will create jobs and economic expansion. 

Highlighting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister said that many cities in the state including Indore have become prime examples of finding a balance between development and nature. The Prime Minister gave examples of Asia’s largest operational Gobardhan Plant and the development of EV charging infrastructure in the city. He also mentioned laying the foundation stone for a 60 MW Solar power plant in Khargone district today which will help save Rs 4 crores in electricity bills. Referring to the usage of  Green Bonds in an attempt to arrange funds for the plant, the Prime Minister said that it will ensure the participation of the people in protecting nature

The Prime Minister said that the State Government is working on fulfilling the guarantees offered during the recent elections. He informed that in order to achieve saturation of the government schemes, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is reaching every corner of Madhya Pradesh too. Despite an initial delay due to the Model Code of Conduct for elections, the yatra has already conducted 600 programs, benefitting lakhs of people, he informed. “I request the people of MP to take full advantage of the ‘Modi ki Guarantee’ vehicle”, he added. 

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister remarked that the smiling faces and the fragrance of the garlands of Shramiks will keep on inspiring the Government to work towards the betterment of society. 

Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav made his presence virtually.

Background

The workers of the Hukumchand Mill fought a long legal battle for the payment of their dues after the Hukumchand Mill in Indore was closed in 1992 and went into liquidation subsequently. Recently, the Madhya Pradesh Government played a positive role and successfully negotiated a settlement package endorsed by all stakeholders including courts, labor unions, and mill workers among others. The settlement plan involves the Madhya Pradesh Government paying all dues upfront, taking possession of the mill land, and developing it into a residential and commercial space.

During the program, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 60 MW Solar power plant being established in villages Samraj and Ashukhedi of Khargone district by Indore Municipal Corporation. Being built at a cost of Rs 308 crore, the establishment of the new solar power plant is likely to help Indore Municipal Corporation save approximately Rs 4 crore per month in electricity bills. For funding the construction of the solar plant, Indore Municipal Corporation issued green bonds worth Rs 244 crore. It became the first urban body in the country to issue green bonds.  It received a phenomenal response as people of 29 states subscribed to them with a value of about Rs 720 crore, which was about three times the initial value issued.

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