ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF India Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Parliament
ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF India Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Parliament
Honorable Members,
1. This is my first address in this new Parliament building. This magnificent building has been constructed at the beginning of “Azadi ka Amrit Kaal”.
It is imbued with the fragrance of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and is a testimony to India’s civilization and culture.
It also resonates with the resolve to respect our democratic and parliamentary traditions.
Moreover, it embodies the commitment to forge new traditions for the new India of the 21st century.
I am confident that this new building will be witness to productive dialogue on policies — policies that will shape the development of ‘Viksit Bharat’ in the Amrit Kaal of our independence.
I extend my best wishes to all of you.
Honorable Members,
2. This year is also the 75th year of adoption of our Constitution.
During this period, Amrit Mahotsav, the celebration of 75 years of independence, was completed.
During this period, many programmes were organized across the country.
The country remembered its unsung freedom fighters.
After 75 years, the young generation relived that period of freedom struggle.
3. During this campaign:
4. It was during the Amrit Mahotsav that,
Honorable Members,
5. The past year has been full of historic achievements for India. During this period, there were many moments which enhanced the pride of our countrymen.
Honorable Members,
6. Over the past 12 months, my government introduced several important legislations.
These laws have been enacted with the cooperation of all parliamentarians.
These are laws that lay a strong foundation for the realization of vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
I appreciate all of you for having enacted the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam after a wait of three decades.
This has paved the way for ensuring greater participation of women in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies.
This strengthens my government’s resolve for women-led development.
My government has continuously upheld its commitment to Reform, Perform and Transform.
The criminal justice system rooted in the era of slavery is now history. Now, justice takes precedence over punishment. The nation has got a new Nyaya Sanhita based on the principle of ‘Justice First’.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act will make the digital space more secure.
“Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act” will strengthen research and innovation in the country.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act will ensure the right to representation to tribals there.
During this period the Central University Act was amended. This paved the way for setting up a Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Telangana.
Last year, 76 other old laws were also repealed.
My government is aware of the concerns of youth regarding irregularities in examinations.
Therefore, it has been decided to enact a new law to deal sternly with such malpractices.
Honorable Members,
7. Any nation can progress at a fast pace only when it overcomes the past challenges and invests maximum energy in the future.
Over the past 10 years, India has witnessed several such tasks being accomplished in the national interest, for which the people of the country were waiting for decades.
For centuries, there was an aspiration to construct the Ram Mandir. Today it is a reality.
There were doubts regarding the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Those are now history.
This Parliament also enacted a strict law against ‘Triple Talaq’.
This Parliament also enacted a law to grant citizenship to persecuted minorities from our neighboring countries.
My government also implemented One Rank One Pension,
which was awaited for four decades. After implementation of OROP, the ex-servicemen have by now received approximately Rupees 1 lakh crore.
For the first time, a Chief of Defence Staff has been appointed for India’s defence forces.
Honorable Members,
8. The immortal lines of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das inspire the sentiment of boundless patriotism. He had said,
मिशु मोर देह ए देश माटिरे,
देशबासी चालि जाआन्तु पिठिरे।
देशर स्वराज्य-पथे जेते गाड़,
पूरु तहिं पड़ि मोर मांस हाड़।
that is
Let my body dissolve in the soil of this country,
Let the countrymen ride on my back and go.
All the potholes that are there in the country’s path to independence,
Let them all be filled with my flesh and bones.
In these lines we see the pinnacle of duty and the ideal of Nation-First.
9. The achievements that are visible today are the outcome of the endeavors of last 10 years.
Since childhood, we have been hearing the slogan of ‘Garibi Hatao’. Now, for the first time in our lives, we are witnessing eradication of poverty on a massive scale.
According to NITI Aayog, in the last one decade of my Government, about 25 crore countrymen have been lifted out of poverty.
This is something that instills great confidence among the poor.
If the poverty of 25 crore people can be alleviated, then her poverty can also be alleviated.
10. If we look at various dimensions of the economy today, then it boosts our confidence that India is moving forward in the right direction, taking right decisions.
Honorable Members,
11. In the last decade, my government has made good governance and transparency the main foundation of every institution.
As a result of this, we have witnessed major economic reforms.
Honorable Members,
12. My government acknowledges the contribution of wealth creators and believes in the capabilities of India’s private sector.
We are committed to creating a conducive environment for doing business in India, and the government is consistently working towards this goal.
Honorable Members,
13. Our MSME sector is also benefiting enormously from reforms.
As you are aware, today, crores of citizens are working in MSMEs.
Our government is working with full commitment to empower the MSMEs and small entrepreneurs.
Honorable Members,
14. Another significant reform of my government is the creation of Digital India. Digital India has made life and business much easier in India.
Today, the whole world acknowledges this as a great achievement of India. Even developed countries do not have a digital system like India has.
It was beyond the imagination of some people that, even in villages, routine buying and selling will be done digitally.
Honorable Members,
15. Along with digital, there has been record investment in physical infrastructure. Today, infrastructure is being built in India, the kind of which every Indian used to dream about.
In the last 10 years:
Honorable Members,
16. My government believes that the grand edifice of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ will be erected on 4 strong pillars.
These pillars are – youth power, women power, farmers and poor.
Their situation and dreams are similar in every part and every section of society in the country.
My government is, therefore, working tirelessly to empower these four pillars.
My government has spent a significant portion of the tax revenues to empower these pillars.
Honorable Members,
17. In the last few years, the world has witnessed two major wars and faced a global pandemic like Corona.
Despite such global crises, my government has managed to keep inflation in the country under control, preventing additional burden on our countrymen.
In the 10 years prior to 2014, the average inflation rate was over 8 percent. However, the average inflation rate has been maintained at 5 percent in the last decade.
My government’s endeavour has been to increase savings in the hands of ordinary citizens.
Honorable Members,
18. My government is working at every level to strengthen Nari Shakti.
This year’s Republic Day Parade was also dedicated to women empowerment.
In this parade, the world once again witnessed the capability of our daughters.
My government has enlarged the role of daughters everywhere – in water, land, sky and space.
We all are aware what economic independence means for women.
My government has made relentless efforts to enhance women’s economic participation.
Honorable Members,
19. My government is laying stress on making farming more profitable. Our aim is to reduce the cost of farming while increasing profits.
For the first time, my government has given priority to over 10 crore small farmers in the country’s agricultural policy and schemes.
Honorable Members,
20. All these public welfare schemes are not just services. These are having a positive impact on the life cycle of the citizens of the country.
The outcomes of my government’s schemes have been the subject of studies by various government and non-government organizations.
The outcomes of these schemes have been impactful and will serve as inspiring examples for every country engaged in combating poverty.
Studies conducted by various institutions in recent years have found that:
Honorable Members,
21. My government is focussed on human-centric development. The dignity of every citizen is paramount for us. This is our idea of social justice. This is also the spirit of every article of the Constitution of India.
For a long time there was discussion only on rights. We also stressed on the duties of the government. This has awakened a sense of duty among the citizens also. Today, a feeling has been generated that performance of one’s duties ensures a guarantee of one’s rights.
My government has also cared for those who have so far been away from the development stream. During the last 10 years, thousands of tribal villages have been provided with electricity and road connectivity for the first time. Lakhs of tribal families have now started getting piped water supply. Under a special campaign, my government is also providing 4G internet connectivity to thousands of villages inhabited largely by tribals. Establishment of Van Dhan Kendras and MSP on more than 90 forest produce have immensely benefitted the tribals.
For the first time, my government has focused on development of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups. PM Janman Yojana with an outlay of around Rupees 24 thousand crore has been launched for these groups. Generations of tribal families have been afflicted with sickle cell anemia. For the first time, a national mission has been launched to address this. So far, about one crore forty lakh people have been screened under this mission.
My government has also launched the ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’ for the “Divyangjan”. Textbooks in Indian Sign Language have also been made available.
A law has also been enacted to give a respectable position to transgender persons in the society and protect their rights.
Honorable Members,
22. It is difficult to imagine daily life without Vishwakarma families. These families pass on their skills from generation to generation. However, due to lack of government support, our Vishwakarma companions were facing a difficult time. My government has also taken care of such Vishwakarma families. So far, more than 84 lakh people have connected with the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
For many decades, our friends working as street vendors were also left to their fate. My government has given them access to banking system through PM SVANidhi Yojana. So far, an amount of more than Rupees 10,000 crore has been given as loans. Reposing trust in them, government gave collateral-free loans. Cementing this trust, most of the people not only repaid the loan but also availed the next installment. Majority of the beneficiaries are Dalits, backward classes, tribals and women.
Honorable Members,
23. My government guided by the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, is committed to provide fair opportunities to every section of the society.
Honorable Members,
24. My government has, for the first time, brought development to areas, which remained neglected for decades. The villages adjoining our borders were viewed as the last villages of the country. We recognized them as the first villages of the country. In order to develop these villages, Vibrant Village Programme has been started.
Our remote and faraway islands like Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep were also deprived of development. My government has developed modern facilities on these islands too. Roads, air connectivity and high speed internet facilities have been provided there. Just a few weeks ago, Lakshadweep was also connected with underwater optical fiber. This will benefit the local population as well as tourists.
Under the Aspirational Districts Programme, our government has laid emphasis on development of more than hundred districts of the country. In the wake of its success, the government has also launched the Aspirational Blocks Programme. Special focus is now being given on development of these blocks of the country which had lagged behind.
Honorable Members,
25. Today my government is building modern infrastructure along the entire border. This work should have been done long ago on priority basis. Be it terrorism or expansionism, our forces today are giving a befitting response.
The tangible results of my government’s efforts to strengthen internal security are visible to us.
Honorable Members,
26. This is the time for India to script the future for the coming centuries. Our ancestors have bequeathed us a legacy spanning thousands of years. Even today, we remember with pride the exceptional achievements of our ancestors. Today’s generation should also build a lasting legacy that will be remembered for centuries.
Hence, my government is now working on a grand vision.
This vision also has a programme for the next 5 years. It also has a roadmap for the next 25 years. For us, the vision of Viksit Bharat is not limited to economic prosperity alone. We are giving equal importance to social, cultural and strategic strengths. Without them, the development and economic prosperity would not be permanent. The decisions of the last decade have also been taken with this objective in mind. Many more steps are being taken keeping this goal in mind.
Honorable Members,
27. Today every agency in the world is assured of India’s rapid development. The assessments of the national and international agencies are based on India’s policies. Record investments in infrastructure and policy reforms are further boosting investors’ confidence. The preference of Indians for a stable and strong government with full majority has also renewed the confidence of the world.
Today the world believes that only India can strengthen the global supply chain. That is why India is also today taking major steps in this direction. A strong network of MSMEs is being developed in the country.
My government has started PLI schemes for 14 sectors. Under this scheme, production of around Rupees 9 lakh crore has taken place so far. This has generated lakhs of new employment and self-employment opportunities in the country.
PLI is also benefiting the electronic, pharma, food processing and medical devices sectors. Production has started in dozens of projects related to medical devices. My government has also developed 3 bulk drug parks in the country.
Honorable Members,
28. Today Made in India has become a global brand. Now, the world is much enthused about our Make in India policy. The world is appreciating the objective of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”. Today companies from all over the world are excited about the emerging sectors in India. This is illustrated by investment in the semiconductor sector. Electronics and automobile sectors also stand to benefit significantly from the semiconductor sector.
My government is promoting green mobility in a big way. Lakhs of electric vehicles have been manufactured in the country in the last few years alone. We have now taken steps even for manufacturing of big aircrafts in India. Crores of new jobs will be created in the manufacturing sector in the coming days.
Honorable Members,
29. Today world over, there is a special demand for products which are environment friendly. That is why my government is emphasizing on Zero Effect Zero Defect. We are now giving a lot of focus to green energy.
Honorable Members,
30. The quantity of important minerals in the earth is limited. That is why my government is encouraging circular economy. India’s first ‘Vehicle Scrappage Policy’ also seeks to achieve this aim.
It is also important to explore prospects of minerals through deep sea mining. Deep Ocean Mission has been started with this goal in mind. This mission will also better our understanding of marine life. India’s ‘Samudrayaan’ is engaged in research on this.
My government is engaged in making India a major space power in the world. It is a means to improve human life. Besides, this also attempts to increase India’s share in the space economy. Major decisions have been taken to expand India’s space programme. This has led to the formation of many new space startups. The day is not far when India’s Gaganyaan will reach space.
Honorable Members,
31. My government has made India one of the world’s leading digital economies. This has provided employment to crores of youth.
It is our endeavour that India remains at the forefront of the world in the fourth industrial revolution.
My government is working on Artificial Intelligence mission. This will provide new opportunities to the youth of India. This will open avenues for new startups. This will bring revolutionary changes in the fields of agriculture, health and education.
My government has also approved the National Quantum Mission. Quantum computing will develop a new age digital infrastructure. Now work is in progress to ensure that India remains ahead in this.
Honorable Members,
32. My government is continuously taking new initiatives for the education and skill development of India’s youth. For this, a new National Education Policy was framed and is being implemented rapidly.
In the National Education Policy, emphasis has been laid on education in mother tongue and Indian languages. Teaching of subjects like engineering, medical, law has been started in Indian languages.
To provide quality education to school students, my government is working on more than 14,000 ‘PM Shri Vidyalayas’. Out of these, more than 6000 schools have started functioning.
The dropout rate in the country has reduced due to efforts of my government. The enrolment of girls in higher education has increased. Enrolment of Scheduled Caste students has increased by about 44%, that of Scheduled Tribe students by more than 65% and that of OBC by more than 44%.
Under Atal Innovation Mission, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established to promote innovation. More than 1 crore students are involved in it.
There were 7 AIIMS and less than 390 medical colleges in the country upto 2014, while, in the last decade 16 AIIMS and 315 medical colleges have been established.
157 nursing colleges are also being established.
In the past decade, the number of MBBS seats has more than doubled.
Honorable Members,
33. Tourism is a big sector providing employment to the youth. In the last 10 years, my government has done unprecedented work in the field of tourism. Along with the number of domestic tourists in India, the number of foreign tourists coming to India has also increased.
The reason for the growth in the tourism sector is owed to India’s growing stature. Today the world wants to explore and know India. Apart from this, the scope of tourism has also increased due to excellent connectivity. Building of airports at various places is also advantageous. Now, North East is witnessing record tourist arrivals. Now there is heightened excitement about Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
My government has laid emphasis on the development of pilgrimage destinations and historical sites across the country. This has now made pilgrimage in India easier. At the same time, there is a growing interest in the world towards heritage tourism in India. In the last one year 8.5 crores of people have visited Kashi. More than 5 crores of people have visited Mahakaal. More than 19 lakh people have visited Kedar Dham. In the 5 days of “Pran Pratishtha” 13 lakh devotees have visited Ayodhya Dham itself. There is unprecedented expansion of facilities at pilgrimage sites in every part of India, East-West-North-South.
My government also wants to make India a leading destination for meetings and exhibitions related sectors. For this, facilities like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi have been created. In near future, tourism will become a major source of employment.
Honorable Members,
34. We are strengthening the sports economy to connect the country’s youth with skills and employment. My government has given unprecedented support to sports and sportspersons. Today India is moving towards becoming a great sporting power.
Along with the players, today we are also emphasizing on other areas related to sports. Today National Sports University has been established. We have developed dozens of Centers of Excellence in the country. This will provide youth an opportunity to choose sports as a profession. All kinds of assistance is also being provided to the sports goods industry.
In the last 10 years, India has successfully organized international sports events related to many sports.
‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ Organization has been formed to motivate our youth to contribute for building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and to instill among them a sense of duty and spirit of service. So far, about 1 crore youth have joined this initiative.
Honorable Members,
35. We have seen the advantage of having a strong government during a period of upheaval. The world has been in a turmoil in the last 3 years. There are many conflicts raging in different parts of the world. My government has established India as a Vishwa-Mitra in these difficult times. It is because of India’s role as Vishwa-Mitra that we have become the voice of the Global South today.
In the last 10 years, another conventional way of thinking has been changed. Earlier, events related to diplomacy were confined to the corridors of Delhi. My government has ensured direct participation of the public in this also. We saw a great example of this during India’s G-20 presidency. The way India connected the G-20 with the public was unprecedented. The world was introduced to the real potential of India through programmes held across the country. Jammu and Kashmir and North East witnessed such big international events for the first time.
The whole world appreciated the historic G-20 Summit held in India. The unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration even in a fractured environment is historic. India’s vision from ‘women led development’ to environmental issues has become the basis of the declaration.
Our efforts to secure permanent membership of the African Union in the G-20 have also been appreciated. During this conference, the development of India – Middle East – Europe Corridor was announced. This corridor will further strengthen India’s maritime capability. The launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance is also a big event. Such steps are expanding India’s role in solving global problems.
Honorable Members,
36. Even in this era of global disputes and conflicts, my government has firmly placed India’s interests before the world. The scope of India’s foreign policy today has gone far beyond the constraints of the past. Today India is a respected member of many global organizations. Today India is a leading voice in the world against terrorism.
Today India responds strongly and takes initiatives for the humanity caught in crises. Wherever there is a crisis in the world today, India tries to respond promptly. My government has instilled new confidence in Indians working across the world. Wherever crisis occurred, we have evacuated every Indian safely through campaigns like Operation Ganga, Operation Kaveri, Vande Bharat.
My government has made continuous efforts to propagate the Indian traditions of Yoga, Pranayam and Ayurveda to the entire world. Last year, representatives of 135 countries did yoga together at the United Nations Headquarters. This is a record in itself. My government has set-up a new Ministry for development of Ayush. The World Health Organization’s first Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is being established in India.
Honorable Members,
37. There come junctures in the history of civilizations, which shape the future for the coming centuries. There have been many such defining moments in the history of India also.
This year, on January 22, the country witnessed a similar epochal moment.
After waiting for centuries, Ram Lalla has now been enshrined in his grand temple in Ayodhya.
This was a matter of aspirations and faith for crores of our countrymen and the resolution of this has been accomplished in a harmonious manner.
Honorable Members,
38. You all represent the aspirations of crores of Indians. The dreams of the youth in schools and colleges today are completely different. It is the responsibility of all of us to leave no stone unturned to fulfill the dreams of the Amrit generation. Viksit Bharat will fulfill the dreams of our Amrit generation. For this, we all have to work together to achieve success in this endeavour.
Honorable Members,
39. Respected Atal ji had said—
अपनी ध्येय-यात्रा में,
हम कभी रुके नहीं हैं।
किसी चुनौती के सम्मुख
कभी झुके नहीं हैं।
My government is moving ahead with the guarantee of fulfilling the dreams of 140 crore countrymen.
I have full faith that this new Parliament House will continue to give strength to India’s aspirational journey and create new and healthy traditions.
Many friends will not be in this House to witness the year 2047. But our legacy should be such that the future generations remember us.
Best wishes to all of you!
Thank you!
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!
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