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
ofDevelopment 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 frompoverty, 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
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 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 Malaproject 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 fuelswill 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 revitaliseSAARC 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 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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