Light 2-diyas on Diwali: Modi to PM Awas Yojana beneficiaries

Lucknow: Addressing a three-day urban conclave in Uttar Pradesh's state capital Lucknow on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to light two 'diyas' in their houses on Diwali this year.

"I have learnt that 7.5 lakh diyas will be lit in Ayodhya during 'Deepotsav' and if all those people who have benefitted from the PM Awas Yojana light two diyas each outside their houses, we will have 18 lakh diyas because nine lakh people have got their houses under this scheme. Let us compete with the power of light," Modi said.

"Even Lord Ram will be happy if you do this," he added. Speaking at the 'New Urban India Conclave', the Prime Minister said his government had not only increased the size of houses under the scheme but also ensured facilities like water and power.

"A house becomes a home when one has basic amenities. The previous state government did not give houses to the poor even though the Central government was providing all the money. After Yogi Adityanath became Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, he has already given nine lakh houses," Modi added.