PM lays foundation stone of Various Development Projects | 28 Jul 2023

Why in News?

On July 27, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated more than 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samridhi Kendras in Sikar, Rajasthan, laying the foundation stone of various development projects and dedicating it to the nation.

Key Points:

• In a significant move to benefit farmers, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation over 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs). PMKSKs are being developed to provide one-stop solutions for the needs of all farmers.
  • From information on agricultural inputs (fertilizers, seeds, equipment) to information about various government schemes ranging from soil, seeds and testing facilities for fertilizers, PMKSK is envisaged to create a reliable support system for farmers in the country.
  • These will also ensure regular capacity building of fertilizer retailers at block/district level outlets.
• The Prime Minister launched a new variety of Urea Gold, which is coated with sulphur. The introduction of sulphur-coated urea will overcome the lack of sulfur in the soil.
  • This innovative fertilizer is more economical and efficient than neem-coated urea, improves nitrogen use efficiency in plants, reduces fertilizer consumption and enhances crop quality.
• During the event, the Prime Minister launched the linking of 1600 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). ONDC empowers FPOs with direct access to digital marketing, online payments, business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer transactions and encourages local value addition, catalyzing the growth of logistics in rural areas.
• At the event, the Prime Minister released the 14th instalment of about Rs 17,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to over 8.5 crore beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer.
• The Prime Minister inaugurated five new medical colleges in Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Sirohi, Sikar and Sriganganagar and laid the foundation stone for seven medical colleges in Baran, Bundi, Karauli, Jhunjhunu, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer and Tonk.
  • The medical colleges are being set up under a centrally sponsored scheme for the establishment of new medical colleges attached to existing district/referral hospitals.
  • The five medical colleges inaugurated by the Prime Minister have been developed at a cumulative cost of over Rs 1400 crore, while the seven medical colleges whose foundation stones were laid will be built at a cumulative cost of Rs 2275 crore.
  • Till 2014, there were only 10 medical colleges in Rajasthan. Through the dedicated efforts of the central government, the number of medical colleges in the state has gone up to 35 which is a 250 percent increase.
  • With the establishment of these 12 new medical colleges, the number of MBBS seats in the state will increase from 1750 seats in 2013-14 to 6275, an increase of 258 per cent.
• The Prime Minister also inaugurated six Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Udaipur, Banswara, Pratapgarh and Dungarpur districts, which will benefit the tribal population living in these districts. He also inaugurated Kendriya Vidyalaya, Tinwari in Jodhpur during the event.