Jaipur, Feb 28 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Saturday that his administration operates with compassion rather than authority, highlighting that the double-engine government is turning Rajasthan into a hub of opportunities by merging its rich heritage with modern development.

Speaking to a vast audience after inaugurating and laying the groundwork for numerous development initiatives at Kayad Vishram Sthali in Ajmer, alongside Governor Haribhau Bagde and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the Prime Minister articulated the government's vision of 'Developed India through Developed Rajasthan'.

He noted that over the past two years, the state has embarked on a trajectory of rapid advancement, with the double-engine government promptly fulfilling its development commitments.

PM Modi revealed that projects valued at around Rs 17,000 crore, inaugurated and launched during the event, are set to boost development across sectors like roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare, and education, while also creating job opportunities for the youth.

He remarked that prior to two years ago, Rajasthan was often in the news for corruption and recruitment exam paper leaks. "Today, we have taken measures to eliminate paper leaks and are taking stringent actions against those responsible. Under the double-engine government, the empowerment of youth is gaining momentum," he stated, congratulating 21,863 young individuals who received job appointment letters.

The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the HPV vaccination campaign launch as a pivotal move towards women's empowerment.

He asserted that a healthy mother fortifies her entire family, and in that spirit, the Central Government has rolled out various initiatives for women's welfare.

Reflecting on past struggles, he pointed out that before 2014, many women faced hardship and humiliation due to inadequate toilet facilities, which forced numerous girls to leave school. "These concerns were previously neglected. We tackled them with a focused mission," he remarked.

He showcased initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, which provides Rs 5,000 to expectant mothers for nutritional support, and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which aims to liberate women from smoke-filled kitchens.

PM Modi highlighted that improved road, rail, and air connectivity is essential for Rajasthan's progression.

Enhanced connectivity not only facilitates travel but also stimulates tourism, creating avenues for hotels, restaurants, taxi services, tour guides, and local craftsmen, he noted.

He added that better infrastructure also draws increased investments to the state.

The Prime Minister asserted that the double-engine government is dedicated to ensuring that irrigation projects serve farmers. He accused previous administrations of leaving such projects stagnant for decades, including the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), which remained just on paper.

He stated that the current administration has swiftly moved to implement it effectively.

Projects like the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link and the Yamuna-Rajasthan Link under the river-linking initiative are expected to greatly benefit the state.

Describing Rajasthan as a region blessed with ample sunlight, the Prime Minister stated that the state is now generating wealth through solar energy.

Under the PM’s Free Electricity Scheme, a subsidy of Rs 78,000 is directly sent to beneficiaries’ bank accounts for the installation of rooftop solar panels. Over 1.25 lakh families in Rajasthan have enrolled in the scheme, resulting in nearly zero electricity bills for many households.

At the start of the event, PM Modi paid tribute to Tirtharaj Pushkar, Savitri Mata, Veer Tejaji Maharaj, Lord Devnarayan, and Varuna avatar Lord Jhulelal.

He characterized Ajmer as a land of faith and bravery, recalling the valor of Rajasthan's heroes, including Major Dalpat Singh, and their contributions to liberating the Israeli city of Haifa.

Chief Minister Sharma expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for resolving longstanding water disputes. He mentioned that the project to divert Yamuna water from Hathini Kund Barrage would offer a lasting solution to water shortages in the Shekhawati region, while the Ramjal Setu Link projects will ensure drinking water and irrigation provisions to 17 districts.

He added that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, over 14 lakh water connections have been established in the last two years, and more than 4 lakh groundwater recharge structures have been built under the “Karmabhoomi Se Matrubhoomi” initiative.

The Chief Minister further stated that Rajasthan leads in 11 national schemes, ranks second in five, and third in seven. He also noted that overall crime has decreased by 14 percent in the state, while crimes against women have dropped by 10 percent.