PM Modi attacks Congress on MGNREGA, hints at flexibility in land acquisition bill

Speaking on the motion of thanks to President's Address in Lok Sabha, PM Narendra Modi expressed pleasure at the amount of discussions done in the house. 

He said that many issues have been discussed and praised the opposition for actively taking part in debate. 

Answering to criticism that many schemes have been merely renamed, Modi said that names are not important, work is.  He said that people should be proud of schemes rather than opposing it. Modi also played down the weight of expectation on him by saying that they exists because it means people believe in solution. 

Speaking about the Clean Mission, he said that it is the job of every individual to ensure that the goal is met. 

Do we not have to integrate every Indian in Swachhata Abhiyaan: PM @narendramodi in the Lok Sabha — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 27, 2015

Taking a jibe at Mulayam Singh, Modi said

When Mulayam Singh ji spoke about Assi Ghat cleanliness, I was confused if he was giving report of UP Government or Centre: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 27, 2015

His next jibe was directed towards Congress. He said that no one can doubt his political acumen and hence he will never discontinue the MGNREGA scheme. According to Modi, MGNREGA is a living proof of misrule of Congress's misrule in last 60 years.  

PM Modi said that the matter of corruption shouldn't be politicised. It should rather be treated as an institutional problem. 

I want you all to guide us and we should together find ways to combat this serious problem (corruption): PM Modi — ANI (@ANI_news) February 27, 2015

PM Modi referred to the coal block allocation and says that no one probably thought that CAG's calculation will turn out to be correct. But according to PM, once all the blocks are auctioned the total money obtained will surpass the number quoted by CAG.

Modi took a jibe at Congress by asking why SIT for probe of black money was not formed for 3 years. Modi said that his government formed SIT in the first cabinet meeting itself.  

Want to congratulate Arun Jaitley that he coordinated with Swiss banks and now we can get information from them: PM on black money — ANI (@ANI_news) February 27, 2015

PM Modi spoke about the poor condition of the farmers.  He said that not enough has been done for ensuring that farmers' condition is improved. He advocated that farmers should check the health of the soil before they start farming. He said that scientific approach towards farming will improve productivity in agriculture.  

Modi said that he has introduced systems like self attestation and increased online documentation to save time and money. 

PM Modi also hit out at detractors who have criticised his foreign trips. He said that he has gathered various inputs from scientists across the world to utilise them for use in local contexts. 

It is the poor, the farmer, the tribal communities that are on my mind when I am travelling: PM @narendramodi in the Lok Sabha — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 27, 2015

PM Modi mentioned Jan Dhan scheme and said that entire target has already been met. He said that now money will be directly now transferred to these accounts to help the poor.

He said that visa on arrival and Clean India Mission has helped in providing a major boost to tourism. Inspite of various negative campaigns, number of tourists arriving in India has increased.  

Speaking about the all important Land Acquisition Bill, he asked why so many years were spent before drafting a new law. Modi said that Chief Minister's cutting across political lines have urged to change the law in sake of farmers. He shared information that even defence sector has urged the bill to be revised. Modi asked Lok Sabha what is wrong with changing a law if there are some errors in it. But giving indication of softening stance, Modi said that he is willing to change if there are any anti-farmer clause in the bills.In a lighter note he said that he would give credit of the bill to the past government and urged political parties not to politicise the matter. 

PM said that he is looking to develop infrastructure in the Eastern part of the country. He said  that CM's of all those states reached out to him and urged him to change the anti-farmer land acquisition ordinance. 

In an era of co-operative federalism can we become arrogant? Should we not listen to the Chief Ministers of the States: PM in Lok Sabha — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 27, 2015

We are looking at Act East policy: PM @narendramodi in the Lok Sabha — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 27, 2015

PM mentioned that he has ensured that states are given increasing financial independence. Taking into cognizance recommendation of Financial Commission, government has decided to allocate 42%  of the divisible pool to states during 20015-16 to 2019-20, against 32 per cent suggested by the previous commission. He mentioned  that all proceeds from the coal auctions will go to the state exchequers. PM remarked that the amount received will be greater than the budget of certain states. 

Speaking about communal tensions he said  that only religion his government follows is that of the Constitution. Modi said that he believes in the concept of India First and urged the help of all citizens for building an improved country.