Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee to the Joint Session of both houses of Parliament
Honourable
Members,
1. In this
Basant season of renewal and growth, I welcome you all to the Joint Sitting of
the Two Houses of the Parliament. I am confident that your deliberations will
live up to the trust reposed in us by our fellow citizens, and going forth, we
will all be partners in the progress and development of our great country.
2. During my
address to the Joint Sitting last year, I had outlined the visionary
initiatives undertaken by my Government towards building an India that strides
into the future with confidence. A strong and forward-looking India that places
within the reach of its people the opportunities and development promised by
our Constitution. This development philosophy is captured in Sabka Sath
Sabka Vikas, the fundamental tenet, which guides my Government.
3. Deen Dayal
Upadhyaya spoke of Ekatma Manavata Darshan which
envisages Antyodaya, where the empowering rays of opportunity
reach the last person. This principle guides all the programmes of my
Government. My Government, in particular is focused on "Garibon ki
Unnati” (Poverty Eradication), "Kisaano ki Samriddhi” (Farmers’
Prosperity) and "Yuvaon ko Rojgaar” (Massive Employment
Generation).
Honourable
Members,
4. The
overriding goal for my Government is poverty eradication. Gandhiji said and I
quote "Poverty is the worst form of violence" (unquote). The
essence of progress lies in bringing a sense of fulfillment to the poor and the
deprived, the marginalized and vulnerable sections of the society. The poorest
of the poor are entitled to the first charge on the nation's resources.
Removing the scourge of poverty and destitution is our most sacred moral
responsibility.
5. My
Government is pledged to making this goal possible through financial inclusion
and social security, the two wings on which human aspiration takes flight. To
this end, my Government has placed great emphasis on food security, Housing for
All and subsidies that reach those who need them the most, when they need them
the most. Last year, I had spoken of the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan
Yojna. Today, I am proud to say that it is the world's most successful
financial inclusion programme. Under the programme, out of over twenty one
crore accounts opened, fifteen crore accounts are operational with an aggregate
deposit of over Rupees thirty two thousand crore. The programme has gone beyond
mere opening of bank accounts, to becoming a platform for poverty eradication,
by offering basic financial services and security to the poor.
6. To
universalise social security, my Government has launched three new insurance
and pension schemes; namely, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana,
the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Atal Pension
Yojana, which afford insurance cover to hitherto uncovered sections of
society.
7. Government
is committed to provide Housing for All by 2022. The Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana, launched on June 25, 2015, envisages construction of about 2 crore
houses to benefit primarily slum dwellers, urban poor and people from
economically weaker sections and lower income groups of society. The Mission
intends to cover all 4041 statutory towns in coming 5 years. In its first year
alone, 2011 towns/cities in 27 states have been included under this Mission. A
total of over four lakh twenty five thousand houses have been sanctioned with a
project cost of over rupees twenty four thousand six hundred crore.
8. Targeted
subsidies ensure that benefits reach the deserving. Direct Benefit Transfer has
so far been extended to 42 schemes funded by my Government. PAHAL has become
the largest direct cash transfer program of its kind in the world, with nearly
15 crore beneficiaries. Since June 2014, the food security coverage has more
than doubled to cover over 68 crore persons.
9. The
Give-It-Up campaign in tandem with the Give Back programme has released
subsidized fresh connections to 50 lakh BPL families. More than 62 lakh LPG
consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG subsidy under the campaign.
The highest number of new cooking gas connections to the rural poor were
distributed in 2015.
10. Dr.
Ambedkar had said and I quote "Political Democracy cannot last unless
there lies at the base of it a social democracy" (unquote). Social
justice with inclusion is the first promise of our Constitution and the poor
and the backward are the focus of my Government. The Scheduled Castes and The
Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been further strengthened
by suitable amendments. The 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar is being celebrated across the country to foster the spirit of social
inclusion. 26th of November, the day on which the Constitution
was adopted, is now celebrated as Constitution Day to deepen
Constitutional values amongst the citizens of the country. My government is
working to preserve the Panchatirthas, the five sites of Dr. Ambedkar's
legacy.
11. Education empowers people and to serve this end, my
Government has allocated more than 50% of the Ministry of Minority Affairs
budget to scholarship funds. Two new schemes; Nai Manzil and USTAA
Daimed to empower the minorities, have been launched. Currently about
20,000 madarasa children are undergoing skill training under the Nai Manzil scheme. Everlasting
Flame, an exhibition to showcase the life, history and the culture of
the Parsi community is being organized next month.
Honourable
Members,
12. "Kisaano
ki Samriddhi”, the well-being of farmers is vital to the nation's
prosperity. Acknowledging this fundamental reality, my Government has renamed
the 'Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation' as the ‘Ministry of Agriculture,
Cooperation and Farmers Welfare’ and taken several measures for the same. My
Government has recently launched the farmer-friendly Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana, with the biggest-ever Government's contribution to crop
insurance and with lowest-ever premium rates for farmers. It has many firsts to
its credit like national coverage of post-harvest losses due to inundation and
unseasonal rains, no capping on Government subsidy, and use of technology for
early and accurate settlement of claims. Assistance to farmers afflicted by
natural calamity has been increased by 50% and eligibility norms have been
relaxed.
13. Soil
Health Cards will be distributed to all 14 crore farm-holdings by March, 2017
and will result in judicious application of fertilizers, lowering input costs
and bettering soil health. To promote organic farming, Paramparagat Krishi
Vikas Yojana is being implemented under which 8,000 clusters have been
developed so far.
14. The Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana promises assured irrigation, expanding
cultivated areas by improving water use efficiency and enabling drought
proofing. My Government is committed to the philosophy of "Per Drop More
Crop" and "Jal Sanchay for Jal Sinchan".
15. To
provide the best market price to farmers, the unified National Agriculture
Market is working towards setting up a common e-market platform to connect 585
regulated wholesale markets, thereby making India One food zone, One
Country, One Market. This will immensely benefit our farmers in getting
fair and remunerative prices. Targeted policy interventions in the last year
have brought down sugarcane arrears from over Rs.21,000 crore to Rs. 720 crore.
16. My
Government notified the New Urea Policy-2015 with the objective of maximizing
indigenous production and improving energy efficiency. The policy will lead to
additional production of 17 Lakh metric tonnes annually in the next three
years. Providing 100% neem-coated urea has not only improved efficiency but has
also helped in plugging subsidy leakages by preventing illegal diversion of
subsidized urea to non-agricultural use. The highest ever urea fertilizer
production was achieved in 2015.
17. My
Government recognizes the important role of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and
Fisheries sectors in the socio-economic development of the country. India
continues to be the biggest milk producing country with an impressive growth
rate of 6.3%. Implementation of Poultry Venture Capital Fund and Rural Backyard
Poultry Development has led to highest ever egg production. A Blue Revolution
is underway to ensure the integrated development and management of fisheries,
with a central outlay of Rupees three thousand crore.
18. To
fully harness the agricultural potential of eastern States, the government is
taking several steps to usher in Second Green Revolution in the
region. My Government has taken steps for strengthening agricultural higher
education, setting up 109 new KVKs and three new Agricultural Technology
Application Research Institutes. A 24x7 Kisan Channel has been launched to
provide information on policy initiatives, prices and other agriculture related
subjects for the benefit of farmers.
19. The
food processing sector helps increase farmers’ income. The Food Processing Fund
has been operationalized last year to provide affordable credit to designated
Food Parks. In the last 19 months, five new Mega Food Parks have been
operationalized. Under the Cold Chain Scheme, 33 projects have been made
operational during the last 18 months.
20. Rural
development is one of our top priorities. The grant of over Rupees two lakh
crores by the 14thFinance Commission over a five year period from
2015-16, exclusively for Gram Panchayats has been received with great
enthusiasm by the States. This will move development activity closer to the
people and enable them to decide how they want to improve their villages and
wards. Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission has also been launched for
300 rural growth clusters for developing skills & local entrepreneurship
and providing infrastructure amenities.
Honourable
Members,
21. Youth are
the future of our country and ensuring Yuvaon ko Rojgaar through
massive employment generation is a top goal for my Government. We are driving
job creation through an integrated set of initiatives including Make in India,
Start up India, Mudra, Skill India, etc.
22. My
Government’s innovative initiatives have helped India jump up 12 places in the
latest rankings by the World Bank on Ease of Doing Business. Notably, the Make
in India initiative has achieved a 39% increase in FDI inflow despite an
adverse global investment climate.
23. My
Government has fostered competitive cooperation among various States to enhance
Ease of Doing Business. State Governments are being encouraged and supported to
simplify procedures, introduce e-enabled processes and invest in infrastructure
to improve investment climate. Procedures have been simplified to enhance ease
of approvals/clearances. Dedicated Commercial Courts and Commercial Division in
High Courts have been established. For speedy resolution of commercial
disputes, the long overdue amendments to the Arbitration Act have been made.
24. Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises provide large-scale employment. Banks have
cumulatively disbursed over Rupees one lakh crore to more than 2.6 crore
borrowers under the PM’s Mudra Yojana, of which 2.07 crore are
women entrepreneurs. Udyog Aadhar Portal has been set up to
facilitate online registration of MSMEs. My Government has decided to set up
rural livelihood and technology business incubators to boost entrepreneurship
in the agriculture and rural sector. The Start-up Village Entrepreneurship
Programme is a new vertical to strengthen the livelihoods of artisans and
weavers. In its first phase, about 1.82 lakh village enterprises will be
created and strengthened in 125 Blocks across 24 States creating employment for
about 3.78 lakh persons.
25. To
strengthen the employment intensive segments of textile industry, my Government
has launched an Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme with an allocation
of about Rupees eighteen thousand crore over a 7 year period.
26. A
series of reforms have been initiated to help convert job seekers into job
creators. My Government has launched the Start-Up India campaign which would
deepen, expand and support the innovation eco system in the country.
27. The
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has been revamped to
ensure the efficient disbursements of wages, increased transparency and
creation of productive assets. Mission Antyodaya - an intensive
Participatory Planning Exercise has reached 2569 most backward blocks, to
identify the kind of assets to be created.
28. My
Government’s mission of skilling India has gained momentum and during the last
year about 76 lakh people have been trained.
Honourable
Members,
29. My
Government aims to create a Shikshit Swasth Swachh Bharat, an educated,
healthy and clean India. In a reflection of how the spirit of Swachh Bharat has
manifested in our primary schools, over four lakh seventeen thousand functional
toilets for girls and boys have been constructed.
30. New
Institutes of excellence in higher education have been set up. Two Indian
Institutes of Technology, six Indian Institutes of Management, one Indian
Institute of Science Education and Research and one National Institute of
Technology have started functioning. My government has given impetus to
research through the launch of IMPRINT India whereby scientific goalposts have
been identified in 10 fields of research ranging from Defence to Sustainable
Living. To enable increased interaction between foreign faculty and our
students, under the aegis of GIAN, my government has in the first cycle invited
400 foreign academicians to 'Teach in India'. National Institutional
Ranking Framework has been launched for higher educational institutions. The
National Scholarship Portal provides a one-stop platform for applications of
all scholarships.
31. Sports is
the best way to Swasth India. My Government successfully
hosted the 12th South Asian Games from 5-16 February, 2016 at
Guwahati and Shillong, in which more than 3500 sportspersons from all the SAARC
countries participated. The games were the biggest ever sporting event in North
East India.
32. I am
happy to inform that we have successfully eliminated Maternal and Neonatal
Tetanus well before the global targeted timeline of December, 2015. The largest
number of children ever fully immunized in a single year was in 2015.
33. My
Government is leveraging KAYAKALP, an inter-institution ranking system to bring
about extensive improvement in cleanliness in our health institutions,
reduction of hospital-acquired infections and better service delivery.
34. My
Government has placed strong focus on holistic healthcare, strengthening
Ayurveda, Yoga &Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy
systems of medicine. The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 21st June,
2015 world over with immense enthusiasm.
35. To
address the problems of malnutrition in a holistic manner, my Government is
ensuring convergence of the actions of various Ministries and programmes with a
clear focus on measurable outcomes. Infrastructure required for effective
implementation of the Integrated Child Development Scheme is being strengthened
in convergence with other programmes. Two lakh Anganwadi buildings
are being constructed in 2,534 most backward Blocks under Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme over a period of four years.
36. My
Government has launched the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyanas a nation-wide
campaign for achieving universal accessibility for ensuring that persons with
disabilities (divyang) participate in all areas of community life.
During the last year, 342 camps were conducted, aids and assistive devices have
been distributed to over 1.7 lakh persons with disabilities (divyangs).
37. The Swachh
Bharat Mission, with its focus on behavioral change is becoming a
community movement to herald an overall change in the quality of life and
well-being of the people, particularly the poor. Focusing on generating wealth
from waste, my Government has formulated policies on mandatory procurement of
power from waste to energy plants, co-marketing of compost by chemicals and
fertilizer companies, and use of construction and demolition waste.
38. My
Government firmly believes that economic development and environmental
protection can co-exist. At the crucial Climate Summit in Paris, India's
position for climate justice, sustainable lifestyles and clean development was
widely supported. Real time online monitoring of 1487 industries and industrial
units in seventeen highly polluting categories and of Ganga Water Quality has
started. To reduce air pollution, target for emission standards for motor
vehicles have been drastically brought forward to achieve Bharat Stage - VI
norm by 2021. The Project Tiger coverage has been expanded and the
latest estimation shows an increase of 30% over the last count.
39. My
Government has launched Jal Kranti Abhiyan, a people-centric
program to spread awareness on water conservation and management involving all
stakeholders including Gram Panchayats. As part of the Namami Gange Programme,
my Government is implementing several projects in all 118 cities and complete
sanitation solutions for 1,649 gram panchayats, on the banks of the holy Ganga.
Honourable
Members
40. My
Government has taken several measures to improve the quality of governance.
Significant steps have been taken to reform institutions, simplify procedures
and repeal obsolete laws. Close to 1800 obsolete legislations are at various
stages of repeal. NITI Aayog is actively engaging with States in policy
formulation in the true spirit of cooperative federalism. People's
participation in policy making through initiatives like MyGov has now taken
firm roots. My Government has taken up an initiative for providing 500
e-governance services through Public Private-Partnership in 12 states of the
country. My Government has dispensed with interviews for posts at junior levels
in Government of India to ensure absolute transparency in recruitment to
Government jobs.
41. While
on the one hand, my Government has taken measures to eliminate the scope for
corruption, on the other hand, it has been unsparing in punishing those who are
found guilty of corruption. Stringent amendments to the Prevention of
Corruption Act are also on the anvil to address the perceived gaps in
anti-corruption law.
Honourable
Members
42. Robust
infrastructure development unlocks opportunities for all. My Government has
initiated the Smart Cities programme, envisaging city development in a challenge
mode. In the first phase of the Smart City program, twenty cities have been
selected after intense competition among ninety eight cities. Second and third
phases of the programme are on the anvil.
43. To
enhance the availability of clean energy, my Government has envisaged
increasing the renewable energy capacity manifold to 175 GW by 2022 by
encouraging various initiatives, including offshore wind energy policy,
bundling of thermal power with solar power, setting up solar parks in States,
etc. Installed solar capacity has almost doubled in the last 20 months and
crossed 5000 MW. Today under my Government, solar power is affordable and
accessible to thousands of people.
44. Since the
Government assumed office, energy shortages have been reduced from 4 to 2.3%.
My Government is committed to providing electricity to all the census villages
by May 2018. My Government has launched the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana
(UDAY) for financial turnaround of Power Distribution Companies of States/ UTs.
Eighty-three per cent of the capacity addition target of 88,537 MW for 12thPlan
period has already been achieved.
45. My
Government has focused on commissioning major transmission projects for
reducing congestion in transmission. I am happy to share that Available
Transfer Capacity for South India has increased by 71% from May, 2014 to
December, 2015. This has resulted in cheaper and abundant power in South India,
finally moving towards the goal of One Nation, One Grid, One Price. To
revive gas based power generation capacity, my Government implemented a new
initiative of supply of Refined LNG. This has ensured revival of stranded gas
plants with installed capacity of 11,717 MW. In the year 2015 India witnessed
the highest ever generation of electricity.
46. My
Government has introduced critical amendments in the Tariff Policy for ensuring
availability of electricity to consumers at reasonable and competitive rates.
Two ambitious National LED Programmes have been launched for cities for Street
Lighting and LED bulbs for Domestic Lighting. Over 6 crore LED bulbs have
already been distributed. Through a bulk procurement strategy, the cost of LED
bulb has been brought down from Rs.310 in January 2014 to Rs.64 in January
2015.
47.My
Government has introduced dynamic and comprehensive reforms in the Coal sector
and conducted transparent auction/ allocation of over 70 coal blocks. These
will immensely benefit the eastern States in the years to come. Strong emphasis
on increasing coal production has resulted in a record 9.8% growth in CIL's
coal production and highest ever output of coal. This has also led to reduced
imports of coal.
Honourable
Members,
48.To give a
boost to the mining sector and to bring in transparency in the allocation of
mineral resources, the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957
was amended and auction of mines has commenced. For systematic exploration in
potential mineral bearing areas using state-of-the-art techniques, National
Mineral Exploration Trust has been established. Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra
Kalyan Yojana will implement developmental and welfare projects in mining
affected areas for minimizing adverse impacts and ensuring sustainable
livelihoods for the affected people.
49.My
Government has recently dedicated to the nation the Assam Gas Cracker Project
with an estimated cost of more than Rupees nine thousand nine hundred crore.
The project is expected to generate employment for about one lakh persons, both
direct and indirect.
Honourable
Members,
50. My
Government has initiated several ambitious measures for improving sanitation
standards at Railway Stations and Trains. "Samman” guides us in our
endeavor to phase out the open discharge of sewage from trains and combat
manual scavenging. All new coaches are now being fitted with bio-toilets. Focus
has also been on Doubling, Gauge Conversion and capacity enhancement works in
Railways. Commissioning of Broad Gauge and electrification have been at
all-time record levels. The highest ever increase in railway capital
expenditure was achieved in 2015.
51. A
landmark agreement with Government of Japan will make the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high
speed rail corridor a reality. My Government also awarded two mega projects for
setting up diesel and electric locomotive factories at Marhaura and Madhepura,
respectively.
Honourable
Members,
52. By
March 2019, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, one lakh
seventy eight thousand rural habitations will be connected with all weather
roads. My Government has revived a majority of the 73 stalled road projects,
completed construction of 7,200 km of highways and awarded 12,900 km of highway
projects which is the highest ever number of new highway kilometers awarded.
53. My
Government has formulated an umbrella scheme, Bharatmala at an estimated cost
of over Rupees two lakh sixty seven thousand crore for development of national
highways. To ensure connectivity to Chardham during all seasons, a project of
over rupees twelve thousand crore has been taken up. A special Green Highways
Policy 2015 has been launched for making highways green and a pilot policy for
conversion of diesel buses into electrical buses has been taken up. The country
recorded the highest ever production of motor vehicles in 2015. Guidelines have
been issued for protection of Good Samaritans from harassment in road accident
cases.
Honourable
Members,
54. To
rejuvenate the Shipping sector with focus on Make in India, my
Government has launched a scheme for financial assistance to domestic
shipyards. Several steps for improving the operational efficiency of major
ports and for simplifying rules and processes have been initiated. In 2015,
India achieved the fastest average turnaround time in ports and the highest
ever quantity of cargo handled by major ports. My Government is keen on
promoting extensive use of inland waterways and coastal shipping as an
alternative mode of transport.
55. My
Government is also working on a new Civil Aviation Policy with thrust on
connectivity to small cities. Domestic Air Passenger traffic has registered a
substantial growth during the year.
Honourable
Members,
56. Setting
up world-class infrastructure for Electronics manufacturing across the country
remains a priority for my Government. Twenty nine Electronic Manufacturing
Clusters are under development. The recent interventions and subsequent
rationalization of duty structure in mobile handset manufacturing industry has
led to near doubling of mobile handset production in the current year.
Transparent and efficient auction of spectrum has fetched highest ever price of
about Rupees one lakh ten thousand crore. Policies like Spectrum trading and
sharing have been finalized for optimum utilization of resources.
57. The
country recorded the highest ever software exports during 2015. Under
BharatNet, the architecture and design of the National Optical Fiber Network is
being revamped to rapidly take broadband connectivity to our villages. By spreading
the network of Common Service Centers and setting up BPOs in small towns and
linking land record modernization with the use of space technology, my
Government is taking the benefits of Digital India to common citizens. The
Digital India Programme will give a big boost to citizen empowerment and
knowledge economy.
58. The
IT Modernization Project involving computerization and networking of 1,55,000
Post Offices in the country, will be completed by 2017. The proposed Postal
Payment Bank of India will further boost financial inclusion.
Honourable
Members,
59. My
Government has embarked on several significant projects such as National
Supercomputing Mission, Improving Fuel Efficiency and Controlling Emissions. My
Government has launched Science & Technology of Yoga and Meditation
(SATYAM) initiative to explore the modern scientific roots of our traditional
wisdom.
60. Building
upon the success over the past year, my Government's endeavour is to scale new
heights in Space. Focus will be on completing the constellation of the Indian
navigational satellites in 2016 to cater to indigenous navigation and
location-based services.
Honourable
Members,
61. Varanasi
and Jaipur have been declared as the first two Indian cities to be part of the
UNESCO Creative Cities network. Thirteen Circuits and thirteen pilgrimage sites
have been identified for development under Swadesh Darshan Scheme
and PRASAD Scheme respectively.
62. Radio
has once again emerged as the people’s medium. Establishment of new radio
stations has received a fresh impetus. The good response to the successful and
transparent bidding for the first batch of private FM Radio for phase III
comprising 135 channels in 69 cities augurs well for the medium.
Honourable
members,
63. India
is a haven of stability in an increasingly turbulent global economy. GDP growth
has increased making India the world’s fastest growing economy among large
economies. Inflation, fiscal deficit and current account deficit have all
decreased. India recorded the highest ever foreign exchange reserves in 2015.
64. The Indradhanush programme
has been launched to revitalize public sector banks and ensure credit flow in
the economy, with committed minimum recapitalization of Rupees seventy thousand
crore. In addition, we have undertaken major governance reforms, brought in
private sector talent and moved to a fully transparent and meritocratic
recruiting process. We have also issued 23 banking licenses after a long hiatus
of ten years.
65. The
Government's concerted efforts to tackle the menace of black money have started
yielding results. With the enactment of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign
Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, a stringent legislative
framework has been put in place to combat the menace.
66. The
Government has launched the Gold Monetization Scheme and Sovereign Gold Bond
Scheme in November 2015 to ensure productive utilization of idle assets.
67. The
Government has taken a number of measures to put in place a simplified,
progressive and non-adversarial tax regime by incorporating internationally
prevalent best practices in tax administration. A gamut of taxpayer facilities,
viz., e-filing of returns and various forms, electronic processing and
retrieval of documents and online grievance redressal are now available to the
citizen.
Honourable
Members,
68.My
Government is fully committed to firmly deal with all challenges concerning the
security of the country. Terrorism is a global threat and strong
counter-terrorism measures are necessary worldwide to eradicate it completely.
Let me congratulate the security forces in successfully foiling the recent
attack at the Pathankot air base by terrorists. Firm and effective steps will
be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism.
69.There has
been significant improvement in the overall security situation in the
North-Eastern States and Left Wing Extremism affected States. This has been
made possible through sustained efforts and measures taken by the intelligence
agencies and security forces in collaboration with the State Governments.
70. The
country had to face severe drought and floods in some States. The unprecedented
floods that submerged Chennai in December last year brought untold human
suffering and economic loss. My Government stands with the people who have
faced natural calamities and has immediately forwarded physical and financial
resources to the States to handle such disasters. An amount of more than Rupees
thirteen thousand crore has been released under State and National Disaster
Response Fund.
Honourable
Members,
71. Defence
procurement procedure has been streamlined with a focus on indigenously
designed, developed and manufactured weapon systems. We are working to ensure
that our Armed Forces will be equipped with the most capable and sophisticated
armaments in the world.
72. In
our country "Shakti’, which means power, is the manifestation of
female energy. This Shakti defines our strength. My Government has approved the
induction of women as Short Service Commission officers and as fighter pilots
in the IAF. In the future, my Government will induct women in all the fighter
streams of our Armed Forces. My Government has initiated several measures to
ensure safety and security of women which include nationwide Emergency Response
Systems, a Central Victim Compensation Fund, Cyber Crime Prevention against
Women and Children, and Organized Crime Investigative Agency and an Integrated
Emergency Response Management System for women's safety on the railways.
73. We
are indebted to those who inspire by their selfless service and their supreme
sacrifice in the line of duty. Acknowledgement must not hinge on ceremony or
noble gestures of gratitude alone. In spite of huge financial implication of
more than Rupees seven thousand crore per annum, my Government has fulfilled
its commitment to implement four decades old demand of One Rank One Pension.
Honourable
Members,
74. My
Government has continued to pursue a bold and proactive foreign policy. The primary
objective has been to accelerate national development with emphasis on
improving India's access to capital, technology, resources, energy and skills.
States have been made partners in our diplomatic efforts.
75. Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam: the world is one family. My Government is committed to this
principle and its expression is most resonant in the steps we have taken in
reaching out to our neighbours. Last year, my Government adopted the historic
Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh, leading to the peaceful exchange of
disputed territories between our two countries. The signing of the Motor
Vehicles Agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, will provide
seamless connectivity and further strengthen ties. We have been a friend in
need to Nepal during the devastating earthquake of April 2015. We opened our
skies, became a key transit hub and essential enabler so that assistance from
other countries could reach Nepal in its hour of need. My Government is
committed to forging a mutually respectful relationship with Pakistan and in
creating an environment of co-operation in combating cross border terrorism. My
Government believes in a secure and prosperous future for our neighbourhood.
India remains committed to providing support to the people of Afghanistan in
realising their dream of building a stable, inclusive and democratic nation.
Dedication of the Afghanistan Parliament to its people by Prime Minister Modi
was our contribution to Afghanistan's pursuit of peace and prosperity.
76. We
reached out to the world, both on land and sea. Of 54 participating nations,
the India-Africa Summit, attended by Heads of States and Governments from 41
countries, has rejuvenated India's relations with the continent, ushering in a
new era of engagement and fraternity. My Government will not let oceans
separate us, and has activated engagement with the 14 Pacific Island countries
and revitalized civilizational links with our vibrant Act East Policy. India's
second International Fleet Review, attended by 50 foreign navies, reinforced
our cultural, commercial and strategic connect with our immediate and extended
maritime neighbourhood.
77. My
Government has played a proactive role in addressing climate change by
launching an International Solar Alliance that has been universally
acknowledged. We remain at the forefront of the global fight against terrorism.
Sustained Indian efforts have led to concrete action for reforming the UN
Security Council. India has also provided strong leadership and new vision to
regional and international groupings like BRICS, G-20, WTO, East Asia Summit,
ASEAN and the SCO.
78. My
Government has enhanced NRI and PIO engagement by making it easier for them to
get passports and offered Visa on Arrival by extending Electronic Travel
Authorization facility to a large number of countries. Today, our citizens
living and working abroad know that the Government is committed to protecting
their interests and helping them in distress. This was manifested in Operation Rahat, in which we
successfully evacuated 4,748 Indians from Yemen. We also extended our
assistance to other nationalities. We evacuated 1,962 Foreigners belonging to
48 countries.
Honourable
Members,
79. My
Government is focused on Sabka Vikas, beyond just the economic advancements
that dominate headlines. To realise Sabka Vikas, we must ensure that the
poor and deprived are truly empowered to take advantage of opportunities to
improve their lives. Sabka Vikasmeans that backward sections of society
are equally valued and are genuine stakeholders in the country’s progress. Sabka
Vikas implies that we tackle the pollution, traffic, and garbage
problems that plague our cities. And, lastly, Sabka Vikas is
Development for the entire world, which is why we have to be a responsible
member of the global comity of nations helping all humanity solve major
challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and financial instability.
Honourable
Members
80. Our
Parliament reflects the supreme will of the people. Democratic temper calls for
debate and discussion, and not disruption or obstruction. Aa No Bhadra
Kratvo Yantu Viswataha - let noble thoughts come from all directions,
should be the spirit behind debate in this temple of democracy. Being a member
of this great institution bestows great honour as well as important
responsibilities. My Government will constantly strive for smooth and
constructive conduct of Parliamentary business. I urge all Members of the Parliament
to discharge their solemn responsibilities in a spirit of cooperation and
mutual accommodation. Let us all collectively endeavour to build a flourishing
and prosperous India.
81. We
owe a great debt to our freedom fighters. It is time to repay that debt, by
building the country that they envisioned and fought for. In the words of
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, "Nationalism is inspired by the highest
ideals of the human race, Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram”, let us embrace
those ideals as we stake our claim on the future.
Jai Hind
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