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 and Agro-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
minorities equal 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 time bound 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 roll out 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 like Social 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 more effective. 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 ports on the other.
Stringing together the Sagar Mala project we will connect the ports
with the hinterland through road and rail. Inland and coastalwaterways 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. A National
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 alittle 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 and Demand 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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