In his first interview in 2018, PM Narendra Modi spoke about host of issues with Zee News editor Sudhir Chaudhury on Friday.
In his first interview in 2018, PM Narendra Modi spoke about host of issues with Zee News editor Sudhir Chaudhury on Friday. PM Modi was quizzed about the upcoming budget, his plans for Davos and among a host of other issues.
PM Modi called Davos a 'Maha-Panchayat' for business.
It is a good source for networking and also for policy making. PM said that India is a major point of attraction in the world. It is due to India's economy picking up, which has been recognised by globally-recognised rating agencies, said the PM.
Also, India's democratic values is a great attraction for world. PM Modi said massive there's massive FDI influx, and the world wants to have a direct connection with the India.
They want to listen directly from the horse's mouth, said PM explaining the significance of his Davos trip.
‘Ease of doing business has sent a positive message to the word’
PM Modi said everyone knows what was happening in India through media before 2014. PM emphasises the point that after 30 years a government with full mandate has come in India, something which has attracted the attention of the world and changed the nature of interaction.
PM said that the fact that India is doing good internally in multiple parameters has resonated with major stakeholders globally. PM also mentioned how India's improvement in Ease of Business ranking has sent a positive message to the world.
PM said that his work is to become a mouthpiece for 1.25 billion citizens of the country.
Regarding his friendly demeanour with top leaders, PM said that he has managed to turn his weakness to strength. PM said that he didn't have any baggage and hence managed to easily mingle with the world leaders.
‘Criticism should be taken constructively’
PM said that he has come up from a humble background and just uses his common sense to freely interact with them. PM taking a dig at past leaders said that he is an outsider and hence managed to dodge set norms and protocols.
PM Modi said that criticism should be taken constructively when quizzed about deep scrutiny over the economic parameters.
PM Modi highlighted several issues like environment and anti-terrorism where India has taken a lead globally. He mentioned India's role in signing of the historic Paris climate deal.
Regarding the ‘new world order’ of 'PTM- Putin, Trump, Modi'- Prime Minister said that India shouldn't be confined to a small boundary. Modi said that India has to take prominent role in different world groups like SAARC, etc. He also gave an example of International Yoga Day, where so many countries came together to participate enthusiastically every year.
PM Modi was also asked about the dual reforms of GST and demonetization, which has divided opinion across the country.
PM Modi highlighted about several reforms like installation of 28 crores LED bulbs, Jan Dhan schemes, LPG cylinders for poor families done by the government.
‘UPA failed to listen to state governments’
Regarding GST, PM Modi said that UPA failed to listen to issues of state governments when they were in power. He said that they managed to address the issues of the states after coming to power. PM reiterated that GST is true testament of India's federal structure. He said that when a big change comes, there will be some teething issues, but they will be resolved.
PM said that he is aware that initially GST will be criticised but later it's true worth will be understood.
When quizzed about the big political risk taken by doing reforms just before polls, PM said that election shouldn't be the focus of governance. It is merely by-product of governance, said PM Modi. He said those in power should look to change people's lives by transformative policies and not think about election.
When asked about his extensive campaigning for BJP prior to every state assembly elections, PM said that it is not new. He has always been connected with people throughout his life, said PM. He also stated that he has spent a night at least in around 80% of the districts of the state. PM said that it is unfair to say that BJP is using him too much. PM said that his life is dedicated to nation and the party.
PM Modi batted strongly for simultaneous elections for both states and Centre. He said currently country is constantly in campaign mode, and not only the state concerned but people from other states too are influenced as election campaign is covered by media.
He said that currently there is huge wastage of logistics and resources with elections happening frequently. PM Modi also called for a national debate regarding this issue so that a solution can be found to this problem. PM said that the such a decision will also free up the security forces to do their important job.
PM Modi was also asked about his promise of giving 1 crore jobs per year in a rally in 2013. PM said that independent agencies have showed that 70 lakh people have been part of EPF this year. He said that 10 crore people have taken loan under the Mudra scheme. Of that, 3 crore people have taken loan for the first time.
He added that people were raising a hue and cry for political reasons. PM Modi said that the government is looking to build up skill development, setting up of market for people. PM said that employment in informal sector will not be recorded by labour data, but it doesn't mean people are not making money.
PM explained about a scheme called GEM where small businesses and self-help groups can get orders by logging on to the portal. When asked about agricultural reform, PM said that the government is intervening strongly for welfare of farmers. PM said that the goal is to double the economic returns. Speaking about the lethargy in the bureaucracy, he said where he praised the babudom's efforts to create Jan Dhan accounts or gas connections.
Regarding the intolerance debate, PM Modi said that people should try to maintain national integrity. He said that for national integration, Ek Bharat, Sresth Bharat has been started.
Regarding allegations of forcing people to stand-up for national anthem, PM said that it can be debated. However what needs to be thought is where we have erred in educating people, that such cherished things are scoffed at.
When asked about Union Budget, PM Modi skirted the issue whether it will be a political budget. He said that the budget will be based on the policy of 'Sabke Saath- Sabke Vikas'. PM also said that opposition's claims and ground realities are pretty different regarding economic conditions.
PM said that he is yet to think about the 2019 elections. Regarding his hectic work life, PM said that his doctors have asked him to slow down. However, he said that he can't live without work and blessings of commoners help him to gain energy. Transformation of common people egg him on to do more work, said PM Modi. He maintained that he has never worked for personal goal.
When asked about his philosophical take about the stunning rise of brand-Modi, PM said that he is a detached person. Modi said that hasn't become PM by mind, he is just doing his job diligently, while signing off.
Watch the full interview on ZeeNews, Saturday at 8 pm
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