Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years and above from Ajmer, marking a major step in India’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer.
During the event, several schoolgirls were administered the vaccine in the Prime Minister’s presence, after which he interacted with them. The initiative aims to expand access to the HPV vaccine and reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India.
The campaign has been positioned as a nationwide public health effort focused on preventive care and long-term health security for women. By broadening vaccine coverage, the programme is expected to protect millions of girls from developing cervical cancer in the future.
Upon his arrival at Kishangarh Airport, the Prime Minister was received by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the Governor and other senior officials. He later travelled by helicopter to the Ghughra helipad and proceeded by road to the public meeting venue.
In addition to launching the vaccination drive, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening connectivity and supporting development in Rajasthan.
He inaugurated the Jaipur–Bandikui four-lane Greenfield Expressway, expected to ease travel towards Delhi, and a six-lane access-controlled segment (Package 7) of the Amritsar–Jamnagar Economic Corridor to facilitate faster freight movement.
The foundation stone was also laid for a four-lane elevated road project in Jodhpur city to address traffic congestion.
As part of efforts to improve water infrastructure, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for nine packages under the Nonera and Parwan-Akawad major drinking water projects to strengthen supply across multiple districts.
In the energy sector, he inaugurated the transmission system for power evacuation from Rajasthan’s Renewable Energy Zones. Foundation stones were also laid for new 220 kV and 400 kV grid substations to enhance electricity distribution and support renewable energy expansion.
Under the Rojgar Utsav initiative, the Prime Minister distributed appointment letters to over 21,800 newly selected candidates across various Rajasthan government departments.
The visit combined public health intervention, infrastructure expansion and employment generation, marking a broad development push in the state alongside the launch of a national campaign against cervical cancer.
— IANS
