CM Pinarayi Vijayan welcomes PM Modi, hails Centre's clearance of key projects for Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Thiruvananthapuram to inaugurate and launch a series of major development projects, describing the occasion as a "cherished moment of satisfaction" for Kerala.
Welcoming the Prime Minister at the official function, the Chief Minister also greeted dignitaries on the dais, including Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, Union Minister of State George Kurian, Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh, MP Shashi Tharoor, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, senior officials and beneficiaries of various welfare schemes.
CM Vijayan said the Prime Minister's visit to Kerala to inaugurate and dedicate multiple projects would go a long way in accelerating the state's development.
He highlighted the laying of the foundation stone for the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub, the inauguration of the new Poojappura Head Post Office building, and the launch of the PM SVANidhi scheme benefiting one lakh street vendors.
The Chief Minister noted that the function also included the handing over of credit cards and loan disbursement cheques to beneficiaries under the scheme.
The Chief Minister further pointed to the flagging off of three Amrit Bharat Express trains and one passenger train by the Prime Minister, describing the new rail services as being of "great significance" to Kerala in terms of connectivity and economic activity.
"This is a cherished moment of satisfaction to the state government, as we have been consistently seeking the Union government's green signal for many of these projects," CM Vijayan said, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for clearing them.
He voiced hope that the Centre's "concern and goodwill" towards Kerala would continue in the future as well, and that the state's genuine demands in other sectors would also be addressed in due course.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Prime Minister would ensure the implementation of such projects in a time-bound manner.
Concluding his address, CM Vijayan once again welcomed Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the state and on his own behalf, setting a tone of cooperative federalism at a programme that marked a significant development milestone for Kerala.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see infrastructure getting a push. The PM SVANidhi scheme for street vendors is a fantastic initiative that provides direct support to the informal economy. These small entrepreneurs are the backbone of our local markets.
While the projects are welcome, this feels like a political gesture before elections. The Centre has delayed many projects for Kerala in the past, including crucial flood relief funds. The real test is whether this "concern and goodwill" translates into consistent, unbiased support for all states, not just during visits.
Finally some good news on the railway front! Better connectivity within Kerala and to other states will boost tourism and trade. The new post office building is also a welcome upgrade for the capital city. Development should be above politics. 👍
The CSIR-NIIST hub is a big deal for tech and research in the state. We need more such investments to stop our talented youth from moving to Bangalore or Hyderabad. Hope it creates high-quality jobs locally.
It's heartening to see the Chief Minister setting a tone of cooperative federalism. In a diverse country like India, the centre and states must work hand-in-hand for progress, regardless of which parties are in power. This is the spirit of India.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.