Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the historic Red Fort on India’s 71st Independence Day.
The Prime Minister called on Indians to build a New India that is strong, secure and which will create equal opportunities. He asked everyone to make India a stronger nation.
During his hour-long speech the Prime Minister spoke about several issues including Triple Talaq.
PM appreciated the effort of women who put up a fight against Triple Talaq.
I want to mention those women who have to suffer due to ‘Tripe Talaq’- I admire their courage. We are with them in their struggles: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017
The PM discussed the key issues that concern the agriculture sector and said that Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana has helped farmers a lot.
“Before 2019, we will complete 99 yojanas and we will complete the work of providing water to all our farmers. We need infrastructure for that. This is why we encouraged FDIs,” said the prime minister.
India achieved record crop production despite natural calamities; production of pulses saw a record, and the government bought 16 lakh ton, ” he added.
PM stressed on digital payments to move towards less cash economy. He said there was 34 percent rise in digital payments in last one year.
“After note ban, 3 lakh shell companies were detected; 1.75 lakh shell companies have been shut,” PM said.
He added that government’s fight against black-money and Demonetisation has helped bring stashed into the formal economy there by increasing the taxpayer net.
“The number of those who filed income tax this year was 56 lakh, more than double the number last year,” PM said.
Stressing on the need to have cooperative federalism for the overall development of India, Narendra Modi said that the government has built a strong relationship with the states.
We are devoting significant attention to eastern India- Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Northeast. These parts have to grow further: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017
Talking about the security situation, the PM said that India’s stature in the world was rising and countries were now giving information about terror threats.
“The world is with us in fighting the menace of terror. I thank all nations helping us doing so,” PM said.
Listing the key policy initiatives of his government, PM Modi talked of crucial schemes implemented across the country by the central government.
Good governance is about speed and simplification of processes: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017
GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST & the role of technology has also helped: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017
Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017
Prime Minister condemned the violent activities done by individuals in the name of religion. He termed such actions ‘poisonous ’
“Violence in the name of faith is not acceptable: says PM, terms casteisism and communalism as poison,” he said
PM Modi said that 2018 will be a crucial year for people born in the 21st century and welcomed the youth who will turn 18 in 2018 to be a part of the force which develops India.
“The upcoming 1 January on 2018 will not be standard. The people who were born in the 21st century will find that this date will decide a lot in their lives,” he said.
Recalling the struggle India had undergone in the past, the Prime Minister gave a call to build new India which advances in the fields of technology and innovation.
“We have to take the country ahead with the determination of creating a ‘New India’, ” he said.
Modi also asked the countrymen to stand by those affected due to natural disasters and the tragedy in Gorakhpur.
“Sympathies of 125 crore people are with victims of these tragedies; Government will extend all possible help,” PM Modi said
People of India stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters & the tragedy in Gorakhpur: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017
PM began his speech by appreciating the efforts of every Indian who sacrificed their lives to make India a free country.
We remember the great women and men who worked hard for India’s freedom: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/J8SVy11tk2 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2017
This is Modi’s fourth address to the country as Prime Minister. He first delivered his speech on August 15, 2014, when he became PM for the first time.
Earlier in the day, PM was welcomed by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley at the venue and later given the guard of honour.
PM offered prayers at Raj Ghat early in the morning before heading to Red Fort.