In his 75th Independence Day address to the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled an ambitious Rs 100 lakh crore master plan for big infrastructure projects to speed up economic development and create more jobs in the country.
Laying out a 25-year roadmap for a New India, the Prime Minister said, “We will launch the Pradahan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Shri Aurobindo dreamt of a developed India. This is the time to dream together and execute it together. India has faith in the 'Can do' generation,” he added.
Highlighting the development taking place in the country, the PM said airports were now being built at a fast pace and the Udan scheme which enables the common man to travel by air has been an unprecedented achievement.
PM Modi pointed out that India is witnessing high foreign investment even during the pandemic and it is the ease of living and doing business that hold the key. There is also a need to reform archaic laws, he explained.
The PM emphasised the need “to be vocal for local products” in order to achieve an Aatam Nirbhar Bharat.
He also said that India is moving towards energy independence and electric mobility. The country is foraying into green hydrogen energy projects and has set the goal of 450 GW of renewable energy for 2030. “Out of this, we have already achieved the 100 GW target well within the scheduled date,” he added.
On the environment front, the Prime Minister said, “We need clean rivers and seas, and there is a need to boost the Swachh Bharat mission. He emphasised the need to shun single-use plastic in this context.
'Beti ki Baat'
Coming to the Beti ki Baat, the Prime Ninister announced that “All Sainik schools will now be open to the girl child as well. We need to ensure equal participation of women in all fields, he added.
Highlighting the achievements of Indian sports, reflected in the best ever Olympics performance at Tokyo, he said that “the change in mindset is a turning point for Indian sports.”
Farmers welfare
The Prime Minister also gave a huge emphasis in his speech to rural development and the welfare of farmers.
He said Svamitva Yojna is transforming the lives of rural citizens. Drones are helping them map their land. “Today, our villages are also getting internet, connectivity and can apply for various welfare schemes and loans online,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the government will launch e-commerce platforms to connect village artisans with the world. "We are witnessing a new phase in the developmental journey of our villages. They not only have electricity and water but are also nurturing digital entrepreneurs," he added.
He also said we need to focus on marginal farmers and the government will build warehouses at the block level to help them market their goods.
“India will now see the prowess of our scientists in the agricultural sector,” he added.
He also mentioned the country’s Act East policy which is ensuring a peaceful North East region.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to all the past leaders who fought the long and hard battle for Independence, saying, "Be it Nehru ji, the first Prime Minister of India, Sardar Patel, who turned the country into a united nation or Babasaheb Ambedkar, who showed India the way to the future, the country is remembering every such personality, the country is indebted to all of them".
Mentioning the ongoing battle against Covid, PM Modi said, "54 crore people have got vaccine doses. The way India gave free food to 80 crore poor people is noteworthy… It is true that we don't have the infrastructure like nations. Despite all the efforts, we have not been able to save many people. Many children lost their parents," he lamented.
