Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told villagers in his native Gujarat on Thursday that it is his dream to see every Indian having a house by 2022, the 75th year of Independence.

“Till now, we have only heard about politicians getting their own homes. Now, we are hearing about the poor getting their own homes," Modi told a gathering at Jujwa village in Gujarat’s Valsad town.

The event was attended by a large gathering of beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin).

More than 100,000 houses were handed over to beneficiaries across 26 districts of the state. Beneficiaries in several districts were connected through a video link to the main event, and the Prime Minister interacted with some of them.

The homes under PMAY are being made possible because there are no middlemen, he said, adding, “It is my dream, it is our endeavour to ensure that every Indian has his own house by 2022."

Modi also distributed certificates and employment letters to some beneficiaries under various development schemes, including Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Gramodaya Yojana and National Rural Livelihood Mission. He distributed appointment letters and mini-ATMs to women bank correspondents.

The PM also performed the ground breaking ceremony of a Rs.586-crore scheme for providing drinking water for villages in the interior areas of Dharampur and Kaprada areas.

The Prime Minister inaugurated various projects in Junagadh district, including a government hospital, a milk processing plant and some buildings of the Junagadh Agriculture University.

Addressing a public meeting in Junagadh, he said that there are nine initiatives worth over ₹ 500 crore, which are either being dedicated on Thursday, or their foundation stones are being laid. He said that there is a new energy and vibrancy in India’s development journey.

He said that in Gujarat, there is a constant effort to ensure that adequate water reaches every part of the state. “We are also working towards water conservation," he added.

Modi also spoke about the Jan Aushadhi Yojana, under which chemist stores are being opened, offering medicines at cheaper rates. “It is important that the poor and the middle class gets access to affordable medicines," he added.

Modi said the government’s emphasis on cleanliness has been universally appreciated. The emphasis on cleanliness is important because a clean India ensures people do not suffer from diseases, he added.

Modi said the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Ayushman Bharat will transform the health sector and ensure that the poor get quality healthcare at affordable prices.

Later in the evening, Modi delivered the convocation address of the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University at Gandhinagar. He also attended a meeting of the Somnath Trust in Gandhinagar before returning to Delhi. Modi is one of the trustees of the famous temple.

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