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Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s address at laying of
foundation stone/dedication of various
development works in Daman
प्रव तथ: 05 JUN 2026 10:05PM by PIB Delhi
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Praful Bhai Patel, my colleague in Parliament
Kalaben Delkar, President of Daman Municipal Council Deepika Tandel Ji, Chairman of Daman District
Panchayat Dharm Babu Patel, Chairman of Silvassa Municipal Council Somnath Devre Ji, Chairperson of
Dadra Nagar Haveli District Panchayat Nisha Bhavsar Ji, Chairman of Diu Municipal Council Harish
Kapadia Ji, Chairperson of Diu District Panchayat Kotia Ranjitaben, and my dear brothers and sisters who
have gathered here in such a large number,
Just as you have gathered here, in Lakshadweep too a large number of people are connected with us
through video, because today a new beginning of development in Lakshadweep, a new project that will
bring revolutionary change in the lives of the people of Lakshadweep, has also been inaugurated and
foundation stones have been laid for some schemes.
Friends,
A few years ago, when I came among you, I had said that our Daman is rapidly becoming Mini India, and
today I see, on the left side is entire Bengal and on the right side is entire Assam. Daman has become a
living example of Mini India. The diversity here, people from different regions residing here, gives a
beautiful glimpse of the whole of India among you. You all have come in such large numbers to bless us,
for this I thank you all very much.
Brothers and sisters,
I have had the opportunity to come to Daman and Diu many times. I also keep visiting Dadra and Nagar
Haveli, and when I was not Chief Minister or Prime Minister, I used to come here many times. But now
when I come here and see the good governance, the governance model, it feels very good. Every time I
feel that compared to the last time, this region has moved miles ahead on the path of development.
Friends,
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu had dreamt of development for decades. The generations who
dreamt earlier have passed away. But today the present generation is seeing with their own eyes that the
dreams their parents and grandparents used to see are now being fulfilled before their eyes. Even today,
many projects related to connectivity, health, education, tourism, and urban infrastructure have been
inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. These development works will make life easier for the people
of Daman and the entire Union Territory. They will create new opportunities for the youth. Behind these
works, the vision of Praful Bhai Patel, his and his team’s hard work is clearly visible. For this, I also
appreciate Praful Bhai and his entire team. I extend many congratulations and best wishes to the people of
Lakshadweep and Dadra-Nagar Haveli.Friends,
Today as I have come among you, a pleasant news has arrived. I had already left Delhi this morning, but
the figures that have just come, the news that has arrived, is truly delightful, and I also want to share this
happiness with you. The figures that have come today clearly show how strong the foundation of India’s
economy is. In the year 2025-26, that is, the financial year that has just ended, India has achieved a growth
rate of 7.7 percent, 7.7, and the last quarter that ended on 31st March also recorded India’s growth at 7.8
percent, 7.8. And this is the fastest-growing large economy in the world. Every Indian should feel proud,
this is its pace. Today the country is running on the Reform Express, today the country is witnessing such
massive infrastructure development, such large-scale work is being done for the welfare of the poor, and
the result of all these efforts is that today the country is moving ahead as the fastest-growing large
economy. And we all know, the world is engulfed in crises, the economies of the whole world are buried
under question marks, but even in this worst period of global crisis, with the collective efforts of 1.4
billion countrymen, India is not only able to sustain itself but also succeeding in staying ahead. I extend
many congratulations to the countrymen for achieving this new height in the economic field, and I once
again assure the nation that while facing these crises prevailing across the world, the country will continue
to move forward with firm resolve, on the path of Reform, Perform, and Transform, at a rapid pace. This is
my guarantee to the countrymen.
Friends,
Today development is as important for us as ensuring that our development model is sustainable. Today,
on World Environment Day, our Union Territory State is realizing this resolution. Today, on one hand,
development projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid here. At
the same time, about one lakh one trees in the name of mother, one lakh saplings are also being planted
here. I am proud that this is such a Union Territory which has achieved the feat of 100 percent use of solar
energy in government buildings. Today, in Diu, the entire daytime electricity demand is being met only by
solar power, and we have to take this further. Electricity should also be available in homes through solar
energy, and not only that, families should also earn income from surplus electricity. For this, the initiative
of installing rooftop solar plants has begun. I also appreciate you all for these achievements.
Friends,
Along with this, I have also been informed that the people of Daman are running a cleanliness campaign
these days. This shows how cleanliness has become a part of the culture of Daman’s public life, and this
culture is visible in the cleanliness efforts. I congratulate the people of Daman for these participatory
efforts.
Friends,
Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, being a Union Territory, are also the identity and heritage of India.
Therefore, our goals for its development are not ordinary. I remember, when I came to Silvassa last year, I
gave you the example of Singapore. I had said that once Singapore was a small fishing village. But the
people of Singapore dreamt, they set big goals, and today that same Singapore has become the world’s
biggest business hub. Today Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu are also dreaming the same dream.
These projects like Namo Airport, the iconic bridge to be built on the Damanganga river, the convention
center to be built on the ‘Beach Front’, through such infrastructure we are laying the foundation of big
resolutions for the future. Through these projects, your movement will become easier. New possibilities
for business will be created here. The pace of development on both sides of Daman will become faster.
Friends,
Here opportunities related to the hospitality economy will increase, and along with that, facilities like
Transport Nagar will also give new momentum to trade and logistics.Friends,
The vision we have prepared for the Blue Economy in this region will also be realized only through the
strength of hi-tech infrastructure. That is why, today itself, the foundation stone of modern ports is being
laid in Kalpeni and Kadmat islands of Lakshadweep. All these efforts will increase the country’s strength
in the Blue Economy, and as I said, these are initiatives that will change the destiny of Lakshadweep.
Friends,
In the BJP government, in our NDA government, the first criterion of development for us is-change in the
lives of the poor, the deprived, the tribal, and the middle class! For this, the health sector is our very big
priority. In the past years, the country has moved forward with a holistic vision for healthcare. We have
solved every concern related to treatment. Today even the poorest have the facility of Ayushman Card.
They have the assurance of free treatment up to 5 lakh rupees. To ensure timely diagnosis of diseases,
there is the arrangement of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Affordable medicines are also
available through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. To make these facilities even better and more modern, today
health services are being connected with technology through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Friends,
Due to Ayushman Cards and Jan Aushadhi Kendras alone, the poor and middle class have saved nearly
2.25 lakh crore rupees from being spent.
Brothers and sisters,
The policies of the central government have greatly benefited the people of this region too. At one time,
there was a lack of good treatment facilities here. There was not even a medical college here. But now
there is a medical college, and post-graduation studies have also started in it. Silvassa’s Namo Hospital
has been serving thousands of people since last year. Today, Namo Hospital has also been inaugurated in
Daman. The people of this region will now get the benefit of even better healthcare.
Friends,
How our government is prioritizing health is also evident in the results of the National Family Health
Survey. At one time, most deliveries in India did not take place in hospitals. Today, more than 90 percent
of deliveries in the country are happening in hospitals, which has greatly reduced maternal mortality and
infant mortality. Due to Mission Indradhanush, India has also made good progress in the field of child
vaccination. Before 2014, only 60 percent of children were fully vaccinated. Today this figure has
increased to about 90 percent. There has also been a big change in the field of health security. Before
2014, less than 30 percent of families were connected with health insurance schemes. Today Ayushman
Bharat has changed those figures too. Now more than 60 percent of families are getting this protection.
Friends,
If anyone has benefited the most from these efforts of the government in the field of health, it is the
women power of my country.
Friends,
Earlier the youth of this region also had to go outside for higher education. But today, not one but many
national-level institutes have been established here. In recent years, new school buildings have been built
here, smart classrooms have also been built in schools. More than 40 thousand students are benefiting
from them. I am happy that the Union Territory is gradually moving forward in the field of education.
Many constructions like Swami Vivekananda Education Hub are happening here.
Brothers and sisters,
It is also our resolve that our daughters should not lag behind in this education revolution. For this, many
big efforts are being made. Schemes like Saraswati Cycle Scheme and Saraswati Vidya Yojana are helping
the daughters here a lot.Friends,
Today India is trying that the youth of the country should get the right direction along with the degree.
They should get such exposure that connects local talent with global opportunities. In fields like design,
law, engineering, medical education, IT, drone, and renewable energy, our present preparation will
strengthen India’s workforce. Therefore, the expansion of professional institutions is very important.
Friends,
Today the foundation stone of the eighteenth campus of NIFT has been laid. This institution will connect
the youth here with global exposure. New courses like Drone Technician have also started in ITI Daman.
Training programs related to PM Vishwakarma and PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme are also
benefiting the youth.
Friends,
Sports in the country have also been advanced with new thinking. Our sports are no longer limited to big
cities or big stadiums. Efforts like Khelo India have given youth a new platform to showcase their talent.
Because of this, children from small regions are coming forward at the national level in the field of sports,
and this region has also benefited from it. Diu has emerged as a big center of beach sports today. The
Beach Games held at Ghoghla Beach have also drawn the country’s attention to this region. Today modern
sports infrastructure is continuously being developed here. The Football Center in Khanvel and the
Volleyball Training Center in Daman are strengthening the sports culture here.
Friends,
Today the country’s big focus is also on tourism. Our effort is that tourism should promote local art and
culture. Small places should also be connected with big opportunities. Efforts like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’
have inspired people to know about the diversity of the country. Today heritage tourism, beach tourism,
eco-tourism, adventure tourism in India are getting new energy.
Friends,
In Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, tourism is also a sector with immense possibilities. This
region has been blessed with natural beauty. That is why the policies the country has worked on regarding
tourism have greatly benefited Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu. In 2021, about 6 lakh tourists
came here. In 2025, this number increased to about 50 lakh. That means in just a few years, tourism
footfall has increased nearly tenfold. This has been possible due to better infrastructure, better facilities,
and clean beaches. Daman Night Market, Ramsetu Sea-Front, Namopath Sea-Front, Nani Daman Fort,
Gangeshwar Temple Complex, such numerous places are today becoming the new identity of this entire
region.
Friends,
To fulfill the dreams of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, we also have to increase the industrial
strength here. It is also a matter of pride that this Union Territory has made its distinct identity in the field
of man-made fiber. Dadra and Nagar Haveli are recognized as the National Man-Made Fibre Capital. This
region is also continuously progressing in plastic export. The government has also made continuous
efforts to support industries and MSMEs here. MSMEs and other industries here have been provided
financial assistance of more than crores of rupees. New opportunities are opening up for small and cottage
industries of the Union Territory. I am confident that in the coming time this region will become a big hub
of manufacturing.
Friends,
When sensitive governance is combined with the vision of development, transformation rapidly takes
shape on the ground. Seeing the impact of our efforts in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu gives
satisfaction. I have full faith in the people of this land. The youth here, the mothers and sisters here, the
farmers, artisans, laborers, and entrepreneurs here will take this development journey further in thecoming years. I assure you, the central government will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to fulfill your
dreams. With this belief, I once again extend many congratulations to you for the development projects.
Say with me, Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Thank you very much.
****
MJPS/SS/ST
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2269601) आगंतुक पटल : 153
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: ही , Gujarati