'Modi will continue as PM for next 15 years'

Jammu, May 31: Taking a dig at Congress chief Sonia Gandhi over her 'Shahenshah' jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan today said "they (Cong) need not worry" as Modi will continue as PM for next 15 years.

"Narendra Modi will continue to remain Prime Minister for next 15 years, they (Congress) need not worry about it," Paswan told reporters. He said it is wrong to use such a term for PM who has mandate of the people of the country.

Paswan, who was here to inaugurate branch office and building of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in J&K, did not reply to several questions about the Robert VAdra property issue and Sonia Gandhi's remarks.

He said the government is going to make hallmark mandatory to safeguarded consumers' interest and regulatory bodies will be empowered to check quality of the products and take requisite action against violators.

Paswan said the BIS office will give impetus to 'Make in India' campaign by enabling local manufacturers to adopt better manufacturing practices.

He asked the state government to empower consumer courts. MoS Singh said simplification of forms and procedures has been introduced by Centre and urged the state government to adopt the same.

MoS PMO Jitendra Singh was also present on the occasion, besides state Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution Zulfkar Ali, Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Parkash Ganga, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, and BIS Director General Alka Panda.

Zulfkar Ali claimed the state government has "successfully implemented" National Food Security Act (NFSA) in spite of many obstacles. Paswan appreciated the state government for "efficiently implementing" the NFSA and assured all possible support in making the scheme a success.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga appealed to industrialists to get registered with BIS and manufacture quality products.

PTI