Namaskar, 

Dr. Mohan Yadav, the zealous Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; former Speaker of the Lok Sabha who served Indore for a long time, Sumitra Tai; my Parliamentary colleagues; the MLAs elected in the new assembly; other dignitaries, and my dear labour brothers and sisters!

Today's event is the result of years of hard work, resolutions and dreams of our labour brothers and sisters. And I am delighted because today is the birth anniversary of Atal ji and this is my first public event in Madhya Pradesh in the presence of this new government of Bharatiya Janata Party, and the new Chief Minister. And it is a matter of immense pleasure for me to be here for my poor, downtrodden labour brothers and sisters. Getting the opportunity to attend such an event is extremely satisfying for me. 

I am confident that the new team of the double engine government will be showered with the blessings of our labour families. I know very well what wonders the blessings, affection and love of the poor can do. I am sure that the new team of Madhya Pradesh will achieve several accolades in the coming days. I have been told that when the package was announced for the workers of Hukumchand Mill, it created a festive atmosphere in Indore. This decision has made our labour brothers and sisters even more joyous. 

Today's event is even more special because today is the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji; and today is Good Governance Day. We all are aware of Atal ji's relation with Madhya Pradesh, and his affinity towards the state. I congratulate all of you for this event on Good Governance Day and convey my best wishes.

My family members,

Today a cheque of Rs 224 crore has been handed over as a symbolic gesture. This amount will reach the labour brothers and sisters in the coming days. I know you have faced a plethora of challenges. But now the dawn of a golden future is in front of you. The people of Indore will remember 25th December as the day the workers were given justice. I salute your patience and hard work.

Friends, 

I have always said that the four categories in the country are the most important for me. These are – the poor, the youth, women, and my farmer brothers and sisters. The government of Madhya Pradesh has taken pivotal steps to transform the lives of the poor. Service to the poor, respect for workers and respect for the deprived sections of the society are our priority. We strive to ensure that the workers of the country become empowered and contribute significantly in building a prosperous India.

Family members,

Indore, known for its cleanliness and food, has been a leader in many fields. The textile industry here has played a significant role in the development of Indore. You all are familiar with the history of the 100-year-old Maharaja Tukojirao Cloth Market here. The city's first cotton mill was established by the Holkar royal family. Malwa's cotton used to go to Britain and many European countries and cloth was made in the mills there. There was a time when the markets of Indore used to determine the prices of cotton. The clothes made in Indore were in demand in the country and abroad. Textile mills here had become an important centre of employment. Many workers working in these mills came from other states and settled here. This was the period when Indore was compared to Manchester. But times changed and Indore had to bear the brunt of the policies of the earlier governments. 

The double engine government is also trying to bring back the lost glory of Indore. Investment corridor is being constructed between Bhopal and Indore. Thousands of crores of rupees are being invested by the government on various projects like Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor, Multi Modal Logistics Park, Medical Device Park in Vikram Udyogpuri, PM Mitra Park in Bhensola, Dhar district. Due to this, thousands of new employment opportunities are likely to be created here. As a result of these development projects the economy here will grow rapidly.

Friends,

A large part of MP is famous for its natural beauty and its historic heritage. Many cities of MP including Indore are becoming inspiring examples of balance between development and environment. Asia's largest Gobardhan plant is also operating in Indore. E-charging infrastructure is being developed rapidly here to promote operation of electric vehicles.

Today I got the opportunity to perform a virtual bhoomi pujan of Jalood Solar Power Plant. This plant is going to save electricity bills worth Rs 4 crore every month. I am pleased to know that money is being raised from people for this plant by issuing green bonds. This effort of Green Bond will become another medium to ensure participation of the citizens of the country in protecting the environment. 

My family members,

The state government is working at a rapid pace to fulfil the resolutions we have taken and the guarantees we have given during the elections. To ensure that government schemes reach every beneficiary, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is also reaching every place in MP. Due to elections, this scheme started a bit late in MP. But within a few days of its launch from Ujjain, more than 600 programmes related to it were conducted.

Lakhs of people are getting direct benefits through this initiative. I urge all the people of MP that when Modi's vehicle of guarantee reaches your place, you should take full advantage of it. Everyone should be present there. We are trying to ensure that no one is deprived of the benefits of government schemes.

I once again express my gratitude to the people of Madhya Pradesh for trusting Modi's guarantee and giving us an overwhelming majority. Once again, I extend my best wishes to all of you. And today the state government gave me this opportunity to participate in an event related to the poor and workers. Such moments always give me a boost. And that is why I am grateful to the people of Indore, the Madhya Pradesh government and my labour brothers and sisters who have come in such large numbers to bless us all. The garlands around their necks are telling me what an auspicious occasion it is and it has arrived after such a long wait. The happiness on your faces and the fragrance of these garlands will certainly inspire us to do something crucial for society. I wish you all the very best. 

Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

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DS/VJ/IG/AK