Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Independence Day 2024 Address: Vision for India’s Future
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/16th August 2024
In his address on the 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives and policy goals aimed at shaping India’s future. His speech covered a range of critical topics, from enhancing women’s safety to planning for the 2036 Olympics. Here are the ten significant highlights from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech:
Firstly, the Prime Minister called for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across India. He argued that the current civil code, which he described as “communal,” promotes religious discrimination and fails to reflect the secular values enshrined in the Constitution. Modi emphasized that a secular civil code is essential for ensuring equal rights and removing religion-based biases. He urged all political parties to support this significant legal reform.
Another major point of discussion was the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) initiative. Modi proposed this to address the frequent elections that, he claimed, disrupt the nation’s progress. By consolidating elections into a single schedule, the Prime Minister believes it will reduce electoral distractions and improve governance efficiency. He criticized the current system, which he said associates every policy announcement with electoral motives.
Modi also promised a significant influx of fresh talent into Indian politics. He proposed that one lakh young individuals, without any political background, be given opportunities to serve as public representatives. This move aims to combat casteism and dynasty politics by bringing new perspectives into governance, across various levels from local panchayats to national assemblies.
Addressing corruption, PM Modi expressed his intent to instill fear among the corrupt to eradicate the deep-rooted tradition of bribery and malpractice. He denounced the “mai-baap” culture, where citizens feel compelled to beg for basic services. Modi pledged to prioritize national interests over personal prestige in his fight against corruption.
Women’s safety was another crucial focus of Modi’s speech. He advocated for the strictest punishments for those committing crimes against women, stressing the need for swift justice to restore faith in societal safety. His comments came in response to widespread protests over a recent violent incident involving a doctor in Kolkata.
The Prime Minister also extended a call to Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its Hindu minority amid recent unrest. He voiced hope for the restoration of normalcy and expressed the concerns of the Indian populace for the protection of Hindus and other minorities in the neighboring country.
Looking towards the future, Modi announced India’s preparations to host the 2036 Olympics. He congratulated Indian athletes for their performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics and highlighted India’s successful organization of the G20 Summit as evidence of its capability to manage large-scale international events.
On environmental issues, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, underscoring India’s role in meeting its Paris Accord goals and leading global climate action efforts.
Lastly, the Prime Minister introduced a plan to add 75,000 new seats to medical colleges over the next five years. This initiative aims to expand the country’s medical education infrastructure and address the increasing demand for healthcare professionals.
Overall, PM Modi’s Independence Day speech outlined a visionary agenda, focusing on legal reforms, electoral efficiency, political renewal, anti-corruption measures, women’s safety, international diplomacy, environmental goals, and educational enhancements. These highlights reflect his broader vision for a progressive and unified India.