Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Historic HPV Vaccination Drive in Ajmer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ajmer on Saturday to inaugurate a landmark nationwide public health initiative alongside a massive infusion of development projects for Rajasthan. The Prime Minister's visit centered on two critical announcements: the launch of a free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for adolescent girls and the inauguration of infrastructure projects with a cumulative value of Rs 16,686 crore.
National HPV Vaccination Campaign to Combat Cervical Cancer
Addressing a rally at Kayad Vishramsthalee in Kishangarh, Prime Minister Modi formally initiated the HPV vaccination drive, a preventive healthcare program targeting cervical cancer. The campaign is designed to provide free vaccination to approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years annually across all states and union territories. This initiative represents a significant step in women's healthcare, aiming to immunize a new cohort of young women every year against the virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and State Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, underscoring the collaborative effort between central and state governments.
Massive Infrastructure Push: 43 Projects Worth Rs 16,686 Crore
Beyond the healthcare launch, the Prime Minister's agenda included a substantial focus on Rajasthan's infrastructural development. He inaugurated or laid foundation stones for 43 distinct projects spanning urban development, drinking water, roads, railways, irrigation, and industrial infrastructure.
Urban and State Development Projects (Rs 8,554 Crore): A total of 34 projects, valued at Rs 8,554 crore, were launched in sectors including urban development, water supply, public works, energy, water resources, and industry. These initiatives are poised to enhance civic amenities and industrial capacity across the state.
Major Highway and Energy Projects (Rs 8,132 Crore): Nine high-value projects worth Rs 8,132 crore were also inaugurated, with a strong emphasis on national highways and energy infrastructure. Key highlights include:
- A new four-lane greenfield expressway connecting Bandikui to Jaipur, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,207 crore.
- An eight-lane carriageway segment of the Delhi-Vadodara Access-Controlled Greenfield Expressway.
- A six-lane access-controlled green highway section of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor.
- Expansion, strengthening, and widening works on several state highways.
Notable urban road projects launched include:
- An elevated road from Sanganer Flyover to Malpura Gate in Jaipur, costing over Rs 286 crore.
- A four-lane elevated road from Mahamandir to Akhalya Chauraha in Jodhpur, valued at Rs 1,243 crore.
- The Malbamori-Mangrol-Baran state highway project, estimated at Rs 322 crore.
Drinking Water and Power Sector Initiatives
In a major boost to water security, foundation stones were laid for four packages of the Nonera major drinking water project, worth over Rs 1,021 crore, and five packages of the Parwan Akawad major drinking water project, costing Rs 2,247 crore.
The power sector received significant attention with the inauguration of a transmission system valued at Rs 3,616 crore. Additionally, foundation stones were laid for five new 220 kV grid substations and two 400 kV grid substations, alongside infrastructure and drinking water works in the Jodhpur Pali Marwar Industrial Area.
Employment Generation: Appointment Letters Distributed
Adding to the day's announcements, Prime Minister Modi personally distributed appointment letters to 21,863 youth selected for various positions in state government departments and organizations. This move highlights the government's focus on job creation and youth empowerment alongside infrastructural and health advancements.
The Prime Minister's visit to Ajmer thus marked a comprehensive push for public health, economic development, and employment, setting the stage for transformative changes in Rajasthan and across the nation.
