For India to develop, no part of the country can remain backward: Modi

The Prime Minister said eastern India has remained underdeveloped, and growth should be balanced across north, south, east and west - so that common people across the country can enjoy the fruits of development in equal measure.

Modi was addressing a gathering after launching the National Digital Literacy Mission in Ranchi.

The Prime Minister also dedicated to the Nation the IOC Oil Terminal at Jasidih and 765 kV Ranchi-Dharamjaygarh-Sipat transmission line.

The Prime Minister announced that work would commence shortly on the Jagdishpur-Phoolpur-Haldia gas pipeline - which would become a major source of energy for eastern India.

He also initiated the commencement of work at the North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Plant. He said this power plant would dispel darkness from Jharkhand.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for two IT-related projects. He said the state of Jharkhand has huge potential for development, and he would repay the love and affection of the people of Jharkhand through development.

Modi emphasized that if India has to be developed, its states have to be developed. He referred to yesterday's Cabinet decision to increase royalty rates on minerals. He said that this decision would benefit Jharkhand enormously.

Governor of Jharkhand Sayed Ahmed, state Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Union Minister for Communications and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad, the MoS(I/c) for Power Piyush Goyal, and the MoS(I/c) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan were also present on the occasion.