PM Modi calls for continuation of 'double engine' govt to make Goa self-sufficient

Aatmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa programme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the need to have continuation of "double engine" government in order to realise the vision of making Goa self-sufficient. Also read | Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Srinagar, security issues on agenda He said this while interacting with beneficiaries and stakeholders of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa programme' via video-conferencing on Saturday. His 'double engine' reference was to the BJP governments at the Centre as well as in the state. The Assembly polls in Goa are due in February next year.

Noting Goa's contribution to the country's economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said  Goa was a key centre of India's tourism. "Goa is a key centre of India's tourism and thus, in India's economy. In the last few years, we have given every form of support to promote tourism and hospitality. The Central Government has also supported Goa for the development of tourism hubs," he said. Speaking on the country's Covid-19 vaccination programme, the Prime Minister said, "In India's vaccination campaign, special incentives have been given to the states of the country, including Goa, which is the centre of tourism. Goa has also benefited a lot from this." Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Gulmarg receives season's first snowfall He further lauded the state government for administering the first dose of vaccine to all  eligible people in the state. Commenting on Goa's stellar performance in implementing Central government schemes, the Prime Minister said, "India set the goal of being free from open defecation. Goa achieved this target 100 per cent. The country set a target of providing electricity connection to every household. Goa has achieved the goal 100 per cent. In Har Ghar Jal Abhiyan - Goa has become the first state to achieve 100 per cent implementation. In the matter of giving free ration to the poor - Goa has achieved 100 per cent." PM Modi said the infrastructure being developed in Goa would also help in increasing the income of farmers, livestock farmers and fishermen. Goa Chief Minister Promod Sawant was also present on the occasion. The initiative of Swayampurna Goa was launched on October 1, 2020. Under this programme, a state government officer is appointed as 'Swayampurna Mitra'. The Mitra visits a designated panchayat or municipality, interacts with people, coordinates with multiple government departments and ensures that various government schemes and benefits are available to the eligible beneficiaries. -PTC News