PM Modi's Vision for Viksit Bharat: Key Highlights from the 78th Independence Day Speech

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• Key highlights of PM Modi’s speech

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, laid out a roadmap for the country for the coming years.

From hosting the 2036 Olympics to championing a Secular Civil Code, PM Modi emphasised India's collective progress and empowerment of every citizen.

Key highlights of PM Modi’s speech

• On Viksit Bharat
  • The vision for a developed Bharat by 2047 hinges on the collective resolve of 140 crore citizens.
  • By marching forward together, we can overcome challenges and achieve a prosperous and modern nation.
  • The goal is to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by embracing modernization, innovation, and technology across all sectors, from tourism to agriculture.
  • A key aspect is reducing government interference in citizens' lives.
  • Additionally, mandating at least two annual reforms in each of the 3 lakh institutions across the country could result in 25-30 lakh reforms annually.
  • This will boost public confidence and driving progress towards a 'Swarnim Bharat' by 2047.
• On defence
  • India is becoming self-reliant in the defence sector.
  • It has gradually emerged and is establishing itself as an exporter and manufacturer of various Defence Equipment.
• On financial sector, economy
  • India has successfully doubled per capita income and made significant progress in employment and self-employment.
  • Reforms in the banking sector have strengthened our banks, making them a crucial support for the poor, middle-class families, and MSMEs.
  • Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, India has swiftly improved its economy, with a focus on modern infrastructure and Ease of Living driving economic growth.
  • Massive infrastructure developments, including railways, airports, ports, and road networks, have been achieved in the past decade.
  • The aim is to make India the third-largest economy, with a commitment to work three times harder, faster, and on a larger scale to realize the nation's dreams sooner.
  • All elected representatives are urged to ensure Ease of Living on a mission mode.
• On farmers
  • Transformation in the agriculture sector is the crucial need of the hour.
  • We must strengthen the nutrition of the world and also support the small farmers of India.
  • India and her farmers have the potential to create a global food basket of organic food.
  • 60,000 ‘Amrit Sarovars’ (ponds) have been revived and replenished.
• On world affairs
  • G-20 was never held in such a grand manner before.
  • Bharat has the capability to organize major international events and possesses unparalleled hospitality. Bharat does not mean a threat to anyone.
  • He expressed hope that the situation in Bangladesh soon returns to normalcy.
  • The primary concern of our 140 crore citizens is to ensure the safety of Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh.
  • Bharat has always desired that our neighbouring countries pursue a path of contentment and peace.
• Our commitment to peace is deeply rooted in our culture.
• On empowerment and development
  • We chose reforms to uplift the poor, middle class, underprivileged, urban population, and youth by empowering them and addressing their aspirations.
  • Last-mile connectivity has ensured access to education and healthcare in remote areas, fulfilling the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."
  • Lifting 25 crore people out of poverty affirms our momentum toward achieving our dreams.
  • Inclusive initiatives like Indian sign language, Sugamya Bharat, and support for the transgender community ensure dignity and equality for all.
  • The ‘Trividh Marg’ (three-way route) embodies the spirit of service to all, with a duty to uplift and empower neglected regions, marginalized communities, small farmers, tribals, women, laborers, and workers.
• On education
  • 75,000 new seats will be introduced in the medical sector in the next 5 years.
  • The spirit of ancient Nalanda University will be revived, positioning India as a global education hub by promoting higher learning and research.
  • We want to develop an education system so that the youth of our country don’t need to go abroad.
  • We also want to create such institutions that attract people from abroad to come to Bharat instead.
  • India’s talent should not be hindered because of language. The strength of the mother tongue empowers even the poorest child in our country to fulfil their dreams.
  • National Research Foundation was created, providing it with a legal framework to develop a permanent system that continuously strengthens research.
  • The govt has decided to allocate one lakh crore rupees for research and innovation in the Budget so that the ideas of our country’s youth can be realized.
• On women safety, empowerment
  • In the last decade, 10 crore women have joined self-help groups, becoming key agents of social transformation through financial empowerment.
  • One crore mothers and sisters joined women self-help groups and are becoming ‘lakhpati didis’.
  • Funds allocated to women self-help groups will be increased from 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs.
• Till date, a total of nine lakh crore funds has been channeled via banks to these self-help groups.
  • The government extended paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks. Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in sectors like defense and space.
  • Society must address crimes against women seriously, ensuring swift investigations and harsh punishments to create a deterrent and restore trust in the government, judiciary, and civil society.
• On developing industry
  • Vocal for Local has become a new mantra for economic development.
  • One District One Product is the new wave now.
  • Bharat will become an industrial manufacturing hub and the world will look up to it.
  • We must embrace the call of "Design in India" and move forward with the dream of "Design in India and Design for the World."
  • India's commits to become a global leader in semiconductor production.
  • India must leverage its rich ancient legacy and literature to come up with Made in India gaming products.
• Indian professionals must lead the global gaming market, not just in playing but also in producing games.
  • Bharat's contribution to global growth is substantial, our exports are continuously rising, our foreign exchange reserves have doubled, and global institutions have increasingly placed their trust in Bharat.
  • We are proud that our toy industry has also become a name to reckon with in the global market. We have started exporting toys.
  • Today India has a large hub of manufacturing ecosystem of mobile phones and we have started exporting them all over the world.
• On railways
  • Government is committed to make its railways a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.
• On renewable energy
  • India has achieved more in the renewable energy sector than G 20 Nations collectively.
  • India is working hard to become self-reliant in the energy sector.
  • The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme is set to provide new strength, and its benefits will be felt by the average families in our country, particularly the middle class, when their electricity bills become free.
• Those who generate electricity from solar energy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, can also reduce their fuel costs.
  • The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise.
• On Sports
  • The aim is to train India's youth and become the skill capital of the world.
  • 1 lakh youth should be inducted into the political system, specifically those with no history of politics in their families.
  • The goal is to host the 2036 Olympics in India, and preparations are actively progressing toward this ambition.
• On law and justice
  • The current Civil Code resembles a Communal Civil Code, one that is discriminatory.
• Laws that divide our nation based on religion and foster discrimination have no place in modern society.
  • After 75 years of a Communal Civil Code, it is crucial to move towards a Secular Civil Code.
  • India should come forward to embrace the concept of "One Nation One Election".
  • Over 1,500 laws were eliminated to ensure citizens are not trapped in a web of legal complexities.
  • We have replaced the centuries-old criminal laws with new criminal laws known as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, whose idea at core is to ensure justice for citizens as against British ideology of reprimand and punishment.
• On housing
  • Four crore pukka homes have given a new lease of life to the poor.
  • Three crore new homes have been promised in an effort to further this national agenda.

Q.1. What is Universal Civil Code (UCC)?

The Universal Civil Code (UCC) refers to a single set of laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of religion. It aims to ensure equality and uniformity in legal rights and duties, replacing religion-specific laws currently in place in India.

Q.2. What is Amrit Sarovars?

Amrit Sarovars are water bodies revived and rejuvenated under a government initiative in India to conserve water and promote sustainability. The project aims to create 75 such ponds in each district, enhancing water availability, supporting agriculture, and improving the local ecosystem, contributing to rural development and environmental conservation.

Source: 5 takeaways from PM Modi’s I-Day speech: Framing UCC as ‘secular civil code’ to message on women’s safety| Times of India | Indian Express | India Today