PM urges citizens to target 8 percent growth for 30 years

New Delhi, Aug 6  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave Indians an ambitious target of achieving more than 8 percent growth rate for 30 years, saying this will change the entire developmental scenario of the country.

"If we can sustain an economic growth of more than 8 percent for 30 years, if not more, all that is good in the world will be at our doorsteps," Modi said addressing a Town Hall-style event organised to mark the second anniversary of MyGov platform.

He said amid a recession-hit global economy, it is no mean feat for a country of 125 crore to achieve a growth rate of 7.5 per cent despite two consecutive droughts.

"The entire world is passing through recession and the purchasing power has come down significantly. Indian agriculture is also facing pressure. To achieve 7.5 per cent growth rate in such a situation is itself a big feat and I compliment 125 crore Indians for this," he said.

Stressing on the role of proper planning and balanced expenditure in running country's economy, the Prime Minister said there should be an optimal utilisation of natural resources. 

"Only with proper utilisation of our natural resources, we can fully utilize human resource potentials," he said fielding questions from citizens from across the country.

On the Occasion, he feliciated people whose suggestions were included in his monthly "Mann Ki Baat" radio broadcast. 

He also met six engineering students who designed and developed the new PMO mobile app. 

Stating that agriculture remains a most potent sector to push up country's economy, Modi said the farmers should be led towards modern amenities and his government's efforts to distribute soil health cards is a sincere attempt towards that endeavour.

He said in the changing agro-economic scenario, farmers should focus on multiple activities and also take up timber cultivation as a mid-term and lon- term strategy. 

The Prime Minister also urged the agriculturists to dedicate a portion of their land and labour on subsidiary activities such as animal husbandary, bee keeping and fisheries to bolster their income.

He also stressed on the need to focus on preventive and affordable health care and said the government is working on widening the scope of health insurance.