Nirmala Sitharaman: No village in India lacks access to electricity

Nirmala Sitharaman: No village in India lacks access to electricity
Image Source By : ANI

New Delhi, October 26 – Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized India's remarkable advancements in electrification, water accessibility, and economic empowerment during a discussion with John J. Hamre, President and CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in Washington, DC.

Sitharaman noted that every village in India now has access to electricity, a significant change from 2014, when many villages, including those near state capitals, lacked basic electrification infrastructure. She stated, "I don't think any village in India is unelectrified today. Households have received connections. In 2014, there were still many villages in parts of India, some close to provincial headquarters, without even a pole for electric wires. Now, that has been addressed, and houses have electricity."

She also spoke about the Jal Jeevan Mission, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure every household has a tap water connection. Previously, only one tap water connection was provided to a village, which residents shared. Now, under this mission, each household receives its own connection, positively impacting health, sanitation, and convenience for millions of families.

Regarding the economic empowerment of municipalities and urban centers, Sitharaman highlighted that these local governments are gaining more autonomy and financial support. Municipalities now receive a share of taxes collected by the central government, along with additional funds based on Finance Commission recommendations. 

"Additionally, we are enhancing their capabilities to raise resources from the market. Municipalities are a powerful instrument of economic development, and they are increasingly able to generate resources," she added.

Sitharaman expressed optimism about India's economic growth and its attractiveness to global investors. "The policies are effective, reforms are ongoing, and will continue. We will see greater liberalization of the economy, accessing new markets, and promoting the Indian economy on various platforms to attract more investors," she remarked.

With ongoing reforms and enhanced global engagement, Sitharaman concluded that India is strengthening its role as a significant player in the global arena, expanding its economic influence and inviting foreign investment.

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