PM Modi Leads Inaugural Session of 'Journey Towards Viksit Bharat' Conference

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to CII and emphasized that a nation’s progress is reflected in the stability and enthusiasm of its citizens.

On July 30, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural session of the 'Journey Towards Viksit Bharat: A Post Union Budget 2024-25 Conference,' held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the conference attracted over 1,000 participants, including industry leaders, government officials, diplomats, and think tank representatives, both in person and virtually from various CII centers nationwide and abroad.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to CII and emphasized that a nation's progress is reflected in the stability and enthusiasm of its citizens. He recalled discussions with the business community during the pandemic and highlighted India's rapid economic growth and its position as the world's fifth-largest economy, with aspirations of advancing to third place.

Reflecting on the period before 2014, Modi discussed the economic challenges faced by the nation, including corruption and economic instability. He pointed out the substantial growth in the economy since then, highlighting the increase in the Union Budget from Rs 16 Lakh Crore in 2013-14 to Rs 48 Lakh Crore today, and the rise in capital expenditure from Rs 90,000 Crore in 2004 to over Rs 11 Lakh Crore.

Modi emphasized the government's focus on various sectors, noting significant increases in budget allocations for railways, highways, agriculture, and defense over the past decade. He also discussed the reduction in tax rates for MSMEs and corporate entities, contrasting these measures with the pre-2014 tax regime.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of good governance and the government's commitment to completing infrastructure projects efficiently. He highlighted India's robust foreign exchange reserves, low inflation, and significant contribution to global growth despite global challenges.

Modi praised the Union Budget's focus on skill development and employment, citing initiatives such as Mudra Yojna, Startup India, and Stand Up India. He noted the creation of over 1.40 lakh startups and emphasized the PM Package's goal of enhancing global competitiveness in terms of quality and value.

Addressing manufacturing and investment, Modi outlined the government's efforts in promoting Make in India, simplifying FDI rules, and establishing investment-ready parks in 100 districts. He also discussed the emphasis on semiconductor industry promotion, electronics manufacturing, and clean energy initiatives, including small nuclear reactors and green hydrogen.

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the government's unwavering commitment to national progress and emphasized the role of the private sector in achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He called for continued investment and a conducive atmosphere for growth, echoing his recent appeal to state Chief Ministers for creating investor-friendly policies.

The conference was also attended by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, and CII President Shri Sanjiv Puri, marking a significant moment in the discussion of India's economic future.