Andalib Akhter / NEW DELHI
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day where he took excessive pride and self-satisfaction about his achievements as head of government. It was his fifth address from the Red Fort.
PM announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan on 25th September this year – the anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. “ It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get access to good quality and affordable healthcare, he asserted. He said this scheme would positively impact 50 crore people” he said.
The Prime Minister also said, there is a need to ensure social justice for all and create an India that is progressing rapidly. He termed the recently concluded Parliament session as the one devoted to social justice.
On Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Modi said, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had shown us the path of Insaniyat, Kashmiryat and Jamhuriyat. Mr Modi said, his government will move forward in J&K by embracing people, and not by bullet and abuse.
The Prime Minister also pushed for women empowerment, saying that women employed in armed forces through Short Service Commission will be given equal chance as men.
Mr Modi also assured Muslim women of all efforts to stop Triple Talaq.
Mr Modi also said, many parts of the nation witnessed a good monsoon but at the same time parts of India have been affected by floods. He extended Centre’s full support to the states hit by Monsoon fury.
The Prime Minister said, the decision on Minimum Support Price for Kharif crops, which was pending for years, was taken by his government for the benefit of the farmers.
Mr Modi said, with a ‘Beej Se Bazar Tak’ approach, the government is bringing remarkable changes in the agriculture sector, and the aim is to double the farmers’ income by 2022.
The Prime Minister also thanked the business community for the success of the GST and for making it a reality. He said, from being seen as among the fragile five, India is now the land of reform, perform and transform.
The Prime Minister said, his government was able to take a decision on the One Rank One Pension scheme, which was pending for decades. He also said, due to Swachh Bharat mission, lakhs of children can lead healthier lives.
Mr Modi also said, there was a time when Delhi was supposed to be too far for North East, but today the government has brought Delhi to the doorsteps of North East.
Mr Modi also announced that India will send a manned mission Gaganyaan and become the fourth country to send a human into space. He said, an Indian astronaut, be it son or daughter, will go into space in Gaganyaan by the year 2022.