Tamil Nadu has received 2.5 times more central funds in the past decade from the BJP government than during the 10 years preceding 2014 when UPA was in office, PM Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while inaugurating the new integrated terminal building at Trichy international airport. The PM, in the presence of CM MK Stalin and civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, inaugurated and dedicated several development projects worth Rs 20,140 crore during the event.
Highlighting the financial allocations, PM Modi said that during the decade before 2014, states received Rs 30 lakh crore, while in the past 10 years, they were allocated Rs 120 lakh crore. His assertion comes amidst continuous complaints from the DMK government led by Stalin about inadequate funds for flood relief.
Continuing the comparison, PM Modi said the BJP government spent more than three times on national highway construction in Tamil Nadu and 2.5 times more on the railways in the state. “Lakhs of families in the state are getting free ration, medical treatment, and facilities like pucca houses, toilets, and piped water,” he said.
PM Modi underscored the significance of Tamil Nadu to the central government, revealing that 40 Union ministers have toured the state over 400 times in the past year alone. Addressing the recent floods in Chennai and the southern districts, he conveyed condolences and assured the Centre’s support: “We are providing all possible help to the state government.”
At a separate event at Bharathidasan University’s 38th convocation in Trichy, PM Modi commended Indian universities for gaining global recognition and highlighted their role in India’s economic growth. “India is setting records in economic growth as the fastest growing major economy. At the same time, our universities are also entering global rankings in record numbers,” he said.
Encouraging graduates to contribute to society, he envisioned a developed India by 2047 and drew parallels between ancient Tamil Sangams and contemporary convocations, noting the historical significance of places like Madurai and Kancheepuram as centres of learning.
“Society as a whole, including the poorest of the poor, played a role in bringing you to this important day,” he said. “Every graduate here can help contribute to creating a developed India by 2047,” he said.
CM Stalin thanked Modi for the new terminal and presented additional requests, including the elevation of Madurai airport to an international airport and the introduction of flight services to Penang and Tokyo from Chennai.
Union minister Scindia projected India to secure the third position in civil aviation within the next five years, attributing it to the Centre’s concerted efforts.
