Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a huge turnout of supporters at Daman on Saturday, 24 February.

Speaking at the launch of development projects worth Rs 1000 crore in the Union Territory of Daman-Diu, the PM praised the cleanliness of the popular tourist destination.

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“Daman has become a major tourist destination because of the cleanliness maintained by the people,” the PM said adding that cleanliness is also ensuring an increase in jobs.

“Over 2000 toilets have been built here. I congratulate the administration and the people for making Daman Open Defecation Free (OFD),” the PM stated underlining the efforts of the small UT located at the southern tip of Gujarat, 120 kilometres from Surat.

“I saw a toilet board in Uttar Pradesh which read ‘Izzat Ghar’. It is true. The toilet is an ‘Izzat Ghar’ for our mothers and sisters,” the PM said emphasising on the need for toilets in India.

“You will see women in Daman driving e-rickshaws – a vehicle which has helped in cleanliness. Passengers from around the country who take these e-rickshaws will have a newfound respect for the women of the country,” he said.

Raising the issue of proper accommodation for labourers, the PM said that production will increase if the labourers working in Daman’s industries get proper food and lodging.

“I have been told that water treatment plant in Daman has ensured clean drinking water for all in the UT,” the PM said highlighting the civic measures for the welfare of the people taken by Daman’s administration.

The PM announced a University for Daman and distributed lauded the administration’s mission to tackle malnourishment and infant mortality rate.

The PM spoke about how long range boats will help fishermen catch more fish in a shorter period of time by going farther into the sea.

“The Government is taking several steps for the welfare of fishermen. Our entire emphasis on the ‘blue revolution’ is inspired by the commitment to bring a positive difference in the lives of fishermen,” he said.

Later today, PM Modi will be addressing a public meeting in Chennai where he will launch the state government’s scheme for a Rs 25,000 subsidy for women to buy two wheelers under Amma Two-wheeler Scheme. The event coincides with the birth anniversary of late AIADMK matriarch J Jayalalithaa.