PM Modi calls Goa 'model of development'

He exhorted the civil servants to take on every challenge and said "the more responsible our bureaucrats become, the more will it benefit our country".

Slamming earlier governments in the coastal state, Modi said, "There was a lack of team spirit and positive environment in the previous governments. For a long time, in Goa, political interest prevailed over good governance."

Goa's fund for modernization of rural infrastructure has been increased five times this year as compared to earlier, he said, lauding the Pramod Sawant government for "doing a great job in providing facilities like toilets, Ujjwala gas connections and Jan Dhan Bank accounts to women".

"Goa means a new model of development and reflection of collective efforts. It also means solidarity for development from Panchayat to Administration," Modi said, naming the many schemes being run to empower the women of the country.

"The story of the daughters of our country is being heard everywhere whether it's sports or borders," Modi said.

Modi first interacted with Isha Sawant, a Goa under secretary as the virtual interaction began.

Sawant said, "Working as Swayampurna Mitras was a gratifying job. It's a bond between the people and the government. We visited the panchayats and solved the problems of the people. Government schemes have reached the people."

The Prime Minister was also interested in knowing how technology helped in reaching the people and what was done for women empowerment.

He advised that Self Help Group (SHG) could also join the services sector.

Next, Swampurna Mitra to speak to the PM was Miranda, a sarpanch.

Miranda explained how farmers were helped in increasing agricultural produce. He said he got support from the government in helping people involved in the animal husbandry and other sectors.

Kundan from Bicholim Municipal Council was next to interact with Modi. He told Kundan digital transactions should be encouraged. The PM sought to know how the funds granted by Goa government were being utilised.

The PM told the beneficiaries that banks were being opened for the poor and needy.

Luis Cardozo, a traditional fisherman, explained how he benefited from the government schemes of the Fisheries Department. Modi said he would like to see fishermen processing as well.

From Ruki Ahmed, a kiosk owner and a para table tennis player, Modi sought to know whether the benefits given by the government reached him smoothly or were there problems in availing them.

Nishita Gawas, from a SHG, said she and her colleagues benefited from the Goa Biodiversity Board. The PM said many schemes had been launched during the last seven years for women empowerment.

The Prime Minister advised those engaged in dairy farming, to visit Gujarat.

He said the Kisan Credit Card has played an important role in helping farmers.

"Government's efforts are to increase the income of farmers,'' he said.

A short video was also screened on the occasion. The programme was attended by the Chief Minister, his cabinet colleagues, Union Minister Shirpad Naik, MLAs, among others.

Modi's appreciation of the Goa administration comes months ahead of the crucial elections in the coastal state.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to which Modi belongs, is facing fresh competition from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC), besides the grand old party Congress.

The AAP and TMC have ventured into the state and have announced they would contest the elections due to be held in early 2022.