The president of India arriving at the Central Hall to address the Members of the NEW LOK SABHA
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Honourable
Members
I am delighted to address this first session of both Houses of Parliament
after the elections to the 16th Lok Sabha. Let me begin by
extending warm greetings to my fellow citizens, who participated in large
numbers in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. We should never forget
that we are here because of them. Serving them should be our first
priority. I also felicitate the members of the new Lok Sabha. You have
successfully obtained the mandate from the electorate and now you represent
their hopes, aspirations and dreams. I extend a warm welcome to all of you
and hope that the sessions ahead with heavy legislative agenda will be
productive and useful.
2.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that the recent general elections were
smooth and largely peaceful. I would like to congratulate the Election
Commission of India and the official machinery for conducting these elections
successfully. The unprecedented interest shown by the people of India in the
elections is a sign of progressive deepening of our vibrant democracy.
Before I dwell upon the tasks ahead of us, I would like to express my solidarity
with the families of all those who lost their lives during the election
process.
3.
I congratulate the new Speaker of the Lok Sabha on her unanimous election to
this august office. By successively electing women Speakers, the Lok Sabha
has re-affirmed our age-old belief in the importance of women in our society.
Honourable
Members
4.
This has been an election of Hope. It marks a turning point in
the evolution of our democratic polity. The surge in aspirations and the
belief that these could be realized through democratic processes, has been
amply reflected in the record 66.4% participation by voters, and a clear verdict
in favour of a single political party after a gap of nearly 30 years. The
electorate transcended the boundaries of caste, creed, region and religion to
come together and vote decisively in favour of Development through
Good Governance.
5.
The country needed a strong and stable government that could provide
effective leadership. In my Republic Day speech earlier this year, I had
hoped for 2014 to be a year of healing after the fractured and contentious
politics of the previous years. Standing here today, I applaud the wisdom of
my fellow citizens for having voted for stability, honesty and development in
a resurgent India in which corruption will have no place. They have voted for
a united, strong, and modern India - “Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat”.
My government will work to fulfill these aspirations; with the involvement of
all the 125 crore people of this great country.
6.
My government is committed to nurturing the right environment for actualizing
this mandate of the people. For this, it pledges itself to the principle of ‘Sabka
Saath, Sabka Vikas’; which can be fulfilled only through your active
participation. We will work together to re-establish the
credibility of the institutions of democracy. My government will function on
the mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. In all
our actions, we will be guided by the core values of our great civilization.
Honourable
Members
7. My
Government is dedicated to the poor. Poverty has no religion, hunger
has no creed, and despair has no geography. The greatest challenge before us
is to end the curse of poverty in India. My government will not be satisfied
with mere “poverty alleviation”; and commits itself to the goal of “poverty
elimination”. With a firm belief that the first claim on development
belongs to the poor; the government will focus its attention on those who
need the basic necessities of life most urgently. It will take necessary
steps to provide security in its entirety to all citizens; through empathy,
support and empowerment.
8.
Containing food inflation will be the topmost priority for my government.
There would be an emphasis on improving the supply side of various agro and
agro-based products. My government will take effective steps to prevent
hoarding and black marketing. It
will reform the Public Distribution System, incorporating best
practices from the States. My government is alert about the possibility of a
subnormal monsoon this year and contingency plans are being prepared.
9.
Despite more than two-thirds of our people living in rural areas; we have not
been able to provide adequate public amenities and livelihood opportunities
to them. My government is committed to improving the quality of life in our
villages, through empowered Panchayati Raj institutions. A substantial part
of investment will focus on creating community assets and improving basic
infrastructure such as roads, shelter, power and drinking water. My
government will strive to end the rural-urban divide guided by the idea of Rurban; providing
urban amenities to rural areas while preserving the ethos of the villages.
10.
Agriculture is the source of livelihood for majority of our people. In
the recent past, our farmers have been under severe stress with hopelessness
driving some of them to suicides. My government is committed to reversing
this unfortunate trend. It will increase investment in agriculture, both
public and private, especially in Agri-infrastructure. Steps will
be taken to convert farming into a profitable venture through scientific
practices andAgro-technology. My government will address issues
pertaining to pricing and procurement of agricultural produce, crop insurance
and post-harvest management. Productivity of Animal Husbandry will be increased.
My government will incentivize the setting up of food processing industries.
Existing cooperative sector laws will be reviewed to remove anomalies and
lacunae. My government will adopt a National Land Use Policy which will
facilitate scientific identification of non-cultivable land and its strategic
development.
11.
Each drop of water is precious. My government is committed to giving high priority to water security. It will
complete the long pending irrigation projects on priority and launch the ‘Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana’ with the motto of‘Har Khet Ko
Paani’. There is a need for seriously considering all options
including linking of rivers, where feasible; for ensuring optimal use of our
water resources to prevent the recurrence of floods and drought. By
harnessing rain water through ‘Jal Sanchay’ and ‘Jal
Sinchan’, we will nurture water conservation and ground water recharge. Micro
irrigation will be popularised to ensure ‘Per drop-More crop’.
Honourable
Members
12.
India is the world’s oldest civilization. Today it is also a country with the
largest population of the youth. We must equip and nurture our youth with the
right kind of education, skill-set and opportunity to reap this demographic
dividend. My government will strive to transition from Youth
Development to Youth-led Development. It will set up Massive Open Online
Courses and virtual classrooms. It will formulate a National Education Policy
aimed at meeting the challenges posed by lack of quality, research and
innovation in our educational institutions. We will set up IITs and IIMs in
every state. In order to empower school teachers and students, a national
e-library will be established. With the motto of “Har Haath Ko Hunar”,
my government will strive to break the barriers between formal education and
skill development, and put in place a mechanism to give academic equivalence
to vocational qualifications. With the goal of Skilled India, my
government will also launch a National Multi-skill Mission.
13.
The children and youth of the country need avenues of recreation that develop
them constructively and keep them fit. My government will launch a ‘National
Sports Talent Search System’. It will facilitate development and
promotion of Indian sports, particularly rural sports. Sports will be
popularised by making it an integral part of the school curriculum and
providing educational incentives.
14. Our country needs a holistic health care
system that is universally accessible, affordable and effective. To achieve
this objective, my government will formulate a New Health Policy and roll out a National Health
Assurance Mission. It will promote Yoga and AYUSH. To address the
shortfall of health care professionals, health education and training will be
transformed. AIIMS like institutes will be established in every
State in a phased manner.
15. We must not
tolerate the indignity of homes without toilets and public spaces littered
with garbage. For
ensuring hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the nation a “Swachh Bharat
Mission” will be launched. This will be our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth
anniversary to be celebrated in the year 2019.
16.
Keeping in mind welfare of the people belonging to the Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and the weaker sections of our
society; my government will take steps to create an enabling eco-system of
equal opportunity in education, health and livelihood. My Government is
committed to see that those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Other
Backward Classes are able
to avail emerging opportunities. For the Scheduled Tribes, my government will
launch a dedicated “Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana”. Electrification of
tribal hamlets and connecting them with all-weather roads will be a priority
area.
17. It is unfortunate that even after several
decades of independence, sections of minority communities
continue to suffer from poverty, as
benefits of government schemes do not reach them. My government is
committed to making all minoritiesequal partners in India’s progress. The government will
especially strengthen measures to spread modern and technical education among
minority communities and a National Madarsa Modernization Programme will be
initiated.
18.
The welfare and rehabilitation of specially-abled people is
integral to my government’s vision of a caring society. It will take steps to provide dignity of life to them by facilitating their participation in all walks of life. Steps will be taken to identify their special needs and to provide institutional care to them.
19.
My government recognizes the important role our women play in the development of our
society and growth of the nation. It is committed to providing 33 per cent
reservation to them in the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. With
a commitment of “Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao”, my government will
launch a mass campaign for saving the girl child and enabling her education.
It will structure a comprehensive scheme, incorporating best practices from
States in this regard. In the recent past, the country has witnessed some
grue some incidents of violence against women. The government will have a
policy of zero tolerance for violence against women, and
will strengthen the criminal justice system for its effective implementation.
Honourable
Members
20.
India is a federal polity. But, over the years, the federal spirit has been
diluted. The States and the Centre should function as an organic Team
India. In order to actively engage with the States on national issues, my
government will reinvigorate fora like the National Development Council and
the Inter-State Council. The Centre will
be an enabler in the rapid progress of States through Cooperative
Federalism. State-specific
development models will be developed taking into account the special needs and unique problems of
Coastal, Hilly and Desert areas. Highest priority will be accorded to bring
eastern region of the country on par with western region in terms of physical
and social infrastructure. My government is committed to addressing the
issues relating to development of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The
government will lay special emphasis on improving the intra-region
connectivity and border infrastructure in the Northeast as well as in Jammu
& Kashmir. The issue of infiltration and illegal immigrants
in the Northeast region will be
tackled on priority and all
pending fencing work along the Northeast border will be completed.
Special efforts will be made to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits
return to the land of their ancestors with full dignity, security and assured
livelihood.
21.
My government is committed to providing a clean and efficient administration
focussed on delivery. The institution of Lok Pal is important to curb
corruption and my government will endeavour to formulate rules in conformity
with the Act. My government will take steps to build the confidence and
morale of our bureaucracy; enabling it with the freedom to work, and
welcoming innovative ideas. The government will stress on putting in place
transparent systems and timebound delivery of government services. Government
systems and processes will be revisited to make them citizen friendly,
corruption free and accountable. Efforts will be made to eliminate obsolete
laws, regulations, administrative structures and practices. Rationalization
and convergence among Ministries, Departments and other arms
of the government will be ensured to
have focussed delivery. Digitization of government records
will be done for improving accessibility.
22. E-governance
brings empowerment, equity and efficiency. It has the power to transform
peoples’ lives. The backbone of my government’s new ways of working will be a Digital
India. IT will be used to drive re-engineering of government
processes to improve service delivery and programme implementation. We will
strive to provide Wi-Fi zones in critical public areas in the next five
years. My government will rollout broad band highway to reach every village
and make all schools e-enabled in a phased manner.
Technology will be used to prepare our children for a knowledge society. The National e-governance plan will be expanded
to cover every government office from the centre to the Panchayat; to provide a wide variety of services to citizens.
Emerging technologies likeSocial Media will be used as a tool
for; participative governance, directly engaging the people in
policy making and administration.
23. My government is determined to rid the
country of the scourge of corruption and the menace of black money. As a
first step in this direction, the government has already constituted a SIT to
unearth black money stashed abroad. This will be followed up vigorously by proactively engaging with foreign governments.
24. Keeping in mind
that justice delayed is justice denied, my government will adopt a multi-pronged
approach to address the problem of high pendency of cases in our
judicial system. It will progressively
modernize the courts to improve their operational efficiency, and
start reform of the
criminal justice system to make dispensation of justice simpler, quicker and moreeffective. It will initiate a mission mode
project for filling vacancies in the judiciary and for doubling the number of
courts and judges in the subordinate judiciary in a phased manner. The
government will give special emphasis to the development of Alternate Dispute
Resolution mechanisms.
Honourable
Members
25.
On the economic front, we are passing through an extremely difficult phase.
For two consecutive years, our GDP growth has been less than 5 per cent. Tax
collection has declined. Inflation continues to be at an unacceptable level.
Thus, putting the Indian economy back on track is paramount for my
government. We will work together to usher our economy into a high growth
path, rein in inflation, reignite the investment cycle, accelerate job
creation and restore the confidence of the domestic as well as international
community in our economy.
26.
My government will create a policy environment which is predictable,
transparent and fair. It will embark on rationalisation
and simplification of the tax regime to make it non-adversarial and conducive
to investment, enterprise and growth. My government will make every effort to
introduce the GST while addressing the concerns of States. Reforms will be
undertaken to enhance the ease of doing business. My government
will follow a policy of encouraging investments, including through FDI; which
will be allowed in sectors that help create jobs and assets.
27.
For rapid creation of jobs in the manufacturing sector, the government will strategically promote labour-intensive manufacturing. Employment opportunities will also be
expanded by promoting tourism and agro-based industries. My government will
transform Employment Exchanges into Career Centres -
connecting our youth with job opportunities in a transparent and effective
manner through the use of technology as well as through counselling and
training. The government will strengthen the pension and health insurance
safety nets for labour force of all categories and would provide them access
to modern financial services.
28. We need to
transform ourselves into a globally competitive manufacturing hub powered by Skill,
Scale and Speed. To this end, the government will set up world
class investment and industrial regions, particularly along the Dedicated
Freight Corridors and Industrial Corridors spanning the country. My Government will encourage the domestic
industry to innovate and collaborate internationally. It will strive to move
towards a single-window system of clearances both at the Centre and at the
States through a hub-spoke model.
29.
To strengthen our share in global trade, procedures will be simplified and
trade infrastructure strengthened so as to reduce transaction time and costs.
The SSI and Handicraft sectors will be encouraged by providing them enhanced
technological, marketing and investment support. Export potential of this
sector will be encouraged. My
government will make every effort to improve the working conditions of our
weavers in particular. It will also set up a task force to review
and revive our MSME sector.
Honourable
Members
30.
Lack of robust infrastructure is one of India’s major impediments. The
government will chalk out an ambitious infrastructure development programme
to be implemented in the next 10 years. A fast-track, investment friendly and
predictable PPP mechanism will be put in place. Modernization and revamping
of Railways is on top of the infrastructure agenda. My government will launch
a Diamond Quadrilateral project of high speed trains. The country
will have a network of freight corridors with specialised Agri-Rail
networks for perishable agricultural products. Investment in
railways will be increased using innovative financing methods. Expansion of
railways in Hilly States and Northeast region and modernization of rail
safety systems will be prime focus areas. We will encourage R&D and high
level local manufacturing for railway systems. A fast, time-bound and well
monitored programme for execution of the National Highways programme will be
initiated, to overcome the stagnancy of the past few years. Low cost airports
will be developed to promote air connectivity to smaller towns. The
government will evolve a model of Port-led development. Our long
coastline will become the gateway for India’s prosperity. My
government will facilitate modernization of existing ports on one hand, and
development of new world class portson the other. Stringing
together the Sagar Mala project we will connect the ports
with the hinterland through road and rail. Inland and coastal waterways will
be developed as major transport routes.
31.
My government will come out with a comprehensive National Energy
Policy and focus on development of energy related infrastructure,
human resource and technology. The aim of the government will be to
substantially augment electricity generation capacity through judicious mix
of conventional and non-conventional sources. It will expand the national
solar mission and connect households and industries with gas-grids. Reforms
in the coal sector will be pursued with urgency for attracting private
investment in a transparent manner. The international civil nuclear
agreements will be operationalized and nuclear power projects for civilian
purposes will be developed.
32.
My government is conscious of the fact that our urban infrastructure is under
severe stress. Soon, 50 per cent of our population would be residing in urban
areas. Taking urbanization as an opportunity rather than a challenge, the government
will build 100 Cities focussed on specialized domains and
equipped with world class amenities. Integrated infrastructure will be rolled
out in model towns to focus on cleanliness and sanitation. By the time the
nation completes 75 years of its Independence, every family will have
a pucca house with water connection, toilet facilities, 24x7
electricity supply and access.
Honourable
Members
33. While putting the country on a high growth
path, my government will keep sustainability at the core of our planning
process. My government strongly believes that environmental conservation can
go hand in hand with development. To achieve this, environment and forest
clearance systems will be made more predictable, transparent and time-bound.
Simultaneously, an effective system will be developed for sound appraisal
processes and strict compliance of clearance conditions, especially those
relating to rehabilitation of displaced communities and regeneration of
forests. Cleaner fuels will be promoted to bring down pollution
levels in our cities. The government will earnestly take up mitigation works
to meet the challenges posed by climate change and will closely work with the
global community in this regard. Conservation of Himalayan ecology will be a
priority area for my government. ANational Mission on Himalayas will
be launched.
34.
In the recent past, serious concerns have been expressed
regarding use of discretionary powers in allocation of our precious natural
resources. The government will formulate clear and transparent policies on
allocation of critical natural resources such as coal, minerals and spectrum.
35. River
Ganga is a part of our rich cultural heritage, a symbol of faith and
the lifeline for millions. However, Ganga continues to remain polluted with
many stretches of the river becoming dry in lean season. My government will
take all necessary steps to ensure a perennial, clean and pristine Ganga.
36. Our rich cultural heritage is the very
foundation on which rests the unity of our diverse nation. Indian languages
are repositories of our rich literature, history, culture, art and other
achievements. My government will
launch a national mission “e-Bhasha” that will develop
digital vernacular content and disseminate our classic literature in different
languages. My government will also provide the required resources for the
maintenance and restoration of national heritage sites.
37.
India has a vast untapped potential for tourism which can play a special role
in our socio-economic progress. The government will initiate a mission mode
project to create 50 tourist circuits that are built around
specific themes. With a view to encouraging pilgrimage tourism, a
National Mission for beautifying and improving the amenities and
infrastructure at pilgrimage centres of all faiths will be launched.
38.
My government recognises the central role of Science and Technology in
raising the quality of life. It will encourage and incentivise private sector
investments, both domestic and foreign, in science and technology and in
high-end research aimed at nurturing innovation. My government will build
world class research centres in the fields of nanotechnology, material
sciences, thorium technology, brain research, stem cells, etc. The
government will also establish institutes of Technology for Rural Development
and a Central University of Himalayan Studies.
Honourable
Members
39.
The government will maintain utmost vigil in the area of internal
security. A policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism,
extremism, riots and crime will be pursued. The States will be
assisted for modernizing police infrastructure and equipment to tackle new
forms of terrorism including narco terrorism and cyber
threats. A national plan will be chalked out in consultation with the state
governments to effectively curb incidents of communal violence and the
challenges posed by left wing extremism. My government will take steps to
equip the security forces with the latest technology and to improve their
working conditions.
40.
My Government will carry out reforms in defence procurement to increase
efficiency and economy. It will encourage domestic industry, including the
private sector; to have a larger share in design and production of defence equipment. We will
introduce policies to strengthen technology transfer, including
through liberalised FDI in defence production. With readily available skilled
human resource, India can emerge as a global platform for defence
manufacturing including software, which will strengthen our defence and spur
industrial development as well as exports.
41.
The country is proud of its Armed Forces. They serve the nation with
professionalism, dedication and valour; securing our nation and supporting
relief and rescue operations in the wake of disasters and calamities. We will
strengthen defence preparedness by modernising our Armed Forces and
addressing the shortage of manpower on priority. Recognising the importance
of coastal security, my government will set up a National Maritime
Authority.
42.
My government will do everything to repay the debt of our brave and selfless
soldiers. It will appoint a Veterans Commission to address their grievances,
so that they know that we don’t stop caring for them when they retire from
active service. The government will build a National War Memorial to
honour the gallantry of our soldiers. One Rank, One Pension scheme
will be implemented.
Honourable
Members
43.
India’s foreign policy, with its civilizational roots and heritage, is based
on the principles of developing peaceful and friendly relations with all
countries. We will pursue our international engagement based on enlightened
national interest, combining the strength of our values with pragmatism,
leading to a doctrine of mutually beneficial relationships. My government is
committed to building a strong, self-reliant and self-confident India;
regaining its rightful place in the comity of nations.
44. My government sent a unique and bold signal
to the South Asian region and the world, by inviting for the first time in
independent India, leaders of all South Asian neighbours to the swearing-in
ceremony of the new Council of Ministers on May 26. We are grateful to them
for accepting the invitation at such a short notice. Their participation, as
also the gracious presence of the Prime Minister of Mauritius; not only added
sheen to the ceremony, but also represented a celebration of democracy in the
region and convergence of our shared hopes and aspirations. This shows my government’s commitment and
determination to work towards building a peaceful, stable and
economically inter-linked neighbourhood which is essential for the
collective development and prosperity of the South Asian Region.We
will further work together with South Asian leaders to revitalise SAARC as
an effective instrument for regional cooperation and as a united voice on
global issues.
45.
At the same time, we will never shy away from raising issues of concern to us
at a bilateral level. We emphasize that the future of shared prosperity can
only be built on the foundation of stability in the region, which requires
sensitivity to security concerns and an end to export of terrorism to
neighbours.
46.
My Government will engage energetically with other neighbours in our region,
including China, with whom we will work to further develop our Strategic and
Cooperative Partnership. We will strive to make progress in the many
initiatives that are ongoing with Japan, especially in the field of building
modern infrastructure in our country. Russia remains a privileged and
strategic partner and my government will build further on the firm
foundations of this relationship.
47.
India and the United States have made significant progress in developing
strategic partnership over the years. My government will bring a renewed
vigour to our engagement and intensify it in all areas, including trade,
investment, science and technology, energy and education. India also values
its broad-based cooperation with Europe. The government will make concerted
efforts to achieve progress in key areas with the European Union as well as
its leading members.
48. To fully realize
our softpower potential; there is a need to
integrate it into our external interchange, with particular emphasis on our rich spiritual, cultural and philosophical heritage. The government will revive Brand India riding on our strengths of 5T’s: Tradition, Talent, Tourism, Trade and Technology.
49.
Across the world, we have a vibrant, talented and industrious Indian Diaspora
that is a source of great pride for us. They have done pioneering work in
diverse fields, held the highest public offices and have worked hard to
support their localities and families in India. While they have contributed
immensely to their adopted country, they also carry a little flame of
India in their hearts that can light up the promise of change in our
country. A hundred years ago, in 1915, India’s greatest Pravasi Bharatiya,
Mahatma Gandhi, returned home and transformed the nation’s destiny. The next
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in January 2015 will thus be a special occasion. As
we celebrate the centenary of Gandhiji’s return to India, we would also take
steps that would deepen every Pravasi Bharatiya’s connection with India and
involve them in India’s development.
Honourable Members
50. The people of India have given a clear
mandate. They want to see a vibrant, dynamic and prosperous India. They want
to see a resurgent India regaining the admiration and respect of the
international community. Brimming with hope and expectation, they want quick
results. With three Ds of Democracy, Demography andDemand on
our side, India is poised to actualize these aspirations. We must rise to the
occasion to fulfill these great expectations. In 60 months from now, we
should be able to say with confidence and pride that we have done it.
Jai Hind
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