On India’s 78th Independence Day, in his 11th consecutive address, the Prime Minister renewed the push for a Uniform Civil Code, presenting it as a “secular civil code” rooted in the Constitution and a pathway to ensuring legal equality for all citizens.
Key Highlights of the Independence Day Speech
- Theme: “Viksit Bharat.”
- Uniform Civil Code
- Advocacy for UCC: Emphasised the need for a secular civil code to replace the current communal civil code and ensure equality before the law.
- Constitutional Reference: Referenced the Article 44 Directive Principles of State Policy advocating for a UCC, critiquing opposition views against it.
- Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that the State shall endeavour to provide for its citizens a uniform civil code (UCC) throughout the territory of India.
- Viksit Bharat 2047: India is making rapid efforts for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Viksit Bharat 2047 is a campaign that envisions a developed India by 2047, marking its centenary of independence.
- It aims to tackle socio-economic challenges through a holistic approach, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology, and sustainable development.
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- Women’s Safety
- Call for Action: Urged for quick investigations and convictions in crimes against women, emphasising the need for the media to name and shame perpetrators to act as a deterrent.
- Economic Stability
- Critique of Anarchic Forces: Warned against forces attempting to destabilise the economy, implicitly referencing reports and criticism affecting market stability.
- Commitment to Anti-Corruption: Reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting corruption, condemning any celebration of corrupt practices.
- Concerns over Minorities in Bangladesh
- Pragmatic Stance: Expressed concern for the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, advocating for peace and harmony in neighbouring countries.
- One Nation, One Election:
- Simultaneous Polls: Renewed the call for simultaneous elections for Parliament and state assemblies, encouraging reflection by parties on this issue.
- Countering Dynastic Politics: Advocated for increasing youth participation in politics and countering dynastic influence.
- NEET and Medical Education
- Increase in Medical Seats: Announced an increase of 75,000 medical education seats across the country in response to NEET controversy.
- Future Agenda: Set goals for advancing chip-semiconductor manufacturing, improving design standards, and fostering excellence in education.
- Achievements: The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide potable water to every household, has now reached an impressive 15 crore beneficiaries.
- Impetus was given to the global promotion of millets, or ‘shri anna,’ as a desired superfood on every dining table.
- India is the only G20 country to have met its Paris Agreement climate targets ahead of schedule, showcasing the strength and achievement of the nation’s commitment to climate action.
Key Achievements of the Government in the last ten years in some Sectors:
- Space Sector:
- Promoting and enabling private enterprises to carry out independent space activities: The government also approved formation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) that would act as part of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)—to help private players become independent actors instead of being solely vendors or suppliers.
- Other achievements: ISRO’s achievements in space exploration include the Chandrayaan missions for lunar exploration, India’s first interplanetary expedition with the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, and the launch of AstroSat in 2015, which was the country’s first dedicated astronomical mission.
- Agricultural Sector:
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) : The Scheme has become the largest crop insurance scheme in the world in terms of farmer enrolments as well as the third largest scheme in the world in terms of insurance premiums.
- Subsidy on Urea: Urea provided to farmers at ₹300 per bag, with a total subsidy of ₹10 lakh crore.
- Mudra Yojana: Over ₹20 lakh crore allocated to Mudra Yojana, supporting eight crore people in starting new businesses, which in turn created employment for 8-10 crore individuals.
- e-Nam Portal: As of January 31, 2024, 1.77 crore farmers and 2.53 Lakh traders have been registered on eNAM portal
- Total Food Grain Production: The total food grains production for FY23 was 329.7 million tonnes, marking a rise of 14.1 million tonnes compared to the previous year.
- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: ₹2.5 lakh crore directly deposited into farmers’ accounts.
- Manufacturing Sector: India’s manufacturing sector is poised to reach US$ 1 trillion by 2025-26, led by Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, fueled by investments in automobile, electronics, and textile industries. Government initiatives like Make in India and PLI schemes drive growth, attracting FDI and enhancing industrial infrastructure.
- Support for MSMEs During COVID-19: Nearly ₹3.5 lakh crore provided to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during the pandemic.
- Social Sector:
- Development of Local Bodies: Allocation for the development of local bodies rose from ₹70,000 crore to over ₹3 lakh crore.
- Housing for the Poor: Investment in building houses for the poor increased from ₹90,000 crore to over ₹4 lakh crore.
- One Rank One Pension Initiative: ₹70,000 crore allocated to the “One Rank One Pension” scheme, benefiting retired soldiers and their families.
- New Middle Class: 13.5 crore individuals have moved from poverty to the middle class during the first five-year term.
- PM SVANidhi Scheme: ₹50,000 crore allocated to assist street vendors through the PM SVANidhi scheme.
- Vishwakarma Yojana: New scheme to benefit skilled artisans (weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, etc.) with an initial allocation of ₹13-15 thousand crore.
- Jal Jeevan Mission: ₹2 lakh crore spent to provide clean water to every household.
- Health Sector:
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- Ayushman Bharat Yojana: ₹70,000 crore spent to provide medicine, treatment, and quality hospital care to the poor.
- Free Vaccination During COVID-19: ₹40,000 crore invested in providing free vaccines during the Corona crisis.
- Livestock Vaccination: Nearly ₹15,000 crore invested in livestock vaccination to safeguard animal health.
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Reasons for Delhi’s Red Fort Being Chosen for India’s Independence Day Address
- Historical Significance of Delhi as a Seat of Power:
- Delhi became a major capital under the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1506).
- Babur, founder of the Mughal dynasty, referred to Delhi as the “capital of all Hindustan.”
- Shah Jahan established Delhi as the Mughal capital again in 1648, building Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), with the Red Fort as its centrepiece.
- Symbolic Importance of the Red Fort:
- The Mughals ruled from the Red Fort until 1857, with the fort symbolising their authority.
- Despite the decline of Mughal power, the Red Fort remained a symbol of legitimate rule, even during British colonial rule.
- British Imperial Control and the Red Fort:
- After the 1857 rebellion, the British captured Delhi and stripped the Red Fort of its Mughal grandeur, turning it into a British garrison.
- Red Fort as a Symbol of Resistance:
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- Under Subhas Chandra Bose, the Indian National Army (INA) advanced towards India in 1943, aiding Japan.
- Although the effort failed and Bose died in a plane crash, the subsequent treason trials of INA officers at the Red Fort (1945-1946) sparked widespread sympathy and intensified nationalist sentiments, solidifying the Red Fort as a symbol of resistance against British rule.
- Nehru’s decision to hoist the flag over the Red Fort in 1947 was a symbolic act of reclaiming India’s sovereignty and history.
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August 16, 2024
