Want to establish Khadi Gramudyog network in villages: PM

Highlighting benefits of the just-announced Crop Insurance Scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said awareness about it should be spread across the country so that at least 50 per cent of the farmers join it within two years.

The permanent toll free number 1800-11-7800 of MyGov has now been institutionalized for giving an opportunity to citizens to give their ideas and suggestions for the PM’s monthly “Mann ki Baat” radio broadcast.

Each month, some selected calls become a part of the broadcast.

The prime minister quoted freedom fighter Sardar Patel, who had said that India’s independence is in khadi. The premium rates to be paid by the farmers are very low and balance premium will be paid by the government to provide full insured amount to the farmers against crop loss on account of natural calamities. I have been informed that an additional 18 lakh man days will be required to meet the needs of these institutions leading to higher wages of the workers, Modi said.

“We have been talking about crop insurance for years, but not more than 20-25 per cent farmers have been able to benefit from it. Can we pledge that in the next one to two years, at least 50 per cent of the farmers will be brought under insurance?”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today felt that many Indians might not be observing silence on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary and wondered whether two-minute silence on January 30 every year should be followed as a “national responsibility”. I am happy that the government’s efforts are bearing fruit and various state-owned institutions are coming forward and using khadi products made by you.

Speaking at his monthly radio address, he referred to the “Startup India” scheme rolled out on January 16 and said it had infused new energy among the youth.

He said the event is of major significance and importance in the maritime history.