Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday advocated for the implementation of a Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) plan across the country, following the model of Uttar Pradesh, to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Training Camp Inauguration
Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day district training camp organized by the Udupi district BJP as part of the 'Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan-2026' at the Uchila Sri Mahalakshmi Auditorium, Sitharaman stressed the need for a saturation target to ensure central and state government schemes reach eligible beneficiaries at the district level.
Economic Confidence
The minister expressed confidence in the Indian economy, noting that the internal market, foreign investment, and purchasing power are performing well. Citing a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) report, she highlighted a 60% increase in investment in Indian industry and a GDP growth rate of 7.7%. Despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia, strong growth has been recorded in manufacturing, services, agriculture, and transport sectors.
"The opposition cannot tolerate this growth. They are working to create fear among the people regarding the Indian economy," she said, urging discussions on social media and mainstream media to be based on truth. She called for informing the people about the government's achievements and India's strong economy.
Call for Collective Effort
Emphasizing the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', Sitharaman stressed the need for 'Sabka Prayas' from all governments and citizens. She urged that no district or constituency should be neglected and encouraged party workers to strengthen grassroots efforts and face challenges effectively.
Prayers for Good Monsoon
The finance minister planted a sapling at the Uchila Sri Mahalakshmi Temple and prayed to Lord Krishna, Goddess Mariamma, and Goddess Mahalakshmi to protect the country from the adverse effects of El Nino. "There is a forecast of reduced rainfall this time, and the coastal region is the gateway to the country's monsoon. A good monsoon, good crops, and the welfare of farmers contribute immensely to the country's economy," she said.
Dignitaries Present
The event was presided over by BJP district president Kuthyaru Naveen Shetty. Other attendees included MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary, MLAs Gurme Suresh Shetty, Yashpal Suvarna, V Sunil Kumar, Gururaj Ganthiole, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, MLC Dr Dhananjaya Sarji, and state BJP Mahila Morcha general secretary Shilpa G Suvarna.
Visit to Sri Krishna Mutt
The finance minister also visited Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi, offered prayers, and received blessings from Paryaya Seer Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swami. She inaugurated a newly constructed kitchen for preparing the deity's 'naivedya'.
Additionally, Sitharaman participated in an interaction program with trade and industry representatives at Hotel Ocean Pearl in Mangaluru.
