Backward districts low on glamour quotient but high on devt agenda, Modi tells officials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday exhorted officials in 115 backward districts to work  hard to wipe out regional imbalance in the country.

"On April 14, we celebrate the jayanti of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Let us devote these coming three months to pioneering innovation in the less developed districts and transform the lives of the poor," the Prime Minister said.

Modi was addressing a conference on 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' here. He also interacted with officials in charge of transformation of the districts.

"Regional imbalance should not be allowed indefinitely. Therefore, the development of backward districts is imperative," he said.

Modi said that success stories are vital to change the negative psyche and mindset in these areas. The first step is to convert this mindset of pessimism into one of optimism.

Modi said serving in less developed districts "may not be glamorous but it will give an important platform to make a positive difference."

Giving the examples of the Jan Dhan Yojana, construction of toilets, and rural electrification, the Prime Minister said nothing is impossible in our country if we have a firm resolve. He also gave examples of success in entirely new initiatives such as soil testing.

Success stories

"Once the people of India decide to do something, nothing is impossible," he said, and citied the example of millions of Jan Dhan accounts opened in a record time.

He emphasised that there is limitless potential, possibilities, and opportunities now in India. In this context, he mentioned the improvement in ease of doing business. He credited officials of the government and 'Team India' for this success.