New Delhi: Sharing his thoughts with the nation through his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign has touched many lives and the results of various examinations show how women are excelling.
On the occasion, PM Modi congratulated the country for having the first batch of women fighter pilots inducted into the Air Force. “On 18th June, first batch of women fighter pilots inducted in Air Force, we feel very proud, I congratulate them and their families,” he said.
“Yesterday in Pune I met college students who made one of the satellites that was launched by ISRO.
“This satellite signifies the skills and aspirations of the youth of India," PM Modi said.
He said that there was a need for more youth to choose science and research as their profession.
"I feel proud to see the contribution of our young students's contribution in the field of science and technology. I want more and more students of the country to ... and choose science and research as their profession," PM Modi said.
“The two satellites built by students and launched by ISRO are very important and special for me. This is a classic example of high ambitions of Indian youth,” he said his 21st edition of the Mann Ki Baat programme.
PM Modi said that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had made the country proud.
"The matter of pride in the recent launch of the satellites was that 17 out of the 20 were the satellites of the foreign countries. Isn't this great. Our scientists are working hard to take our country to new heights," the prime minister stated.
“Like our farmers, our scientists too are working hard to take our country to new heights.
“For the last few weeks we have got positive news about rainfall in various parts of the nation.
“Scientists have forecast a good monsoon, I give my best wishes to my farmer brothers,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi also highlighted the success of the International Day of Yoga events across the world.
“Yoga has the power to connect the entire world, if only each one of us connect ourselves with Yoga. The International Yoga Day on June 21 was celebrated at over 1 lakh places in our country with enthusiasm,” he said.
PM Modi also asked people to declare their undisclosed income by September 30, making it clear that this is the last chance to avoid problems that will follow after the window of opportunity closes.
He said no questions would be asked about the source of the undisclosed income or assets if the declaration is made voluntarily by September 30.
"For those having undisclosed income, the government has provided a special chance to declare it by September 30," Modi said.
He said by paying a penalty, those having undisclosed money can free themselves from various kinds of burden.
"I have promised that there will be no inquiry into the source of the undisclosed income and assets if the declaration is made voluntarily. That is why I am saying it is a good chance for becoming a part of transparent system," he said.
"Let me tell the countrymen that this chance is till September 30. Consider this as the last chance," the Prime Minister asserted during the programme.
He said he has told BJP MPs that if anybody faces any problem after September 30 for not abiding by the rules, no help should be provided to them.
"It will be better that you take advantage of the window provided and save yourself from the difficulties that you can face after September 30," he said.
Modi said there was a time when taxation rules were such that people would tend to avoiding paying taxes.
"But gradually, times changed. Now, for a taxpayer, it is not much difficult to abide by the government rules. Still, old habits die hard," he said, adding there are still people who feel that it is better to avoid paying taxes.
"My plea is that by running away from rules, we lose our peace. Any small person can harass us. Why should we let it happen? Why not ourselves give correct information to the government about our income, about our wealth? For once, dispose off the baggage of the past. I appeal to my countrymen to get free from this," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
