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New Delhi : Addressing the nation on its 73rd Independence Day, PN Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, cited a number of major decisions including revocation of Article 370, strengthening anti-terror laws, reforming medical education and legislation against triple talaq taken by his government in a short ten-week period in its second term. PM Modi said the atmosphere in the country had transformed since he came to power in 2014 as a mood of hopelessness had made way for hope among the masses who, he added, now believe that India can change for better. PM Modi also announced that the government has decided to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS and after formation of this post all the three forces will get effective leadership at the top level.
” It has not even been 10 weeks since the formation of this new Government. But even in a short ten-week period, efforts have been made in all fields and in every direction, new dimensions have been added. People have entrusted us to serve them so that they can achieve their hopes, expectations and aspirations. We are dedicated to your service with complete devotion, without wasting even a single moment. To revoke Article 370 and 35A within 10 weeks is a significant step towards fulfilling the dream of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. In just ten weeks, we made big ticket decisions like bringing about a law against Triple Talaq to protect the rights of our Muslim women, making major amendments in laws to counter terrorism and to make it more stringent and powerful; and transfer of approximately Rs 90,000 crore to the bank accounts of farmers who are beneficiaries of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana,” PM Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
” Our brothers and sisters from the farming community, our small entrepreneurs could never believe that they will ever be able to avail of pension schemes and live a dignified life even after they attain 60 Years, when they are physically weak and need some support. We have implemented a Pension Scheme to meet these needs. It is being predicted that an impending water crisis is staring us in the face. Anticipating such a situation, we have announced the formation of a new dedicated Ministry of Jal Shakti where the Centre and States will together develop schemes and policies to address issues of water crisis,” the PM said.
The PM said that the country needs doctors in huge numbers along with robust health facilities. To fulfil this requirement, we need new laws, upgraded infrastructure, new thinking and create new opportunities to motivate the youth to take up the medical profession, he said and added that his government has taken important steps to bring transparency in Medical Education. “We had started with the mantra Sabka Saath- Sabka Vikas , but within five years, the countrymen have painted the entire mood of the nation with the color of Sabka Vishwas,” he said.
“You would have seen how our Muslim daughters and sisters used to live in fear with the sword of Triple Talaq dangling over their heads. Even if they were not victims of Triple Talaq, they were constantly haunted by the fear that they could be subjected to it anytime. Many Islamic countries abolished this evil practice long time back. But for some reason we were hesitant to give our Muslim mothers and sisters their due rights. If, we can abolish Sati Pratha, if we can enact laws to end female foeticide, if we can raise our voice against child marriage, if we can take strong steps against dowry system in this country, then why can’t we raise our voice against Triple Talaq? We have taken this important decision in the spirit of India’s democracy and constitution, to respect the thinking of Baba Saheb Ambedkar so that our Muslim sisters get equal rights; so that new confidence is generated in them; so that they also become active participants in the India’s development journey. Such decisions are not for political gains. They guarantee a lasting protection to our mothers and sisters,” PM Modi said.
” What was the reason behind revocation of Article 370 and 35A? This is the hallmark of this government. We do not avoid problems, nor do we let them fester. There is no time to delay or neglect problems. The work that was not done in the last 70 years has been accomplished within 70 days after this new government came to power. The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A has been carried out in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha by two-thirds majority. This means that everyone wanted this decision, but perhaps they were waiting for somebody to initiate the same and carry it forward,” Modi thundered.
“If Article 370 was so crucial then why did ruling parties not make it permanent in the last 70 years despite having a majority? Why was it kept temporary? If there was so much of conviction, you should have moved ahead and made it permanent?” the PM asked.