As part of “Vikas Parv”, a programme to highlight 2 years of achievements of the Modi Government, Union Minister Food Processing Industries Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal alongwith Shri Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railways and Smt. Poonam Mahajan, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) participated in various events at Agra today. Shri Vijay Shivhare, President of BJP, Agra Mahanagar Unit, was also present.

Smt. Badal addressed a huge gathering of party workers and the public at Soor Sadan.  Thereafter, she had an interaction with the media.  In the last leg of programme, she had an interactive meeting with the industrialists and social workers of Agra.

During the interactions, Minister (FPI) highlighted various initiatives of the Central Government under the dynamic and able leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modijee. She said that two years ago, on May 26, 2014, the country saw first ever non-congress government coming to power with full majority.  It was a historic day as after a decade of poor governance, policy paralysis and corruption, the country could see the light of new dawn, new hope! Speaking on the occasion Smt. Badal said that 2 years ago, we had promised to bring the country out of shackles and put it in the growth trajectory so as to make it a world leader.

The biggest challenge before the government was to establish credibility before the international community as well as to make people of the country to have faith in political executive. Since day one in the office, the present government has committed itself fully to provide an environment that is smooth, transparent and easy. Smt. Badal said that we have followed the path of “Antyodaya”, true to the promise of  “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”. With this objective in mind, the government has launched several schemes for the benefit of poorest of poor, farmers, women, youths, socially deprived class and the minorities.

Smt. Badal said efforts of the government have started yielding results. Our growth rate has already surpassed China and India is the fastest growing economy of the world for next few years declared by the World Bank and IMF. She said there is a sea change in perception about India across the globe. This has been possible because of the tireless and persistent efforts put in by the government especially by our  Prime Minister.

Besides highlighting India’s improved position in the world on various counts and steps taken for “Ease of Doing Business”, Smt. Badal highlighted various schemes like Pradahan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradahan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, National Agricultural Market, Neem Coated Urea, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Bank, PM Avas Yojana, PM Ujjawala Yojana, Smart City, Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan etc.

Highlighting the achievements of her ministry, Smt. Badal said that for giving impetus to food processing sector, government is committed to prevent wastage of food and increasing the processing level so that farmers should get better remuneration of their produce. Therefore, government is paying much attention for creating the desired infrastructure for processing, preservation and storage of food. Government has sanctioned 37 Mega Food Parks out of which 8 have been operationalized (6 in 2 years of current government V/s 2 in 10 years of previous government). Out of the 134 cold chains sanctioned by my ministry, 78 have been completed (41 in 2 years of current government V/s 37 in 10 years of previous government).  Government is also going to allot 100 more cold chains shortly.  In the Budget 2016-17, the Government has also allowed 100% FDI in marketing of food products produced and manufactured in India.  Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Badal also informed that Government is coming out with a new agri clusters Scheme called “SAMPADA” for creation of modern infrastructure in food processing close to production areas and the potato growers of Agra region could make use of this scheme for establishment of food processing units.  

Hon’ble Minister (FPI) also said that despite hurdles created by opposition especially the Congress Party, both inside Parliament and outside, the government is committed to deliver good governance to the people, as promised. As the government is working with full efficiency & transparency, the opposition does not have any principled issues to raise, hence they are raising non-existent or irrelevant issues. She said that knowing well that bills like GST are essential for the country’s growth; they are not cooperating with the government to pass the same. She thanked the public especially the people of Uttar Pradesh for showering their blessings on the government and their continued support.  She assured that the government will not leave any stone unturned for the development of the country and for prosperity of our common masses. 

MJPS