New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Rozgar Mela of the Uttar Pradesh government and highlighted the special importance of the fair.

At the Rozgar Mela, appointment letters were handed out to direct recruits for Sub Inspectors in UP Police and equivalent posts in Nagrik Police, Platoon Commanders and Fire Department Second Officers.

Addressing the occasion via a video link, the Prime Minister expressed happiness that he is getting an opportunity to address a Rozgar Mela almost every week and the country is continuously getting many talented youths who bring new thinking and efficiency in the government system.

Modi said that this will bring happiness to 9,000 families and will enhance the sense of security in Uttar Pradesh as the new recruitments will strengthen the police force in the state.

The Prime Minister said with more than 150,000 new appointments in UP Police since 2017, both employment and security improved under the present government.

PM Modi emphasised that today, Uttar Pradesh is recognized for its law and order and development orientation, a far cry from the earlier image of the mafia and crushed law and order situation. This, he said, has led to new opportunities of employment, business and investment.

Highlighting the efforts of the double-engine government - meaning a BJP-led government both at the centre and in Uttar Pradesh - the Prime Minister listed new airports, a dedicated freight corridor, a new defence corridor, new mobile manufacturing units, modern waterways, a new infrastructure that is bringing in unprecedented employment opportunities.

He pointed out that the push to tourism by the state has led to a rise in employment. PM Modi also noted the response at the recent Global Investor Summit and how that will push employment in the state.

To the new appointees, the Prime Minister talked about the new challenges and responsibilities and asked them to keep the learner alive in them. He asked them to keep working on their personality development, progress and knowledge.

Prime Minister Modi, on October 22, last year, launched the first phase of the ‘Rozgar Mela’, where appointment letters were handed over to more than 75,000 new recruits.

It marked the beginning of the campaign to provide 10 lakh government jobs. Since then, PM Modi has so far addressed similar job fairs in several states.

Replace plastic bags with cloth bags: Modi

Describing ‘waste to wealth’ as an important dimension of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, called on fellow citizens to take a pledge to replace plastic bags with cloth bags.

In his 98th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, PM Modi said Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has changed the meaning of public participation in the country.

Modi mentioned the cleanliness campaign by the youth of Haryana.

He said, “There is a village in Haryana called Dulhedi. The youth here decided that Bhiwani city has to be made exemplary in terms of cleanliness. They formed an organisation called Yuva Swachhta Evam Janseva Samiti. The youth associated with this committee reach Bhiwani at 4am. Together, they run cleanliness drives at different places in the city. These people have so far cleared tons of garbage from different areas of the city.”

Prime Minister Modi further mentioned Kamala Moharana, a resident of Odisha’s Kendrapada district who runs a self-help group.

He said the women of this self-help group make things like baskets and mobile stands from milk pouches and other plastic packing materials.

“‘Waste to wealth’ is also an important dimension of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. This is becoming a good source of income for them along with ensuring cleanliness. If we take a resolution, we can make a huge contribution towards a clean India. At least, we all should take a pledge to replace plastic bags with cloth bags,” said PM Modi.