Remittance-based economy cannot benefit Kerala: Union Minister Amit Shah
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Union Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that a remittance-based economy alone cannot benefit Kerala and called for a more inclusive development model for the state.
Addressing a conclave organised by Kerala Kaumudi, a leading Malayalam daily here, Shah said Kerala needed an economic model that ensured development for all citizens.
"If we truly care about the development of every citizen of Kerala, then a remittance-based economy cannot benefit the state. We welcome remittances, and they should continue to come, but the development of every citizen cannot be achieved through remittances alone," he said.
Raising the issue of inclusivity, Shah asked what would happen to those whose family members were not working abroad.
"We need to build an economic model that develops everyone, instead of relying solely on remittances. Remittances can be a part of it, but not the only pillar," he said.
He added that while remittances should not be reduced, more opportunities must be created within the state.
"The potential of tourism must be fully explored, and the education sector in Kerala also needs to be expanded," he said.
Shah said Kerala should fully tap its potential in maritime trade. He also pointed out that the state’s Ayurveda sector, medicinal products, and spices had global appeal and needed to be promoted.
He said the state had scope to develop industries such as data storage, IT, and semiconductors, which do not require large tracts of land but demand high intellectual capability.
"By strengthening the remittance-based economy, Kerala must also adopt a comprehensive and inclusive development model that takes the state forward. This will bring development opportunities to every citizen," he said.
Shah said the BJP had envisioned a developed Kerala and that the state was endowed with immense potential.
"Kerala’s culture, literature, and passion for education make it one of the top states in the country. From Ayurveda to IT, from sports to startups, and from backwaters to intellectual discourse, Kerala has excelled in many fields," he said.
He alleged that the alternating cycle of power between the two political alliances in Kerala had resulted in "political stagnation."
"I have come to appeal to the people of Kerala for a new idea, new blood, and a new kind of politics," he said.
Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the only leader in Indian history to envision diverse development spanning renewable energy, power generation, and environmental protection.
"In 2014, India was the 11th largest economy in the world. In just 11 years, we have risen to the fourth position, and before December 2027, we will become the world’s third-largest economy," he said.
He said infrastructure growth in the country had increased by around 610 per cent and that India now accounted for 50 per cent of the world’s digital transactions.
"In the past 11 years, we have provided houses, gas connections, drinking water, electricity, free ration, and health insurance to 60 crore poor people, fulfilling basic needs that had remained unmet for two generations," he said.
Shah added that 27 crore people had moved above the poverty line in the last 10 years.
"Along with infrastructure development, manufacturing growth, record foreign investment, export expansion, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, lifting 27 crore people out of poverty reflects India’s model of holistic development," he said.
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
