'Mann Ki Baat': PM Modi addresses flood situation; hails GST, Indian women cricket team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today shared his thoughts on a number of issues with people of the nation in his 34th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

PM Modi expressed grave concern over the flood situation affecting several parts of India, and assurance the crop insurance companies have been made proactive to ensure speedy settlement of the loss caused to the farmers.

"In particular, the farmer's brethren have to bear a lot of losses because of the damage to their crops and fields in floods situation. We have made the crop insurance companies proactive to ensure speedy settlement of the loss caused to the farmers," the prime minister said in his 34th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat'. 

He said that 24x7 control room helpline number 1078 is made functional continuously to deal with the flood situation.

"Before monsoons, entire government machinery was brought into state of preparedness through mock drills undertaken at most of the places. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed and 'Aapada Mitra', or 'Friends during Disaster' were identified at various places during the flood situation," he said.

The Prime Minister further ensured that everyone including the Centre, the Indian Army, the Indian Air force, a team of NDRF and the Paramilitary forces are doing their best in providing succor to disaster stricken people.

"Life goes completely topsy-turvy as a result of the floods. Crops, livestock, infrastructure, roads, electricity, communication links - everything gets affected," he said.

Hailing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a historic reform, PM Modi said that its implementation is bringing India closer to the dream of 'One Nation One Market One Tax'. 

Describing the GST, PM Modi said that it is not merely a tax reform, but a means of encouraging honesty and social reform.

"It feels good when people from as far as the North-east write to me describing how the GST has made commodities cheaper. Within just one month of its implementation, we have seen a positive change. There is a new found faith displayed by customers in traders," he said.

He said that with the launch of GST on July 1, a wave of change has been witnessed in the transport and logistics industry, with a major boost given to economic activities.

With the recent development, it was noted that there is faster shipment of goods and the time taken by trucks has also reduced.

Furthermore, owing to faster mobility, highways have become clutter-free, with a sharp decline in pollution as well, he said.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi said due to the salient features of the newly launched GST App, all renewed tax rates are now available to consumers at their fingertips, thus ensuring greater ease of doing business.

"One of the core priorities of the government has been ensuring the welfare of the common man and the poor. With this new tax regime, it has been seen that although there was lack of clarity in the beginning, the poor will be benefitting from the revised prices. The transition period was also very smooth, with new registrations taking place day in and day out," said Prime Minister Modi.

He further called on the nation's youth to remember the ' August Kratni Diwas' or Quit India Movement of 1942 and said that a similar resolve must be taken to end corruption, communalism and casteism in the country.

"If 125 crore Indians decide to do something for the country, resolve like the one of 'August Kranti Diwas' in 1942.We can shape a new future for India in 2022. We have to make 2017 as year of resolve. Poverty, corruption, communalism, casteism must quit India. All individuals and institutions should resolve, come up with new ideas, contribute to New India," he said.

"Let's transform this campaign into a people's movement," he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said that a 'Tweet India Quiz' will be launched on the NarendraModi App so that the youth get to connect to India's proud history.

In the 34th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi also highlighted the significance of Indian festivals, saying are not merely an occasion of joy but also bring economic opportunities for the poor.

"Our festivals are directly connected with the upliftment of the poor. It drives their economic activities. Our festivals also bring economic opportunities for the poor," he said.

He further said that festivals 'light the lamp of prosperity in the homes of the poor and called on the nation to help those in need.

"Indian festivals and its celebrations are not merely occasions of joy and merriment but they are in themselves a campaign of social reform. Our all the festival are also linked with the economic welfare of the poor," he added.

PM Modi also hailed the Indian national women cricket team for their exemplary performance in the recently concluded Women's Cricket World Cup, in which the team lost in the finals to England. "I told the Indian women cricket team to not take their World Cup loss to heart, as the entire nation stands behind them and is proud of their feat," he said. 

"The way India supported the women's cricket team shows a shift. I am happy how India took pride in the team's accomplishment," said PM Modi.