PM Modi in Shimla: ‘BHIM app can transform the way we transact, urge everyone to encourage digital transactions'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a public meeting in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, the PM inaugurated the maiden Shimla-New Delhi flight under a government scheme to boost regional air connectivity.

Here are the highlights:

#Our sole aim is farmer welfare. Our Government has brought the most comprehensive Fasal Bima Yojana for the farmers

#The previous government made mockery of OROP. We implemented it after coming to power & several ex-servicemen have benefitted

#I urge everyone to undertake less cash and encourage more digital transactions. BHIM app can transform the way we transact

#It is a delight that several households in the rural areas have been benefitted through the Ujjwala Yojana

#We keep the aspirations of poor and youth in mind while formulating every policy. Every section of the society must grow

#Our sole aim is farmer welfare. Our Government has brought the most comprehensive Fasal Bima Yojana for the farmers

#Our Government has brought down stent prices considerably. This benefits poor the most

#We want our youth to get jobs, children must have access to good education, elderly must get affordable healthcare

#Today, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing nations. Our Government is devoted to take the country to new heights

#We will continue to take steps to curb corruption. Those who have looted the poor, will not be spared

#After Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi, now Himachal Pradesh awaits 'Imandari Ka Yug'

#Earlier aviation was considered as a domain for select few. But whichever facilities the rich have, poor also must have access to them

#Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities are becoming growth engines. Today airways has got a big boost in Himachal Pradesh

#HP has potential for tourism. We are giving impetus to infrastructure. Be it roads, railways or airways, we want this region to grow

#This land is a 'Dev Bhoomi' as well as 'Veer Bhoomi'. I salute their bravery and pay respects to their families

#I had the opportunity to visit this land of Shimla 20 years ago when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister

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The flight is being operated by Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India. The airline has deployed its 42-seater ATR plane on this sector.

The prime minister also simultaneously flagged off regional connectivity scheme (RCS) flights on the Kadapa Hyderabad and Nanded-Hyderabad sectors through video-conferencing.

With the RCS scheme, also called UDAN or “Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik”, the government aims at connecting 45 unserved and under-served airports and make flying affordable by capping fares at Rs 2500 per seat/ hour.

Five airlines were awarded 128 routes under the scheme last month after a bidding process.

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Under the UDAN scheme, the operators would be extended viability gap funding (VGF). The amount is estimated to be around Rs 205 crore per annum for the operators chosen in the first round of bidding.

The state governments will provide a certain share of the VGF. Nineteen states and three union territories have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for this purpose. 

(With inputs from PTI)