On Tuesday, PM Modi while delivering a keynote address at the inaugural Republic TV Summit countered the malicious propaganda of the opposition and explained the growth story of India in the last four years. He was speaking on the theme ‘Surging India’.
Elaborating on the importance of Surging India, PM Modi in his address at the Republic TV summit said, “Surging India – the two words – are the expression of 130 crore Indians. These are the feelings, vibrations which the world is witnessing. In the world society, India’s growth is moving ahead in a very fast manner. India’s image in front of the world is getting better with each passing day.”
Moving ahead in his address at the inaugural summit address of the Republic TV, the PM made mention of things that have changed drastically since 2014. PM Modi said, “Did anyone think four years back that India will so quickly close in on $5 trillion club. Did anyone think that in ease of doing business, India will grow upto 77 from 152, closing in on top-50? Did anyone think more than trains, people will travel on a plane? Did anyone think that rickshaw puller, chaiwala will use BHIM app and have Debit card in his pocket? The aviation sector growing so fast that companies have order 1000 new planes. From independence to now, only 450 airplanes were ordered. But in last year, 1000 planes were ordered. Did anyone think that National waterways will be a reality? Did anypne think that without engine AC train will be tried, running at 180 kmph? Did anyone think from start-up to sports, India will grow so much? Did anyone think that Christian Michel will be brought back to India? No one thought 1984 Congress accused will be punished. Then what brought this change? Same people, same bureaucracy, same condition. Then why the change?”
He further added, “In 2014, 50% of the people did not have bank accounts. Now in 2018, all have been connected with banking. In 2014, tax-payers were 3 crore 80 lakh. Now it is approximately 7 crore. Before 2014, 65 lakh were registered to pay tax. Today, in less than 1.5 years, 55 lakhs have registered. In 2014, mobile makers were just 2. Today there are 120. This is the face of Surging India. The plans from last 30-40 years which were stuck are being done. Now, wherever you go in the country you’ll get to see a signboard – ‘Work In Progress’. The work to build a new India is going on. I am today in a city which is called ‘City that never stops’. Today, India is a country that never stops. Neither will we stop, or hold back, India has made it clear. In Mumbai, 22 km trans-Harbor link was inaugurated. All this started after BJP came to power in 2014. Andheri-Virar section is getting new trains. These needs of the country were there before. Mumbai needed them before since decades. But work is being done today.”
In his address at the Republic TV Summit, PM Modi also hinted that efforts are being made to make sure that 99% of all items, including items used by the common man, would be kept under the GST slab of 18% or less. He said, “The entire country took the initiative to bring change with the tax reforms. They made their contributions to the development. It is the hard work of the people that India was able to bring such a huge reform. Even in many developed countries, it is quite difficult to bring small tax reforms. As I said earlier, before the introduction of GST, while registered enterprises were worth 66 lakhs, now the price has increased to 1 crore 20 lakhs. While the GST was still new, slowly and steadily discussions took place with economists, tax reformers, business holders, and now the GST system has settled down to a large extent in the country.”
He also added, “We have reached a point where 99% things will be brought under 18% GST charges. We are heading towards a direction where only minimum items will be under the slab of more than 18% which all also be only luxurious products. I will make sure that GST will be made simple or easier. I and my government will ensure that we see and fulfill bigger dreams.”
