Lakshadweep Witnesses Unprecedented Progress in Fisheries, Education, and Infrastructure: Shri George Kurian
From Islands to Nation-Building: Lakshadweep’s Growth Reflects Modi Government’s Sankalp Se Siddhi Vision
Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian highlighted the transformative developmental strides made under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi over the past 11 years while addressing a press conference at Kavaratti Island, UT of Lakshadweep.
Shri Kurian said that the Modi Government’s tenure is being written in golden letters in the annals of India’s history, marking a golden era of “Sankalp Se Siddhi” towards a Developed and Self-Reliant India. He emphasised that this journey of transformation has been made possible through the collective efforts, dreams, and determination of 140 crore Indians, steered by the Prime Minister’s resolute vision.
Fisheries: Backbone of Lakshadweep’s Economy
Recognizing fisheries as a vital sector and lifeline for Lakshadweep, Shri Kurian shared that the UT’s waters hold an annual fish catch potential of 1 lakh MT. Further, the Centre has approved Rs. 14.06 crore under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for the Union Territory of Lakshwadeep. Lakshadweep has been designated as a Seaweed Cluster also.
Education and Healthcare: Foundations of Social Welfare
The Minister commended the 91.65% literacy rate in Lakshadweep and the zero school dropout rate. Eleven schools have been selected under the PM SHRI scheme, with high-speed internet, computer labs, and digital libraries enhancing learning experiences.
In the healthcare sector:
- Three 30-bedded hospitals are being constructed in Minicoy, Androth, and Kadmat at a cost of ₹231.96 crore.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs has accorded in-principle approval for a Nursing and Paramedical College project worth ₹127 crore.
Modern Infrastructure: Ports, Jetties and Roads
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has undertaken major infrastructure upgrades:
- Development of eastern and western jetties in Kadmat and Kalpeni, and new port facilities in Androth worth ₹1,664.88 crore.
- Proposals under examination for Beachfront development including roads and protection walls in Agatti, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Minicoy at a cost of ₹2,128.86 crore.
Eco-Tourism and Green Energy
Eco-tourism is getting a major boost with three Water Villa Projects being developed in Minicoy, Kadmat, and Suheli, in consultation with NITI Aayog, with a combined investment of ₹810 crore. Weekly cruise liner operations are also underway, connecting Mumbai, Kochi, Agatti, and Thinnakara.
To reduce dependence on diesel, Lakshadweep is transitioning to renewable energy:
- MoU signed with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
- Rooftop solar systems installed in over 450 homes.
- Solar plants commissioned in Agatti (0.3 MW) and Kavaratti (1.4 MW).
Water Security and Basic Amenities
To ensure access to drinking water:
- 1.5 lakh litre/day Desalination Plants have been established in six islands.
- Under Jal Jeevan Mission, ₹268.81 crore has been allocated to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) across all islands.
- All households now have piped water connections.
National Achievements Under PM Modi’s Leadership
Shri Kurian reiterated the national progress made during the Amrit Kaal, including:
- Operation Sindoor reflecting India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
- Defense modernization with S-400 systems, BrahMos, Akash missiles, Tejas jets, and INS Vikrant.
- Defense exports surged 34-fold to ₹23,622 crore.
- Social schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, PM Awas Yojana (4 crore houses), and Jal Jeevan Mission (15 crore households covered).
- India is on track to become the 4th largest economy.
- UPI now accounts for 83% of digital payments, contributing to ₹24 lakh crore in digital transactions in 2024.
- Ease of Doing Business rank improved from 142 to 63 in
- Over 1.8 lakh new companies registered in 2023–24.
- MSMEs received ₹2.39 lakh crore in emergency credit.
- Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, symbolizes India’s commitment to modern infrastructure.
- ₹7,600 crore investment in the Vadhavan Port and the development of vertical lift sea bridges.
Empowering Women: Nari Shakti Rising
The Nari Shakti Vandan Act guarantees 33% reservation for women in legislatures. Other initiatives like MUDRA Yojana, Maternity Benefit Scheme, and 90 lakh self-help groups are transforming the lives of Indian women. Women are now permanently serving in the armed forces, including on the Line of Control, and leading in fields like STEM and aviation.
A New Era of Possibilities
Shri Kurian concluded:
“Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai is not just a slogan — it’s a proven reality. Politics is no longer about promises, but performance.”
