Kolkata:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday renamed Kolkata Port Trust after Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee - an Indian politician, barrister and academician, who served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet. He made this announcement while addressing people at Netaji Indoor Stadium on Kolkata Port Trust's 150th anniversary celebrations. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who was expected to attend the event has however skipped it.
"Kolkata Port is the symbol of India's industrial, spiritual and self independence. When this port is entering in its 150th year, it is important to make it a symbol of making of new India. On this occasion, I announce to rename the port after Syama Prasad Mukherjee who has been the pioneer of India's industrialization," he said.
Here are the highlights:
The turn-around time in the last five years has dropped down to half. This is one of reasons in India's jump of 79 places on the Ease of Doing Business ranking table: PM Modi
The time taken for cargo clearance and transport has seen a reduction due to better management on the ports: PM Modi
As soon as the West Bengal Government allows the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, people here will also get the benefits of these schemes: PM Modi
Our Govt wants the entire transport network modern and integrated: PM Modi
About 575 projects worth over Rs 6 lakh crore have been earmarked. Over 200 projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore are already under development and about 125 projects have already been completed: PM Modi
After 2014, we have tried to re-energise this power of India. Work was started with new energy. Our Govt believes that India's ports are the opening gates to India's prosperity. For this, the Govt has started the Sagarmala initiative to reduce the cost of connectivity: PM Modi
After Dr. Mookerjee and Baba Saheb went out of the Govt, their suggestions were taken as seriously as it should've been. India's coastline is 7,500 kms and it is a great power for trade and tourism: PM Modi
After Dr. Mookerjee and Baba Saheb went out of the Govt, their suggestions were taken as seriously as it should've been. India's coastline is 7,500 kms and it is a great power for trade and tourism: PM Modi
For the modernization and development of this port, a lot of schemes have been inaugurated. For the education and empowerment of tribal girls, hostels and skill: PM Modi
This port isn't just a port for traders, it has also seen a lot of legends pass through it: PM Modi
This port has seen India earn its independence. It has seen India's journey from Satyagraha to Swacchagraha: PM Modi
A little earlier, a post stamp has been made available to commemorate the 150th year of the Kolkata Port Trust. Rs 500 crores have also been given to ensure pension to the long-term employees and former employees of the Trust: PM Modi
This port represents industrial, spiritual and self sufficiency aspirations of India. Today, when the port is celebrating its 150th anniversary, it is our responsibility to make it a powerful symbol of New India: PM Modi
It was unfortunate for the country that after Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Babasaheb Ambedkar resigned from the government, their suggestions were not implemented as they should have been: PM Modi
Kolkata Port Trust will now be known as Syama Prasad Mukherjee port.