Good Governance remains at Centre of PM’s speech from Red Fort

New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Good governance remained at the centre of Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s speech on the 75th Independence Day, as he touched upon several issues from Covid deaths to Olympic medals and national security. In his eighth consecutive speech from Red Fort, Modi announced that Sainik Schools across the country will now admit girl students as he made a strong pitch for gender equality.

India famous travel tourist landmark and symbol – Red Fort (Lal Qila) Delhi with Indian flag – World Heritage Site. Delhi, India

The other announcements include the government’s decision to connect 75 “Vande Bharat’ trains with different parts of the country in 75 weeks to mark the ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and a Rs 100 lakh crore push for development of infrastructure.The Prime Minister unfurled the tri-colour, and for the first time, flower petals were showered by two Mi 17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force.From the ramparts of Red Fort, the Prime Minister said a blueprint should be drawn for the 100 years of Independence.                         “Our goal for the 100th year is that together we have prosperity along with good governance, discipline and building an ideal India, an India that moves with the world,” Modi said in his 88-minute address.                        He said for overall development of the country, unnecessary interference of government procedures in people’s lives have to be ended.

Talking about the second wave of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Prime Minister said the “intolerable pain” of losing people to Covid will always be there. He said the situation in the second wave was challenging, and India does not have as much resources as compared to “prosperous nations”. “Many people could not be saved, many children became orphan. This intolerable pain is always going to be there,” he said.

He also lauded Indian scientists for the Corona virus vaccines developed domestically, and thanked all healthcare workers and citizens who helped others during the pandemic. Corona warriors were also invited to Red Fort to witness the Independence Day celebrations.

While the Prime Minister did not make any direct comments on the ongoing farmers’ agitation, he launched a new moto in his speech for the small farmers.” Chhota kisan bane desh ki shaan (small farmer is should be the pride of nation),” Modi said, adding that 80 per cent farmers in the country have less than two hectares of landholding. Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said preparations were on for holding elections and the exercise for delimitation has been started. He did not give any timeline for holding polls.

On national security, Modi said India is facing both terrorism and expansionism.

His remarks come at a time when India is having a stand-off with China in the Ladakh region, and is also facing terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

“India is fighting both terrorism and expansionism,” Modi said, noting that India is facing the challenge with courage and determination.

He also mentioned the surgical strikes, and said, “By conducting the strikes (on terrorist bases in Balakot in Pakistan), we have given a message of the emergence of a new India to our enemies. It also conveys that India can take tough decisions”.

The Prime Minister said the world is witnessing reforms in governance in India, the world knows there is no dearth of political will.

He described the coming 25 years in the run up to 100 years of independence as ‘Amrit Kaal’, and said the government will ensure that services reach every citizen to the last mile.