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Address by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee to members of both houses of Parliament

Published By : Admin | January 31, 2017 | 15:44 IST

Honourable Members, 

  1. In this Basant season of renewal and resurgence, I welcome you all to this Joint Session of both Houses of Parliament. This is a historic session  heralding the advancement of the Budget cycle and merger of the Railway Budget with the General Budget for the first time in independent India. We gather once again to celebrate democracy, a cherished value and culture that has prospered throughout the long history of our nation.  Indeed, a culture that guides my government towards Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

 

  1. The ideal of saha na vavatu, saha nau bhunaktu - May we be protected together and blessed together with bliss - has inspired our civilisation from time immemorial.  This year marks the 350th birth anniversary of the great Sikh Guru - Guru Gobind Singhji.  We are also observing the one thousandth birth anniversary of the great saint-philosopher Ramanujacharya. The luminous path of social transformation and reform shown by them serves as a beacon for all, and is an inspiration to my government.

 

  1. This year marks the Centenary year of Champaran Satyagraha, which gave a new direction to our freedom struggle and channelised janashakti in the fight against colonial power. Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of Satyagraha instilled in every Indian an indomitable self-belief, and spirit of sacrifice for the larger good.  This janashakti is today our greatest strength. 

 

  1. The resilience and forbearance demonstrated by our countrymen, particularly the poor, recently in the fight against black money and corruption, is remarkable. The same spirit has driven the LPG ''Give It Up Campaign." Over 1.2 crore consumers have voluntarily given up their LPG subsidy, which has helped the underprivileged in accessing LPG connections. This janashakti has transformed Swachh Bharat Mission into a jan-andolan. 1.4 lakh villages, over 450 cities, 77 districts and 3 states have  declared themselves Open Defecation Free. My government salutes the strength of janashakti and pledges to constructively utilise it in Rashtra Nirman.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. At the core of all my Government's policies is the welfare of the garib, dalit, peedit, shoshit, vanchit, kisan, shramik and yuva. My government is guided by the Antyodaya philosophy of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. His centenary year is being observed as Garib Kalyan Varsh. 

 

  1. Financial inclusion is key to poverty alleviation. An unprecedented 26 crore plus Jan Dhan accounts have been opened for the unbanked. Over 20 crore RUPAY debit cards have been issued to enable cashless payments. Moving swiftly from “Jan Dhan to Jan Suraksha” close to 13 crore poor have been covered under various social security schemes.

 

  1. To take the banking system to the doorstep of the poor and the unbanked, the Indian Postal Payment Bank has been started. The postal network with wider reach and deep penetration of over 1.5 lakh post offices will also function as postal banks. Besides the over 1 lakh bank-mitras appointed by banks, over 2.5 lakh Gram-Dak-Sewaks will also function as banking correspondents.

 

  1. Over Rs 2 Lakh Crore has been provided through 5.6 crore loans sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana to ensure collateral-free bank financing for the unfunded, and to promote small businesses. Seventy percent of this has been availed of by women entrepreneurs.

 

  1. Under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, which aims to empower women, particularly from the deprived sections, over Rs. Sixteen Thousand crore have been made available to Self Help Groups in the current Financial Year. The scheme aims to reach out to nearly 5 crore women soon.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. My Government has taken many initiatives to improve the quality of life of the poor through assured housing, affordable healthcare, safe drinking water and sanitation, and access to clean energy.

 

  1. My Government is committed to provide shelter to every houseless poor household through the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana with appropriate interest subvention on housing credit.
  1. Poor sanitation further weakens the economic wherewithal of a poor household. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to ensure health and sanitation, particularly for the poor. Under this mission, more than 3 crore toilets have been constructed.

 

  1. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana will make clean energy accessible to the poor. This scheme aims to safeguard the health of women and children by providing them with a clean cooking fuel – LPG, liberating them from the ill-effects of smoky kitchens, and long hours of collecting firewood. Free gas connections are being provided to 5 crore poor households. Already 1.5 crore connections have been provided in the current financial year. It is noteworthy that 37 percent of the Ujjwala beneficiaries belong to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

 

  1. Under Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojana, out of the over 18,000 villages which have been in darkness since independence, over 11,000 have been electrified in a record time. Under UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)  programme, over 20 crore LED bulbs have been distributed, resulting in savings of more than Rs. Ten thousand crore in the electricity bills of consumers, majority of whom are poor.

 

  1. Several steps have been taken to make healthcare affordable and accessible to every citizen of our country, particularly the poor. Mission Indradhanush commits to vaccinate “every child everywhere” against preventable diseases. It has so far benefited 55 lakh children. Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadi Pariyojana has been launched to ensure that the poor have access to quality medicines at affordable prices. Special facilities created to control the endemic Japanese encephalitis have yielded encouraging results in significantly reducing mortality due to this disease.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. In Kisan's welfare lies the nation's prosperity. A favourable monsoon after consecutive years of drought, supplemented by farmer-oriented schemes has increased the acreage and yield of most Kharif crops. The sown area in the current Rabi season has shown six percent increase in comparison to last year.

 

  1. My Government has taken various steps to transform the lives of our farmers. Focus has been on holistic development of agriculture sector - making available affordable credit, ensuring assured supply of seeds and fertilizers, improving irrigation facilities, comprehensive risk coverage, improving productivity through Soil Health Cards, assured market and remunerative prices for the produce through e-NAM (National Agriculture Market).

 

  1. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana expanded the ambit of risk-coverage, doubled the sum insured, and facilitated lowest-ever premium for the farmers. During Kharif 2016, around 3.66 crore farmers were insured for a sum of Rs. 1.4 lakh crore.

 

  1. With the objective of digitisation of all the live Kisan Credit Cards, another three crore cards will be converted into RUPAY debit cards soon.   The corpus of NABARD fund has been doubled to Rs. Forty One Thousand crore to ensure easy credit access to farmers.

 

  1. With focus on Per Drop More Crop and “Har Khet ko Pani”, coverage under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has been expanded. More than 12.7 lakh hectares have been brought under micro irrigation in the last two years.

 

  1. Honourable Members may recall that soaring prices of pulses was a matter of grave concern around this time last year. My government has taken proactive steps and prices of pulses are now under control.  To ensure fair price for farmers and to protect consumers, a buffer stock of 20 lakh tonnes of pulses has been envisaged against which 8 lakh tonnes of pulses have already been procured.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. My government is making Nari Shakti an integral part of our development journey. Our women deserve equal opportunity. The Rio Olympics, where we took great pride in the performance of P.V. Sindhu, Sakshi Malik, Deepa Karmakar and others, illustrates the strength of our women. Women are being inducted in combat streams of our Armed Forces. The nation is proud of its first three women fighter pilots. This reminds us of what we can achieve, as a nation, if women are fully empowered, and if their skills and talent are optimally utilised.

 

  1. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme that addresses the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio, is yielding encouraging results. Under the Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, launched with an objective of ensuring a secure future to our girl child, over one crore accounts have been opened and an amount of over Rs. eleven thousand crore has been deposited. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan will provide comprehensive ante-natal care by a qualified medical practitioner to all pregnant women. The revision of Maternity Benefit Act and enhancement of maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks will support pregnant women at the workplace. 

 

Honourable Members,

  1. 65 percent of our population today is below the age of 35. Our youth is our greatest strength and yuva urja needs to be effectively channelised. With the motto of “Har Haath ko Hunar”, my government has taken several steps for skilling the youth and improving their employability. The work of skill development, that was earlier spread across 21 ministries and 50 departments, has been brought under one umbrella Ministry. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana has been launched with a budget outlay of Rs. Twelve thousand crore, to train One crore youth over the next four years. Over 20 lakh youth have already benefited. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme has been launched with a budget outlay of Rs. Ten thousand crore. 978 employment exchanges spread across the country have been integrated as part of the National Career Service Portal.

 

  1. My Government has opened new avenues and made higher technical education more accessible to students from economically weaker sections. For the first time, ITI trainees have been provided with academic equivalence at matriculation and higher secondary level through bridge courses to enable them to pursue higher education. With the objective of providing training of international standards to youth, a nation-wide network of 50 India International Skill Centres is being established.  The Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana has been launched for promoting entrepreneurship education and training amongst 7 lakh students.

 

  1. My government has announced a package of Rs. Six thousand crore to boost employment generation and exports in the apparel and made-ups sector. This package is expected to generate over 1.1 crore jobs, mostly for women. 

 

Honourable Members,

  1. Shram-eva jayate (श्रमेव जयते) is one of the foremost guiding principles of my government and several measures have been taken for the welfare of the shramik. For the first time ever, minimum wages have been increased by 42 percent in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. For bonus coverage, the calculation ceiling limit has been doubled to Rs. Seven thousand, and the eligibility limit increased from Rs. Ten thousand to Rs. Twenty One thousand. This will directly benefit an additional 55 lakh workers. The Universal Account Number has ensured portability of EPF accounts and has safeguarded the interest of crores of workers. 

 

  1. Workers employed in the informal sector will benefit the most from my Government’s decision to enable employers to pay wages to their employees through banks. This will increase compliance of payment of minimum wages. It shall ensure that workers in the unorganized sector also enjoy health benefits under Employees State Insurance Corporation and social security through Provident Fund.

 

  1. Implementation of the 7th Pay Commission has benefited 50 lakh employees and 35 lakh pensioners. To protect senior citizens from the impact of interest-rate fluctuations, interest rate for senior citizens has been fixed at 8 percent payable monthly for a period of 10 years.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. Social and economic equality for the deprived and disempowered sections is the first promise of our constitution. My government is committed to fulfil this promise.

 

  1. Through the Stand-up India initiative, my government plans to empower over two and a half lakh Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women entrepreneurs. For promoting entrepreneurship, the National Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Hub has been launched, with an initial allocation of Rs. 490 crore.

 

  1. Under the Forest Rights Act, about 16.5 lakh Individual Forest Rights titles have been granted over an area of 55.4 lakh acres of forest land. Further, Community Forest Rights titles have been distributed over an area of about 47 lakh acres of forest land.

 

  1. The location of our mineral wealth largely coincides with tribal habitations in our country. The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana will serve the dual purpose of ensuring sustainable mining activity as well as local area development for the betterment of the tribals and the poor inhabitants in the mining areas. District Mineral Foundation is a novel initiative in this regard.

 

  1. My government has increased the allocation under the Tribal sub-plan. Fourteen different sectors have been identified under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana for the empowerment of tribals. 100 out of the 300 clusters envisaged under the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission, will be developed in tribal areas.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. The success of the Indian cricket team at the World cup for the Blind, 2014 and the Indian Paralympics contingent at Rio 2016 demonstrates that our Divyang jan can scale great heights, if  afforded an opportunity. My Government is committed to providing the Divyang jan equal opportunities for development. Besides increasing the percentage of reservation for Divyang jan from 3 to 4 percent in government jobs, my government has accelerated filling up of backlog vacancies. Over 6 lakh Divyang jan have so far benefitted from 4700 special assistance camps organised across the country since May 2014.

 

  1. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan is improving accessibility for the Divyang jan at public places. For the first time, Speech and Language Disability, and Specific Learning Disability have been included in The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. A common sign language is being developed for the entire country. The Niramaya Swasthya Bima Yojana provides Divyang jan affected by autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and those with multiple disabilities, a health insurance cover of up to One lakh rupees.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. Like the strings of sitar, which produce different notes but come together to create a beautiful melody, people professing different faiths and religions constitute the spirit of India and contribute to the strength of the nation. The courage and sacrifice of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, whose 300th martyrdom anniversary we observe this year; and the spirit of selfless service of Mother Teresa, who was cannonised recently, inspire us in equal measure. My government has taken several measures to ensure that the aspirations of people from all communities are fulfilled, and a more focussed approach has been taken towards inclusive development of the notified minority communities, namely Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis and Jains. While scholarship and fellowship schemes have encouraged their educational empowerment; skill development schemes like Seekho aur kamao, Usttad and Nai Manzil have enabled their economic empowerment. 

 

  1. Just as all the drops of rainwater and streams converge in an ocean, all the policies of my government converge for the welfare of the poor, deprived and the underprivileged. From giving house to the shelter less to electrifying un-electrified villages, from giving free LPG connections to supplying LED bulbs to the poor, from Jan Dhan to Jan Suraksha, from making available affordable health care to providing quality education to the poor --- central to all the policies of my government is the welfare of the poor.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. Balanced and equitable development of all regions is vital to India's progress. Under its proactive "Act East" policy, my government is focussing on reducing the isolation of the Eastern region and North-east by improving connectivity through road, rail, air, telecom, power and waterways.

 

  1. My Government has started the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga with the execution of Two Thousand Five Hundred kilometres long Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline Project. With an investment of around Rs. Twelve thousand Five hundred crore, this project will cater to energy requirements of five states, covering 40 districts and 2,600 villages. This project will also lead to the revival of three large fertilizer plants, industrialization of more than 20 cities and city gas network development in 7 cities.

 

  1. My Government sees the North Eastern states as the Ashtalakshmi that can take India to new heights. The North East is the gateway to South East Asia. We are opening up road and rail routes to our neighbouring countries to boost the economic development of the region.

 

  1. To ensure unhindered support and development of North Eastern states, my government is continuing with the special dispensation in the assistance pattern to the North-eastern states, and is providing assistance in the ratio of 90:10 for core central schemes and 80:20 for non-core schemes to these states.

 

  1. By the end of the year, all Meter-Gauge tracks in the north-eastern states will be converted to Broad-Gauge. The railways have undertaken a major expansion in the region at a cost of around Rs. Ten thousand crore. Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have been put on the rail map, Agartala in Tripura has been connected with broad gauge line.

 

  1. The Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited and Numaligarh Refinery Limited’s wax unit are big projects that will create huge employment opportunities in the North East region. The Government has approved North East BPO promotion scheme in the Digital India programme for creation of employment opportunities.

 

  1. The beauty and diversity of the North East makes it a natural hub for tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has identified a thematic circuit for the North East region.

 

  1. My government has provided special financial assistance to mitigate the damages caused by unprecedented floods in the hilly and other areas of the country.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. From highways to i-ways; from railways to waterways; from seaports to airports; from water pipelines to gas pipelines, from earth sciences to satellites, from rural infrastructure to smart cities, creation of vital next-generation infrastructure has received special attention of my government.

 

  1. For modernization of Railways, the highest-ever capital outlay of Rs. 1.21 lakh crore has been provided. My government aims to connect all rural habitations with all weather roads. 73,000 kilometres of road has been built so far in rural areas. More than five thousand  kilometres of roads in 44 Left Wing Extremism affected districts are being upgraded. The National Civil Aviation Policy, will give a major boost to air connectivity in the smaller cities and towns. Under the BharatNet Project, Optical Fibre Cables now cover over 75,700 Gram Panchayats, up from only 59 in May 2014.

 

  1. India has launched 8 operational missions covering meteorological, navigation, and earth observation and communication satellites. ISRO completed the seven-satellite constellation of Indian Regional Navigational Satellite Systems, NaviC (नाविक). ISRO added another feather to its cap this year by successfully launching 20 satellites in a highest-ever single launch.

 

  1. My government is committed to optimally harness our marine wealth and give a new impetus to ocean-led development. Under the Sagarmala programme on port-led development, a total of 199 projects with an outlay of over Rs. Three lakh crore have been identified for implementation in the next three years. Of these, projects of more than Rs. One lakh crore are already under implementation. The seas surrounding the Indian Peninsula contain One thousand Three hundred and Eighty Two of our islands, out of which, to begin with, 26 have been earmarked for integrated development. The Blue Economy, with focus on sustainable development of fisheries will continue to receive our special attention.

 

  1. As a reaffirmation of our commitment to clean energy, my government has taken giant strides in increasing our renewable energy capacity to 47 Giga Watts so far, against our target of 175 Giga Watts.

 

  1. Placing fresh impetus on rural infrastructure, untied financial resources of over Rs. Two lakh crore are being transferred to Gram Panchayats during 2015-20. The allocation to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in 2016-17 has been over Rs. Forty Seven thousand crore which is the highest ever since the inception of the programme and the focus is now on creation of durable assets and rural infrastructure.

 

  1. Giving a major boost to creation of urban infrastructure, annual action plan for 500 cities with an outlay of Rs. Fifty thousand crore has been approved. Metro Rail Projects have been sanctioned for four cities including Ahmedabad, Nagpur and Pune, and an extension of Chennai Metro has also been approved.  

 

Honourable Members,

  1. My Government has taken bold decisions in the interest of the poor.

 

  1. To combat the evils of black-money, corruption, counterfeit currency and terror financing, my government took the decision on 8th November, 2016 to demonetize old five hundred and one thousand rupee currency notes. My Government’s very first cabinet decision was to set up an SIT on black-money. The passing of Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, amendments to treaties with Singapore, Cyprus and Mauritius to prevent misuse of provisions in such treaties for tax evasion and movement of black-money in India and the Taxation Amendment Act providing for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, have together resulted in a comprehensive policy backed initiative against black-money.

 

  1. The four-decade old demand of one-rank-one-pension (OROP) of our Armed Forces veterans has been fulfilled. The total financial implications would be around Rs. Eleven thousand crore. More than Rs. Six thousand Two hundred crore have been released in two tranches benefiting over 19.6 lakh veterans.

 

  1. My government has taken decisive steps to give a fitting reply to the repeated incursions on our territorial sovereignty. On 29th September 2016 our defence forces successfully conducted surgical strikes at several launch pads along the Line of Control to prevent infiltration by terrorists. We are proud of the exemplary courage and valour displayed by our defence personnel and owe a debt of the gratitude to them.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. Transforming the culture of governance, my Government has simplified procedures, repealed obsolete laws and eliminated scope for corruption.

 

  1. The Direct Benefit Transfer programme of subsidies through the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity has prevented leakages and helped save Rs Thirty Six thousand crore. PAHAL is the world’s largest cash benefit transfer scheme that has saved over Rs. Twenty One thousand crore in two years. Digidhan Abhiyaan and Two lakh Common Service Centres are providing employment to over 5 lakh youth, and spreading digital literacy.

 

  1. The launch of mobile app - BHIM - Bharat Interface for Money - is a tribute to the vision of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar who sought economic empowerment of the poorest. Within a few days, it has become one of the most popular mobile app-based payment mechanisms in the country. The biometric AADHAAR Payment system to be launched soon will usher a technological revolution in India.

 

  1. Coal block and spectrum auctions illustrate the highest standards of transparency set by my government in allocation of natural resources. To carry this forward, government procurements have been brought under a single platform - Government eMarket Place (GeM).

 

  1. The process of recruitment to government jobs has been made simpler and transparent by dispensing with interviews for recruitments to over Thirty Four lakh non-gazetted posts. The process of appointments to senior positions in government has also been streamlined and is guided solely by objectivity, merit and integrity.

 

  1. Over Eleven hundred obsolete laws have been repealed and 400 more are in the process of being repealed. Legislations relating to Women, Divyang jan, Labour, Apprentices, Factories, Benami Transactions, Aadhaar and Real Estate, to mention a few - mirrors my Government's guiding philosophy of Transparency, and Social Justice.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. Frequent elections put on hold development programmes, disrupt normal public life, and impact essential services and burden human resource with prolonged periods of election duty. My government welcomes a constructive debate on simultaneous conduct of elections  to Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies. Funding of elections to eradicate the misuse of money power also needs to be debated.  My Government would welcome any decision taken by the Election Commission in this regard after consultations with political parties. 

 

Honourable Members,

  1. Celebrating the cultural diversity along with the richness of language and heritage of every state, my government has started the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme. The uniqueness of this programme is to pair and entwine two different states with diverse cultures for over a year so that each state can assimilate the cultural spirit of the other.
  2. Taking forward the concept of cooperative federalism through One nation-One tax and One nation-One market, both Houses of Parliament passed the Goods and Services Tax Act. 17 states governed by political parties across the political spectrum ratified this in a record 23 days. My Government is thankful to the GST Council for working to resolve outstanding issues.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. India has been widely acclaimed as a bright spot in the global economy, at a time when global growth has been slow. The rate of inflation, the balance of payments, current account deficit and the fiscal deficit have been consistently reduced since 2014. Foreign Direct Investment and foreign exchange reserves have reached record levels. The country's macroeconomic fundamentals are very strong, creating a platform for sustained high growth.

 

  1. FDI inflows in 2015-16 were US $ 55.6 billion, the highest-ever for any financial year.My Government further liberalized FDI policy provisions in various sectors in June 2016.
  1. My Government is closely working with the State Governments to identify constraints in doing business. The rankings of the States/UTs show that the national implementation average of reforms stands at around 49 percent, much higher than last year’s 32 percent. India is ranked third in the list of top prospective host economies for 2016-18 in the World Investment Report 2016 released by UNCTAD (अंकटाड).

 

Honourable Members,

  1. India has been facing the grave challenge of terrorism for the last four decades. Terrorism poses a serious danger to the global community. India will actively collaborate with other nations in decisively defeating these forces. My government is committed to combating terrorism, and to ensure that the perpetrators of such acts are brought to justice.

 

  1. The State of Jammu and Kashmir has been affected by terrorism sponsored and supported from across the border. The attempts of infiltration, incidents of terrorist violence and loss of precious lives of civilians and security personnel remain a cause of grave concern.

 

  1. There has been considerable success in containing Left Wing Extremism over the last three years, with the surrender of over 2600 extremists. The security situation in the North Eastern states has also shown significant improvement.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. My Government, committed to the  philosophy of partnerships for peace and progress, continues its active diplomacy aimed at facilitating national development, enhancing our security, and ensuring greater Indian influence in global fora.

 

  1. The intensity of our international engagements has helped us shape a diverse and purposeful agenda with our global partners. There has been a consolidation of relations with friendly countries and major powers. The common desire of the South Asian region for greater prosperity and development led most of its nations to make common cause in their opposition to terrorism. Membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and signing of the Memorandum of Obligations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation were further reflections of India’s growing and multi-dimensional role in global affairs.

 

  1. India hosted the eighth BRICS Summit at Goa with its BIMSTEC outreach, and the sixth Heart of Asia Conference at Amritsar, marking important contributions to our regional and pluri-lateral outreach. India hosted a three day Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Delhi, in which more than 50 Asian and Pacific countries participated.

 

  1. There are over Thirty million Overseas Indians, settled in almost every corner of the world. They continue to make invaluable contributions to Indian society and economy. My government will maximize the strengths of Indian diaspora in nation building and for deepening our global outreach.

 

  1. Realising the importance of developing tourism, my Government has approved the new e-VISA policy and expanded the scope of e-tourist visa to include purposes such as short-term medical treatment and business trips. 161 countries are now covered under e-VISA. With over 88 lakh foreign tourist arrivals in 2016, tourism sector has shown a growth rate of over 10 percent.

 

  1. India ratified the Paris agreement on 2nd October 2016, thereby sending a strong message of our commitment to combating climate change with focus on climate justice and sustainable lifestyle. The United Nations Environment Programme has recognized India as one of the countries on track in achieving its voluntary goals. 25 nations have signed the Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance, the first treaty based organisation initiated by India.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. Indians today have a deep sense of pride in the awakening of India caused by the momentous steps my government has undertaken. Our fellow citizens have exhibited great solidarity with our endeavours in transforming India. My government reiterates its commitment to fulfil the aspirations of our citizens. The Vision of Mahatma Gandhi and other founding fathers lays down a great path for a resurgent India. This path is of debate, discussion, accommodation and understanding. It is the rich tradition of Samvaad, Samanvay and Samvedna that will continue to guide the spirit of our nation building.

 

Honourable Members,

  1. We gather here today to redeem the trust reposed by our countrymen, particularly the poor, in the sacred Institution of Parliament.  Every action of ours, in this temple of democracy must be an offering at the altar of the innumerable sacrifices that have built this nation. Let us work towards a common future, seeded in the promise of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, that will bring to all the equality and dignity enshrined in our constitution.

Jai Hind!

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Text of PM Modi's address at the Parliament of Guyana
November 21, 2024

Hon’ble Speaker, मंज़ूर नादिर जी,
Hon’ble Prime Minister,मार्क एंथनी फिलिप्स जी,
Hon’ble, वाइस प्रेसिडेंट भरत जगदेव जी,
Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition,
Hon’ble Ministers,
Members of the Parliament,
Hon’ble The चांसलर ऑफ द ज्यूडिशियरी,
अन्य महानुभाव,
देवियों और सज्जनों,

गयाना की इस ऐतिहासिक पार्लियामेंट में, आप सभी ने मुझे अपने बीच आने के लिए निमंत्रित किया, मैं आपका बहुत-बहुत आभारी हूं। कल ही गयाना ने मुझे अपना सर्वोच्च सम्मान दिया है। मैं इस सम्मान के लिए भी आप सभी का, गयाना के हर नागरिक का हृदय से आभार व्यक्त करता हूं। गयाना का हर नागरिक मेरे लिए ‘स्टार बाई’ है। यहां के सभी नागरिकों को धन्यवाद! ये सम्मान मैं भारत के प्रत्येक नागरिक को समर्पित करता हूं।

साथियों,

भारत और गयाना का नाता बहुत गहरा है। ये रिश्ता, मिट्टी का है, पसीने का है,परिश्रम का है करीब 180 साल पहले, किसी भारतीय का पहली बार गयाना की धरती पर कदम पड़ा था। उसके बाद दुख में,सुख में,कोई भी परिस्थिति हो, भारत और गयाना का रिश्ता, आत्मीयता से भरा रहा है। India Arrival Monument इसी आत्मीय जुड़ाव का प्रतीक है। अब से कुछ देर बाद, मैं वहां जाने वाला हूं,

साथियों,

आज मैं भारत के प्रधानमंत्री के रूप में आपके बीच हूं, लेकिन 24 साल पहले एक जिज्ञासु के रूप में मुझे इस खूबसूरत देश में आने का अवसर मिला था। आमतौर पर लोग ऐसे देशों में जाना पसंद करते हैं, जहां तामझाम हो, चकाचौंध हो। लेकिन मुझे गयाना की विरासत को, यहां के इतिहास को जानना था,समझना था, आज भी गयाना में कई लोग मिल जाएंगे, जिन्हें मुझसे हुई मुलाकातें याद होंगीं, मेरी तब की यात्रा से बहुत सी यादें जुड़ी हुई हैं, यहां क्रिकेट का पैशन, यहां का गीत-संगीत, और जो बात मैं कभी नहीं भूल सकता, वो है चटनी, चटनी भारत की हो या फिर गयाना की, वाकई कमाल की होती है,

साथियों,

बहुत कम ऐसा होता है, जब आप किसी दूसरे देश में जाएं,और वहां का इतिहास आपको अपने देश के इतिहास जैसा लगे,पिछले दो-ढाई सौ साल में भारत और गयाना ने एक जैसी गुलामी देखी, एक जैसा संघर्ष देखा, दोनों ही देशों में गुलामी से मुक्ति की एक जैसी ही छटपटाहट भी थी, आजादी की लड़ाई में यहां भी,औऱ वहां भी, कितने ही लोगों ने अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया, यहां गांधी जी के करीबी सी एफ एंड्रूज हों, ईस्ट इंडियन एसोसिएशन के अध्यक्ष जंग बहादुर सिंह हों, सभी ने गुलामी से मुक्ति की ये लड़ाई मिलकर लड़ी,आजादी पाई। औऱ आज हम दोनों ही देश,दुनिया में डेमोक्रेसी को मज़बूत कर रहे हैं। इसलिए आज गयाना की संसद में, मैं आप सभी का,140 करोड़ भारतवासियों की तरफ से अभिनंदन करता हूं, मैं गयाना संसद के हर प्रतिनिधि को बधाई देता हूं। गयाना में डेमोक्रेसी को मजबूत करने के लिए आपका हर प्रयास, दुनिया के विकास को मजबूत कर रहा है।

साथियों,

डेमोक्रेसी को मजबूत बनाने के प्रयासों के बीच, हमें आज वैश्विक परिस्थितियों पर भी लगातार नजर ऱखनी है। जब भारत और गयाना आजाद हुए थे, तो दुनिया के सामने अलग तरह की चुनौतियां थीं। आज 21वीं सदी की दुनिया के सामने, अलग तरह की चुनौतियां हैं।
दूसरे विश्व युद्ध के बाद बनी व्यवस्थाएं और संस्थाएं,ध्वस्त हो रही हैं, कोरोना के बाद जहां एक नए वर्ल्ड ऑर्डर की तरफ बढ़ना था, दुनिया दूसरी ही चीजों में उलझ गई, इन परिस्थितियों में,आज विश्व के सामने, आगे बढ़ने का सबसे मजबूत मंत्र है-"Democracy First- Humanity First” "Democracy First की भावना हमें सिखाती है कि सबको साथ लेकर चलो,सबको साथ लेकर सबके विकास में सहभागी बनो। Humanity First” की भावना हमारे निर्णयों की दिशा तय करती है, जब हम Humanity First को अपने निर्णयों का आधार बनाते हैं, तो नतीजे भी मानवता का हित करने वाले होते हैं।

साथियों,

हमारी डेमोक्रेटिक वैल्यूज इतनी मजबूत हैं कि विकास के रास्ते पर चलते हुए हर उतार-चढ़ाव में हमारा संबल बनती हैं। एक इंक्लूसिव सोसायटी के निर्माण में डेमोक्रेसी से बड़ा कोई माध्यम नहीं। नागरिकों का कोई भी मत-पंथ हो, उसका कोई भी बैकग्राउंड हो, डेमोक्रेसी हर नागरिक को उसके अधिकारों की रक्षा की,उसके उज्जवल भविष्य की गारंटी देती है। और हम दोनों देशों ने मिलकर दिखाया है कि डेमोक्रेसी सिर्फ एक कानून नहीं है,सिर्फ एक व्यवस्था नहीं है, हमने दिखाया है कि डेमोक्रेसी हमारे DNA में है, हमारे विजन में है, हमारे आचार-व्यवहार में है।

साथियों,

हमारी ह्यूमन सेंट्रिक अप्रोच,हमें सिखाती है कि हर देश,हर देश के नागरिक उतने ही अहम हैं, इसलिए, जब विश्व को एकजुट करने की बात आई, तब भारत ने अपनी G-20 प्रेसीडेंसी के दौरान One Earth, One Family, One Future का मंत्र दिया। जब कोरोना का संकट आया, पूरी मानवता के सामने चुनौती आई, तब भारत ने One Earth, One Health का संदेश दिया। जब क्लाइमेट से जुड़े challenges में हर देश के प्रयासों को जोड़ना था, तब भारत ने वन वर्ल्ड, वन सन, वन ग्रिड का विजन रखा, जब दुनिया को प्राकृतिक आपदाओं से बचाने के लिए सामूहिक प्रयास जरूरी हुए, तब भारत ने CDRI यानि कोएलिशन फॉर डिज़ास्टर रज़ीलिएंट इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर का initiative लिया। जब दुनिया में pro-planet people का एक बड़ा नेटवर्क तैयार करना था, तब भारत ने मिशन LiFE जैसा एक global movement शुरु किया,

साथियों,

"Democracy First- Humanity First” की इसी भावना पर चलते हुए, आज भारत विश्वबंधु के रूप में विश्व के प्रति अपना कर्तव्य निभा रहा है। दुनिया के किसी भी देश में कोई भी संकट हो, हमारा ईमानदार प्रयास होता है कि हम फर्स्ट रिस्पॉन्डर बनकर वहां पहुंचे। आपने कोरोना का वो दौर देखा है, जब हर देश अपने-अपने बचाव में ही जुटा था। तब भारत ने दुनिया के डेढ़ सौ से अधिक देशों के साथ दवाएं और वैक्सीन्स शेयर कीं। मुझे संतोष है कि भारत, उस मुश्किल दौर में गयाना की जनता को भी मदद पहुंचा सका। दुनिया में जहां-जहां युद्ध की स्थिति आई,भारत राहत और बचाव के लिए आगे आया। श्रीलंका हो, मालदीव हो, जिन भी देशों में संकट आया, भारत ने आगे बढ़कर बिना स्वार्थ के मदद की, नेपाल से लेकर तुर्की और सीरिया तक, जहां-जहां भूकंप आए, भारत सबसे पहले पहुंचा है। यही तो हमारे संस्कार हैं, हम कभी भी स्वार्थ के साथ आगे नहीं बढ़े, हम कभी भी विस्तारवाद की भावना से आगे नहीं बढ़े। हम Resources पर कब्जे की, Resources को हड़पने की भावना से हमेशा दूर रहे हैं। मैं मानता हूं,स्पेस हो,Sea हो, ये यूनीवर्सल कन्फ्लिक्ट के नहीं बल्कि यूनिवर्सल को-ऑपरेशन के विषय होने चाहिए। दुनिया के लिए भी ये समय,Conflict का नहीं है, ये समय, Conflict पैदा करने वाली Conditions को पहचानने और उनको दूर करने का है। आज टेरेरिज्म, ड्रग्स, सायबर क्राइम, ऐसी कितनी ही चुनौतियां हैं, जिनसे मुकाबला करके ही हम अपनी आने वाली पीढ़ियों का भविष्य संवार पाएंगे। और ये तभी संभव है, जब हम Democracy First- Humanity First को सेंटर स्टेज देंगे।

साथियों,

भारत ने हमेशा principles के आधार पर, trust और transparency के आधार पर ही अपनी बात की है। एक भी देश, एक भी रीजन पीछे रह गया, तो हमारे global goals कभी हासिल नहीं हो पाएंगे। तभी भारत कहता है – Every Nation Matters ! इसलिए भारत, आयलैंड नेशन्स को Small Island Nations नहीं बल्कि Large ओशिन कंट्रीज़ मानता है। इसी भाव के तहत हमने इंडियन ओशन से जुड़े आयलैंड देशों के लिए सागर Platform बनाया। हमने पैसिफिक ओशन के देशों को जोड़ने के लिए भी विशेष फोरम बनाया है। इसी नेक नीयत से भारत ने जी-20 की प्रेसिडेंसी के दौरान अफ्रीकन यूनियन को जी-20 में शामिल कराकर अपना कर्तव्य निभाया।

साथियों,

आज भारत, हर तरह से वैश्विक विकास के पक्ष में खड़ा है,शांति के पक्ष में खड़ा है, इसी भावना के साथ आज भारत, ग्लोबल साउथ की भी आवाज बना है। भारत का मत है कि ग्लोबल साउथ ने अतीत में बहुत कुछ भुगता है। हमने अतीत में अपने स्वभाव औऱ संस्कारों के मुताबिक प्रकृति को सुरक्षित रखते हुए प्रगति की। लेकिन कई देशों ने Environment को नुकसान पहुंचाते हुए अपना विकास किया। आज क्लाइमेट चेंज की सबसे बड़ी कीमत, ग्लोबल साउथ के देशों को चुकानी पड़ रही है। इस असंतुलन से दुनिया को निकालना बहुत आवश्यक है।

साथियों,

भारत हो, गयाना हो, हमारी भी विकास की आकांक्षाएं हैं, हमारे सामने अपने लोगों के लिए बेहतर जीवन देने के सपने हैं। इसके लिए ग्लोबल साउथ की एकजुट आवाज़ बहुत ज़रूरी है। ये समय ग्लोबल साउथ के देशों की Awakening का समय है। ये समय हमें एक Opportunity दे रहा है कि हम एक साथ मिलकर एक नया ग्लोबल ऑर्डर बनाएं। और मैं इसमें गयाना की,आप सभी जनप्रतिनिधियों की भी बड़ी भूमिका देख रहा हूं।

साथियों,

यहां अनेक women members मौजूद हैं। दुनिया के फ्यूचर को, फ्यूचर ग्रोथ को, प्रभावित करने वाला एक बहुत बड़ा फैक्टर दुनिया की आधी आबादी है। बीती सदियों में महिलाओं को Global growth में कंट्रीब्यूट करने का पूरा मौका नहीं मिल पाया। इसके कई कारण रहे हैं। ये किसी एक देश की नहीं,सिर्फ ग्लोबल साउथ की नहीं,बल्कि ये पूरी दुनिया की कहानी है।
लेकिन 21st सेंचुरी में, global prosperity सुनिश्चित करने में महिलाओं की बहुत बड़ी भूमिका होने वाली है। इसलिए, अपनी G-20 प्रेसीडेंसी के दौरान, भारत ने Women Led Development को एक बड़ा एजेंडा बनाया था।

साथियों,

भारत में हमने हर सेक्टर में, हर स्तर पर, लीडरशिप की भूमिका देने का एक बड़ा अभियान चलाया है। भारत में हर सेक्टर में आज महिलाएं आगे आ रही हैं। पूरी दुनिया में जितने पायलट्स हैं, उनमें से सिर्फ 5 परसेंट महिलाएं हैं। जबकि भारत में जितने पायलट्स हैं, उनमें से 15 परसेंट महिलाएं हैं। भारत में बड़ी संख्या में फाइटर पायलट्स महिलाएं हैं। दुनिया के विकसित देशों में भी साइंस, टेक्नॉलॉजी, इंजीनियरिंग, मैथ्स यानि STEM graduates में 30-35 परसेंट ही women हैं। भारत में ये संख्या फोर्टी परसेंट से भी ऊपर पहुंच चुकी है। आज भारत के बड़े-बड़े स्पेस मिशन की कमान महिला वैज्ञानिक संभाल रही हैं। आपको ये जानकर भी खुशी होगी कि भारत ने अपनी पार्लियामेंट में महिलाओं को रिजर्वेशन देने का भी कानून पास किया है। आज भारत में डेमोक्रेटिक गवर्नेंस के अलग-अलग लेवल्स पर महिलाओं का प्रतिनिधित्व है। हमारे यहां लोकल लेवल पर पंचायती राज है, लोकल बॉड़ीज़ हैं। हमारे पंचायती राज सिस्टम में 14 लाख से ज्यादा यानि One point four five मिलियन Elected Representatives, महिलाएं हैं। आप कल्पना कर सकते हैं, गयाना की कुल आबादी से भी करीब-करीब दोगुनी आबादी में हमारे यहां महिलाएं लोकल गवर्नेंट को री-प्रजेंट कर रही हैं।

साथियों,

गयाना Latin America के विशाल महाद्वीप का Gateway है। आप भारत और इस विशाल महाद्वीप के बीच अवसरों और संभावनाओं का एक ब्रिज बन सकते हैं। हम एक साथ मिलकर, भारत और Caricom की Partnership को और बेहतर बना सकते हैं। कल ही गयाना में India-Caricom Summit का आयोजन हुआ है। हमने अपनी साझेदारी के हर पहलू को और मजबूत करने का फैसला लिया है।

साथियों,

गयाना के विकास के लिए भी भारत हर संभव सहयोग दे रहा है। यहां के इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर में निवेश हो, यहां की कैपेसिटी बिल्डिंग में निवेश हो भारत और गयाना मिलकर काम कर रहे हैं। भारत द्वारा दी गई ferry हो, एयरक्राफ्ट हों, ये आज गयाना के बहुत काम आ रहे हैं। रीन्युएबल एनर्जी के सेक्टर में, सोलर पावर के क्षेत्र में भी भारत बड़ी मदद कर रहा है। आपने t-20 क्रिकेट वर्ल्ड कप का शानदार आयोजन किया है। भारत को खुशी है कि स्टेडियम के निर्माण में हम भी सहयोग दे पाए।

साथियों,

डवलपमेंट से जुड़ी हमारी ये पार्टनरशिप अब नए दौर में प्रवेश कर रही है। भारत की Energy डिमांड तेज़ी से बढ़ रही हैं, और भारत अपने Sources को Diversify भी कर रहा है। इसमें गयाना को हम एक महत्वपूर्ण Energy Source के रूप में देख रहे हैं। हमारे Businesses, गयाना में और अधिक Invest करें, इसके लिए भी हम निरंतर प्रयास कर रहे हैं।

साथियों,

आप सभी ये भी जानते हैं, भारत के पास एक बहुत बड़ी Youth Capital है। भारत में Quality Education और Skill Development Ecosystem है। भारत को, गयाना के ज्यादा से ज्यादा Students को Host करने में खुशी होगी। मैं आज गयाना की संसद के माध्यम से,गयाना के युवाओं को, भारतीय इनोवेटर्स और वैज्ञानिकों के साथ मिलकर काम करने के लिए भी आमंत्रित करता हूँ। Collaborate Globally And Act Locally, हम अपने युवाओं को इसके लिए Inspire कर सकते हैं। हम Creative Collaboration के जरिए Global Challenges के Solutions ढूंढ सकते हैं।

साथियों,

गयाना के महान सपूत श्री छेदी जगन ने कहा था, हमें अतीत से सबक लेते हुए अपना वर्तमान सुधारना होगा और भविष्य की मजबूत नींव तैयार करनी होगी। हम दोनों देशों का साझा अतीत, हमारे सबक,हमारा वर्तमान, हमें जरूर उज्जवल भविष्य की तरफ ले जाएंगे। इन्हीं शब्दों के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं, मैं आप सभी को भारत आने के लिए भी निमंत्रित करूंगा, मुझे गयाना के ज्यादा से ज्यादा जनप्रतिनिधियों का भारत में स्वागत करते हुए खुशी होगी। मैं एक बार फिर गयाना की संसद का, आप सभी जनप्रतिनिधियों का, बहुत-बहुत आभार, बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद।