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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Devine’s all-round brilliance trumps Nandini’s hat-trick as GG edge DC by 4 runs
Navi Mumbai (PTI): Nandini Sharma’s maiden hat-trick went in vain as Sophie Devine starred with a breathtaking 95 and a superb final over under pressure to steer Gujarat Giants to a thrilling four-run win off the last ball over Delhi Capitals in a Women’s Premier League match here on Sunday.
This was Gujarat Giants' second win on the trot, while DC slipped to their second loss.
Sent in to bat, Giants opener Devine smashed seven fours and eight sixes in her 42-ball knock, adding 94 runs for the opening wicket with Beth Mooney (19) to set the platform.
Skipper Ashleigh Gardner kept the momentum going with a brisk 49 off 26 balls, but Nandini turned the tide with remarkable figures of 5 for 33, including a hat-trick, as Gujarat were bowled out for 209.
Chasing a stiff target, opener Lizelle Lee struck a scintillating 86 off 54 balls, studded with 12 fours and three sixes. She put on 41 runs with Shafali Verma (14) before adding 90 off 55 balls with Laura Wolvaardt (77 off 38) to keep Delhi firmly in the hunt.
Once Lee was dismissed by Kashvee Gautam (1/48) in the 15th over, Rajeshwari Gayakwad removed Chinelle Henry (7) to leave Delhi at 146 for three.
Needing 64 off the last 25 balls, skipper Jemimah Rodrigues (15) joined Wolvaardt as the pair plundered 58 runs in 23 balls to bring the equation down to seven off the final five deliveries.
Devine then returned to the spotlight, dismissing both batters and conceding just two runs in the final over to seal a dramatic win.
Earlier, Devine set the tone early, striking three fours off Chinelle Henry before taking Nandini apart with two fours and a six in the fourth over. She was particularly severe on Sneh Rana, hammering two fours and four successive sixes in an over that yielded 32 runs and powered Gujarat Giants to 80 without loss in the powerplay.
The New Zealander brought up her half-century in just 25 balls before Shree Charani broke the opening stand with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort in the ninth over to remove Mooney. Devine briefly regained control, hitting Charani for three sixes, but fell in the 11th over bowled by Nandini Sharma.
Skipper Ashleigh Gardner kept Gujarat Giants on course with a brisk 49 off 26 balls, smashing four boundaries and three sixes to take the side past the 200-mark.
Jemimah Rodrigues pulled off a fine catch to dismiss Georgia Wareham (3), while Henry removed Gardner and Bharti Fulmali (3).
Nandini then capped a memorable outing by picking up four wickets in the final over, including three off the last three balls, to complete her maiden hat-trick.
