June 27th 2024.
On Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu delivered her first address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament in the third term of the Narendra Modi government. She spoke on a wide range of topics, including the Emergency period, the protection of the Constitution, the Citizenship Amendment Act, EVM transparency, the Northeast region, and women's empowerment, among others.
President Murmu highlighted the initiatives and achievements of the government in various sectors and also addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the nation. She emphasized that the people of the country have once again shown their trust in the Modi government by giving it a third term, which is a clear stamp of approval for the government's mission of providing service and good governance in the past 10 years.
"It is a mandate for us to continue the work of making India a developed nation and achieve our goals," she stated. The President also credited the government's resolve to "Reform, Perform, and Transform" for making India the fastest-growing economy in the world. She pointed out that in the last decade, India has risen from being the 11th largest economy to the 5th largest, and has grown at an average rate of 8% annually. This has been made possible due to the major reforms and decisions taken in the national interest, and today, India alone contributes 15% to the global growth.
President Murmu also reiterated the government's stance that the Emergency period was the 'darkest period' of democracy. She said, "The imposition of Emergency on 25th June, 1975, had left the entire country outraged. However, our country emerged victorious over such unconstitutional forces because the traditions of our republic lie at the core of India."
The President congratulated the Members of Parliament on their fresh term and also praised the Election Commission for conducting the world's largest democratic exercise. She said, "This was the largest election in the world, with about 64 crore voters enthusiastically fulfilling their duty. Women also participated in huge numbers, and we saw a record-breaking voter turnout in the Kashmir Valley, which is a significant development after the abrogation of Article 370."
President Murmu also expressed her hopes for a better future for the families who have been granted citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act. She said, "The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita will come into force in the country from the first of July. The government has started granting citizenship to refugees under the CAA, providing a dignified life to many families who have suffered due to Partition."
The President cautioned the citizens against any attempts to undermine the credibility of democracy and reminded them of the times when ballot papers were snatched and looted. She said, "To ensure the sanctity of the electoral process, it was decided to use EVMs, which have passed every test in the last few decades, from the Supreme Court to the people's court."
President Murmu also highlighted the government's efforts towards women's empowerment under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. She said, "During the last 10 years, the majority of the four crore PM Awas houses have been allotted to women beneficiaries. And at the very start of our third term, we have approved the construction of three crore new houses, most of which will be allotted to women beneficiaries." She also mentioned various schemes and initiatives aimed at empowering women and ensuring their active participation in various fields.
The President also spoke about the government's efforts to improve connectivity to the Northeast region and develop it as a hub for Made in India chips. She said, "The government is working towards making this region a strategic gateway under its Act East Policy, and all kinds of connectivity are being expanded. Development works are being carried out in every field, including education, health, tourism, and employment. We are also establishing a semi-conductor plant in Assam at a cost of Rs 27,000 crore."
In her address, President Murmu also urged all parties to work together for the development of the country. She said, "When India becomes the third largest economy, you will also be partners in this achievement. And when we celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Independence in 2047 as a developed India, this generation will also get credit."
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