FULL SPEECH 120wpm

Honourable Members,

1. I am pleased to address the first joint sitting of Parliament after the election of the 17 thLok
Sabha, in the year commemorating the / 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. I extend
my heartiest congratulations to all newly elected Members of this LokSabha.

2. More than 61 crore voters of // the country set a new record by casting their votes and
enhanced the credibility of India’s democracy in the world. People have stood in long queues
braving extreme heat /// to cast their votes. This time, as compared to previous elections, more
women have cast their votes and their participation has been almost equal to men. (1) Crores of
youth have voted for the first time and played an important role in shaping India’s future. All
voters deserve to be congratulated for the success of this / election.

3. I also convey my best wishes to the new Speaker of the LokSabha for this new responsibility.

4. I congratulate the entire // team of the Election Commission for successful completion of the
world’s largest election. The contribution of employees of several administrative departments
and various institutions, as well as the /// security forces in successful conduct of the electoral
process is extremely praiseworthy.

5. Nearly half of the MPs in this LokSabha have been elected for the first (1) time. The election
of 78 women MPs which is the highest number in the history of LokSabha, presents the picture
of a New India.

6. / It is a matter of joy that the reflection of India’s diversity is visible in this joint sitting. People
of every age, hailing from villages and cities, // belonging to every profession, are members of
both the Houses. Many members are associated with social service, many are from the field of
agriculture, from business /// and economic sphere while other members are from the field of
education, medical profession which saves the lives of people and legal profession which
provides justice to the people (1) . MPs who have made their mark in the world of cinema, art,
literature and culture are also present here. I am confident that your unique experiences will /
contribute to enriching the discussions in Parliament.

Honourable Members,

7. The people of the country have given a very clear mandate in this election. // After assessing
the performance of the Government during the first tenure, the people have given even stronger
support for the second term. By doing so, the people /// of the country have given a mandate for
continuing uninterrupted and at an accelerated pace the journey of development which started in
2014.

8. All fellow countrymen (1) are familiar with the atmosphere prevailing in the country before
2014. In order to take the country out of a sense of gloom and instability, the people elected / a
Government with absolute majority after three decades. Giving the highest regard to that
mandate, my Government started to march forward without any discrimination with the mantra
of // ‘Sabka Saath- Sabka Vikas’, to create a New India.
9. on January 31st this year, in this very Central Hall, I had /// said that my Government from the
very first day was dedicated to the goal of improving the lives of all citizens, addressing their
problems arising out of mis- (1) governance and providing all basic amenities to the last person
standing at the margins of society.

10. During the last five years, the countrymen have come / to believe that the Government is
always with them, working to improve their lives and to enhance their Ease of Living. Based on
this wealth of people’s trust// , a fresh mandate was sought.

11. People of the country have long waited for the basic amenities of life. But now the conditions
are changing/// . My Government wants to make the people conscious, capable, well-provided
and unfettered to such an extent that that they do not feel the "Burden (1) , Force, or Absence”
of the Government in their daily life. Empowering every person in the country is the main goal of
my Government.

Honourable Members/ ,

12. My Government is committed to that very idea of nation-building, the foundation for which
was laid in 2014. While fulfilling the basic // needs of the countrymen, now the Government is
moving forward towards realising their aspirations of building a Strong, Safe, Prosperous and
All-inclusive India. This /// journey is inspired by the basic spirit of‘Sabka Saath, SabkaVikas
aur SabkaVishwas’.

This New India’s vision is motivated by the noble thoughts of Shri Narayana (1) Guru
Kerala’s great spiritual figure, social reformer and poet:

That is, an ideal place is one where people live like brothers free from the discrimination of /
caste and religion.

13. Three weeks ago, on 30thMay, immediately after swearing-in the Government has started
working towards building a New India. // A New India:

- Where equal opportunities to progress are available to every person;

- Where life of every person becomes better and their self-/// esteem is enhanced;

- Where brotherhood and harmony bind the people with each other;

- Where the foundation built on our ideals and values becomes stronger (1) ; and

- Where the benefits of development reach every region and the last person standing in the queue.

This New India, will move forward towards that / ideal state envisioned by Gurudev
RabindraNath Tagore, where the mind of the people is without fear and the head is held high
with self-esteem.

Honourable // Members,
14. It is a matter of pride for every Indian that when our country completes 75 years of
independence in 2022, we would have achieved /// many national goals for building a New India.
To pave the way for the golden future of New India, my Government has resolved:

.On this (1) path of a New India, the rural India will be strong and urban India will also be
empowered;

. On this path of a New India, / the entrepreneurial India will attain new heights and the dreams
of young India will also be fulfilled;

. On this path of a New India, all systems // will be transparent and the prestige of honest
countrymen will increase further;

. On this path of a New India, infrastructure for the 21st century will be /// built and all resources
for creation of a powerful India will be mobilised.

In the light of these resolutions, in a short period of 21 days, (10) my Government has taken
many decisions aimed at the welfare of farmers, soldiers, students, entrepreneurs, women and
other sections of society and have also started implementing / them. Initiatives have also been
taken to enact several new laws.

15. A decision has been taken to increase the income support to farmers who are // our
Annadaata, by extending the coverage under‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi’, to every
farmer in the country. To enable the farmer brothers and sisters who /// work day and night in
their fields to lead a respectable life after attaining the age of 60 years, a ‘Pension Scheme’ for
them has also been approved (1) .

16. Livestock is invaluable for farmers. They have to spend a lot of money for treatment of cattle-
related diseases. To reduce this expenditure, my / Government has also decided to start a special
scheme with an allocation of Rs 13,000 crore.

17. For the first time, a Government has // taken note of the economic security of small
shopkeepers. In the very first meeting of the Cabinet, a separate ‘Pension Scheme’ has been
approved for small shopkeepers /// and retail traders. About 3 crore small shopkeepers in the
country will benefit from this scheme.

18. We are all indebted to the soldiers who dedicate (1) themselves to protect the countrymen
by sacrificing every joy, every pleasure and every festive occasion. It is our duty to secure the
future of children of those who / guard the border, and ensure peace and security for everyone.
Inspired by this sentiment, the amount of scholarship under the ‘National Defence Fund’ has
been increased // for the children of our brave soldiers. For the first time, sons and daughters of
the State police personnel have also been included in this scholarship.

/// Honourable Members,

19. One of the biggest challenges of the 21st century is – the growing water crisis. Over time, the
traditional and effective practices (1) of water conservation in our country are disappearing.
Houses have come up over ponds and lakes, and the vanishing water sources have accentuated
the water crisis for the / poor. In view of the growing impact of Climate Change and Global
Warming, water crisis is likely to aggravate further. Today, the need of the hour // is that the way
the country has shown seriousness about ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’, the same seriousness be
shown in‘Water Conservation and Management’.

20. /// We must conserve water for our children and future generations. The creation of the new
‘Ministry of Jalshakti’ is a decisive step in this direction, which will (1) have far-reaching
benefits. Through this new Ministry, the systems related to water conservation and management
will be made more effective.

21. My Government / is fully conscious of the crisis in the drought-hit areas and stands by every
affected citizen. With the support of State Governments and Sarpanches at the village // level, it
is being ensured that farmers are assisted and the scarcity of drinking water is tackled.

22. Strengthening the system and spirit of Co-/// operative Federalism, my Government is taking
the States along to achieve the national goals. Last week, important developmental issues were
discussed with the Chief Ministers and a (1) decision was taken to constitute a Committee of
Chief Ministers to look into Structural Reforms in the field of agriculture.

Honourable Members,

23. Only on / the foundation of a strong rural economy, it is possible to build a strong national
economy. Our farmers are the pillars of rural economy. All possible efforts // are being made by
the Central Government to provide adequate assistance to the States for agricultural development.

24. Large scale investments have been made to strengthen rural /// India. In order to enhance
agriculture productivity, an investment of Rs. 25 lakh crore will be made in the coming years.

25. To double (1) the income of farmers by 2022, several steps have been taken in the last 5
years. Be it the decision to increase the MSP, or approval for / 100 percent FDI in food
processing; be it completion of the irrigation projects pending for decades or extension of ‘Crop
Insurance Scheme’; be it the ‘Soil // Health Card’ or 100% Neem coating of urea; my
Government has taken many decisions, appreciating such numerous small and big needs of the
farmers. The Government /// has made the agriculture policy both production-centric as well as
income-centric.

26. An important link in these efforts is ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan (1) Samman Nidhi’. Through
this, an amount of more than Rs. 12,000 crore has been disbursed to the farmers in just three
months. An estimated / expenditure of Rs. 90,000 crore is likely to be incurred annually on this
scheme since every farmer has now been brought in its ambit.

27// . With the provision of storage for farm produce, the economic security of the farmers is
strengthened. Now the storage facility will be provided to the farmers near /// their village
through the ‘Grameen Bhandaran Yojana’.

28. The benefit of cooperatives in the agriculture sector is being availed by the farmers in the
dairy (1) business. In other areas of agriculture also, the target is to create 10,000 new ‘Farmer
Producer Organisations’ to benefit the farmers.
29. / Today, India is second in the world in fish production. Our country has the potential to
attain the first place. There is immense potential for increasing the // income of farmers through
marine fish industry and inland fisheries. That is why the Government is committed to ‘Neeli
Kranti’ which means ‘Blue Revolution’. A separate /// Department has been constituted for
integrated development of fisheries. Similarly, a special fund has been created to develop
infrastructure related to fishing industry.

Honourable Members, (1)

30. We can achieve our constitutional objectives only by liberating the poor families of the
country from poverty. During the last five years, the schemes implemented / in the country for
the welfare of farmers, labourers, divyangjan, tribals and women have achieved wide spread
success. Only by empowering the poor can they be // rescued from the vicious cycle of poverty.
That is why the Government has adopted an approach to empower the poor, deprived and weaker
sections through provision of housing/// , healthcare, essential amenities of life, financial
inclusion, education, skill and self-employment. This is in harmony with Deen Dayal
Upadhyaya’sconcept of Antyodaya. (10)

31. Comprehensive work is underway for the development of 112 ‘Aspirational Districts’ in the
country. 1 lakh 15 thousand most backward villages of the country are / in these districts. With
the development of education and healthcare facilities and infrastructure in these villages, there
will be a positive impact on the lives of crores of // poor families.

32. After the success of the world’s largest financial inclusion campaign, in the form of ‘Jan-
Dhan Yojana’, my Government is /// also working to bring the banking services to the doorsteps
of the people. In order to ensure that banking services are readily available in every village of the
country (1) and in the inaccessible areas of North East, work is being done at a fast pace. About
1.5 lakh post offices in the country are being / prepared to provide banking services through
‘India Post Payment Bank’. Our goal is to utilise the postman as a mobile bank to bring
banking services to every doorstep// .

Honourable Members,

33. Cost of medical treatment pushes the poor families into financial crisis. In order to protect
them from this crisis, world’s /// biggest healthcare scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat Yojana’ has
been implemented, providing ‘Health-Protection-Cover’ to 50 crore poor people. Under this, so
far about (1) 26 lakh poor patients have availed treatment in hospitals. In order to provide
medicines at affordable rates, 5,300 ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ have also been opened/ . It is our
endeavour to provide medicines at affordable rates to people residing in far-flung areas through
these Jan AushadhiKendras.

34. The objective is // to set up about 1.5 lakh ‘Health and Wellness Centres’ in all rural areas
by 2022. So far, about 18,000 such Centres have /// already been operationalised.

35. Our countrymen can learn a lot from tribal communities. Our tribal brothers and sisters live in
harmony with the environment and nature (1) and maintain a beautiful balance between
development and tradition. In New India, every effort will be made to create an inclusive and
sensitive system in the interest of / tribal communities. Many schemes have been implemented
for all-round development of tribal areas. Work is in progress to provide ‘Learning to Earning’
facilities to the // youth residing in the forest areas. In tribal dominated areas, ‘Eklavya Model
Residential Schools’ are being set up for children. The thrust is on value addition /// and
marketing of forest produce through Van DhanKendras.

Honourable Members,

36. Women Empowerment is one of the top priorities of my Government. Empowerment of (1)
women and their effective involvement in society and economy is the touchstone of a developed
society. The Government’s thinking promotes not only women’s development but also women-
led / development. According the highest priority to women’s security, several effective steps
have been initiated with the cooperation of the States. Penalties for crimes against women have
been // made harsher and the new penal provisions are being strictly enforced. The ‘Beti Bachao
Beti Padhao’campaign has brought down female foeticide and improved the sex ratio in many
/// districts of the country.
37. Rural women are the biggest beneficiaries of freedom from smoke through ‘UjjwalaYojana’,
vaccination through ‘Mission Indradhanush’ and free electricity (1) connections under
‘Saubhagya’ Yojana. Women are also being given priority in the registration of houses built
under ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’in the rural areas. Under this / scheme, nearly 2 crore
new houses will be built in the villages during the next three years.

38. Facilities for the women workers in the unorganized // sector are also being augmented. Self-
employment opportunities are being made available to rural women through ‘Deen Dayal
Upadhyaya Rashtriya Aajivika Mission. Under the ‘Rashtriya /// Aajivika Mission’, loans
amounting to more than Rs 2 lakh crore have been disbursed so far to 3 crore women in rural
areas.

39. My Government (1) is committed to make women equal stakeholders in the country’s
development and prosperity. Efforts will be made in collaboration with industry and corporate
sector to provide better employment opportunities / to women. In addition, in Government
procurement, priority will be given to those enterprises where women’s participation in the
workforce is more than the prescribed limit.//

40. To secure equal rights for every sister and daughter in the country, eradication of social evils
like ‘Triple Talaq’ and ‘Nikah-Halala’ is /// imperative. I would urge all the members to
cooperate in these efforts to make the lives of our sisters and daughters better and dignified.

Honourable Members, (1)

41. Our young generation must have a meaningful participation in the building of New India. In
the last five years, attempts have been made for developing / the skills of the youth, providing
them financial support for start-ups and self-employment, and making available adequate number
of seats for higher education. // The amount of scholarship has also been increased by 25 per
cent.

42. The Government has made provision of 10 per cent reservation for youth from economically
/// weaker section of the general category. This will enable them to get more opportunities in
employment and education.
43. To enable the youth of all strata (1) of society to fulfil their dreams, timely provision of
financial resources is being emphasised. The impact of ‘PradhanMantri Mudra Yojna’ has
been felt on a big scale / . Under this scheme, about 19 crore loans have been disbursed for self-
employment. An effort will now be made to cover 30 crore people by expanding // this scheme.
A facility for entrepreneurs to avail loan up to Rs. 50 lakh without any guarantee will also be
introduced. Apart from this, new employment /// opportunities will be generated through
appropriate policies in sectors which have the potential to accelerate the economy.

44. Today India has joined the league of countries with (1) most number of start-ups in the
world. To improve the start-up ecosystem, the Government is simplifying the rules. This
campaign will be further / expedited. Our goal is to establish 50,000 start-ups in the country by
2024.

45. Research is being encouraged in higher educational institutions // . To further strengthen this
effort, it is proposed to establish a ‘National Research Foundation’. This proposed foundation
will work as a bridge between different Departments of /// the Central Government, science
laboratories, higher educational institutions and industrial institutions.

46. To enable various higher educational institutions of India to find a place in (10) the top 500
educational institutions of the world, they are being encouraged through grant of autonomy and
financial assistance.

47. My Government is striving to increase / the number of seats in the country’s Higher
Education System by one-and-a-half times by 2024. With this initiative, 2 crore additional seats
// would be available for the youth in higher educational institutions.
Honourable Members,

48. It is our responsibility to provide appropriate opportunities, environment and quality ///
education to enhance the talent of children. In this regard, the ‘Pradhan Mantri Innovative
Learning Programme’ will be started.

49. In order to attract (1) children early enough, at the school level, towards technology, suitable
infrastructure is being created. Through the ‘Atal Innovation Mission’, the work of establishing
‘/ Atal Tinkering Labs’ in about 9,000 schools across the country, is progressing rapidly.
Similarly, ‘Atal Incubation Centres’ are being set up in 102 universities // and other
institutions.

50. Impressive performance in sports competitions at the world level, enhances the pride of the
country as well as increases the interest of /// children and youth in sports. It also strengthens the
culture of according primacy to health in life. To make India a global sports powerhouse, it is
important (1) that talented players living in far-flung areas of the country are identified and their
selection process is made transparent. To identify the players at the state and / district level, it has
been decided to widen the ‘Khelo-India Programme’. Under this, 2,500 talented players have
been selected, and are // being trained. Now this facility will be provided to 2,500 new players
every year.
51. The sports infrastructure in the country will be modernised /// as well as expanded. A new
system is being evolved to make available modern infrastructure and facilities to the players. It is
our endeavour that our players win (1) high accolades in the sports world and enhance the
prestige of our country.

Honourable Members,

52. Economic development plays the most vital role in improving / the lives of our countrymen.
Today India is among the fastest growing economies in the world. Inflation is low, fiscal deficit
is under control, foreign exchange // reserves are growing and the impact of Make In India is
clearly visible.

53. India is now on the way to become the world’s 5th largest economy /// in terms of GDP. To
maintain the high growth rate, reform process will continue. It is our objective to make India a 5-
trillion dollar economy (1) by 2024.

54. Work is underway in full earnest to transform India into a Global Manufacturing Hub.
Keeping in view Industry 4.0, a / New Industrial Policy will be announced shortly. In ‘Ease of
Doing Business’, India has leap-frogged 65 positions during the past 5 years, from a // ranking
of 142 in 2014 to 77. Now our goal is to be among the top 50 countries of the world.In order to
achieve this, process /// of simplification of rules will be further expedited in collaboration with
the States. In this sequence, necessary amendments are also being brought in the Companies
Law.

(1) 55. Taxation regime plays an important role in accelerating economic development. Along
with continuous reform, simplification of taxation system is also being emphasised. Exemption to
persons / earning up to Rs. 5 lakh from payment of income tax is an important step in this
direction.

56. Similarly, indirect tax system is also // being made simple and effective. With the
implementation of GST, the concept of ‘One country, One tax, One market’ has become a
reality. Efforts /// to further simplify the GST will continue.

57. Keeping in view the interests of small traders, my Government has launched a New Pension
Scheme for them (1) . ‘National Traders Welfare Board’ will be constituted shortly, and
‘National Retail Trade Policy’ will be formulated to promote retail business. Accident
insurance of up to / Rs. 10 lakh will also be provided to all traders registered under GST.

58. MSME sector provides a strong foundation to the country’s economy, and // plays a critical
role in employment generation. Several steps have been taken to ensure smooth cash flow to
enterprises run by small entrepreneurs. In order to ensure that /// entrepreneurs associated with
MSME sector do not face any problem in accessing credit, the credit guarantee coverage is being
enhanced to Rs. 1 lakh crore.

Honourable (1) Members,

59. Good governance reduces corruption, enhances self-respect of the citizens and enables them
to optimally utilize their talents and capabilities.
60/ . My Government will make the Zero Tolerance Policy against corruption more
comprehensive and effective. The mission to eliminate corruption from public life and
Government services will be implemented // with greater zeal. Towards this objective, Minimum
Government - Maximum Governance will be further emphasised. In addition, use of technology
will be maximised to reduce Human /// Interface. Appointment of Lokpal will also promote
transparency.

61. The campaign against black money will be taken forward at a faster pace. During the last (1)
two years, 4 lakh 25 thousand Company Directors have been disqualified and the registration of 3
lakh 50 thousand suspicious companies has been revoked.

62. The / ‘Fugitive and Economic Offenders Act’ has proved effective in controlling fugitive
economic offenders. Now we are receiving information in this regard from 146 countries,
including Switzerland. // Of these, we have concluded agreements with 80 countries for
automatic exchange of information. We are now receiving information about all those who have
stashed black money abroad/// .

63. The impact of ‘Real Estate Regulation Act’ or RERA is clearly visible in curbing black
money transactions in real estate sector and protecting the interests (1) of the customers;
providing huge relief to the middle class families.

64. ‘Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code’ is among the biggest and most impactful economic
reforms / undertaken in the country. With the coming into force of this Code, banks and other
financial institutions have been able to settle directly or indirectly an amount of // more than Rs.
3 lakh 50 thousand crore. This Code has also curbed the tendency of wilfully defaulting on loans
taken from banks and other financial institutions.///

65. Under the ‘Direct Benefit Transfer’, funds from more than
400 schemes are being directly credited into the accounts of beneficiaries. During the last (10)
five years, Rs. 7 lakh 30 thousand crore have been transferred through DBT. So far, not only has
DBT prevented Rs. 1 lakh 41 thousand / crore from falling into wrong hands, but it has also
enabled deletion of names of about 8 crore ineligible beneficiaries. DBT will be further expanded
in the coming // days. I would urge the State Governments to use DBT in more and more
schemes.

Honourable Members,

66. Infrastructure will play an important role /// in ushering in a prosperous India. My
Government’s continuous endeavour has been to build infrastructure in an eco-friendly manner.
Along with concrete, greenery has been (1) made an integral part of the highway and
expressway projects. For supply of electricity, optimal utilisation of solar energy is being
stressed. Household and industrial wastes are / also being used in road construction.

67. In the 21st century economy, the pace and spread of urbanization will continue to increase.
Development of urban // infrastructure in cities and suburbs will pave the way for economic
progress and enhance employment opportunities. My Government is tirelessly working for a
modern India, by providing world/// -class infrastructure and public amenities in villages as well
as cities. Special emphasis is being accorded to improving connectivity in the North-East, hilly
and tribal (1) areas. In addition to increasing the ease of living of citizens in the North-East;
tourism, agriculture and other allied sectors will also benefit from better / connectivity. Effective
steps are being taken to expand organic farming in the North-East.

68. Under the ‘Bharatmala Project’, construction or upgradation of // about 35,000 kilometers
of National Highways is to be undertaken by 2022.In addition, under the ‘Sagarmala Project’, a
network of good quality roads /// is being constructed in coastal areas and areas adjoining ports.

69. Along with the highways, Government is also working extensively in the area of Railways,
(1) Airways and Inland Waterways. Under the ‘UDAN Scheme’, air connectivity to smaller
towns is being expanded rapidly.

70. Urban transport infrastructure is being created / to cater to present and future requirements.
While developing infrastructure, attention is also being given to addressing the challenges posed
by pollution. My Government is developing a // transport system, which is not only fast and safe,
but is also environment friendly. For this, special emphasis is given to Public transport. Metro
rail /// network is being expanded rapidly in several cities. The facility of ‘One Nation, One
Card’ has been launched to realize the dream of seamless mobility. Similarly (1) , electric
vehicles are being promoted to reduce vehicular pollution. The network of electric charging
stations is also being expanded rapidly.

71. Modern amenities like gas/ -grid and I-Ways are being developed at a rapid pace. PNG based
domestic fuel and CNG based transportation systems are being developed. In modern India // , we
are according a special emphasis on production of bio-fuel. Prior to 2014, about 67 crore litres of
ethanol was being blended. This year/// , we have set a target of about 270 crore litres for ethanol
blending. Enhancing the use of blended ethanol will not only benefit our farmers but also
safeguard (1) the environment. Further, it will reduce import of petroleum products thus saving
foreign exchange.

Honourable Members,

72. My Government is fully devoted to / make the flow of Ganga uninterrupted and pollution
free. Recently, encouraging evidence of revival of aquatic life at several locations along Ganga
have been reported. This year// , during the Ardhakumbh in Prayagraj, the cleanliness of Ganga
and amenities provided to the devotees have made news throughout the world. My Government
has enhanced the dignity /// and self-esteem of every person who contributed towards the
successful organization of Ardhakumbh by honouring them.

73. Under the ‘Namami Gange’ scheme, my (1) Government will further accelerate the
campaign for closure of drains releasing effluents in the river Ganga. On the lines of river Ganga,
the Government will also endeavour to / clean up other rivers such as Kaveri, Periyar, Narmada,
Yamuna, Mahanadi and Godavari.

74. My Government is making earnest efforts for conservation of // forests, wildlife and the
environment. In recent years, forest and tree cover has increased by more than 1 per cent. During
the last five years, /// protected areas in the country have also increased. In 2014, the number of
protected areas in the country was 692, which has now gone up to 868 (1) . To address the
challenges posed by air pollution, ‘National Clean Air Programme’ has been started in 102
cities.

75. Solar energy plays an important / role in reducing the adverse effects of Climate Change and
Global Warming. Proactive efforts of India have resulted in the formation of the International
Solar Alliance. Through this // organization, India is contributing significantly to the
development of solar energy in the developing countries of the world.

Honourable Members,

76. Space Technology plays /// a central role in improving the lives of the common man,
providing early-warning of impending disasters, identifying location of natural resources,
providing signals to various (1) means of communication and ensuring national security. It is
the endeavour of my Government to maximize the use of space technology for human welfare.
Several facilities such as / roads, houses for poor, farming or equipment for fishermen have all
been linked to space technology.

77. Space technology has helped us in further strengthening // our security at land, air and water.
Our expertise in accurate weather forecast has improved. This was evidenced during the recent
‘Cyclone Phani‘ that struck /// the eastern coast of the country. Due to accurate information and
timely preparation, large scale destruction to life and property was averted.

78. India is (1) marching forward to assume a leadership role in unravelling and comprehending
the mysteries of space. Our scientists are involved in the preparations for the launch of
‘Chandrayaan-/ 2’, which will be India’s first spacecraft to reach the Moon. We are also
making rapid progress towards achieving the goal of sending the first Indian in India’s // own
‘Gaganyaan’ by 2022.

79. During the LokSabha elections, the country attained another milestone, which however, did
not receive as much attention as /// it should have. With the successful testing of ‘Mission
Shakti’ a new dimension has been added to India’s capability in space technology and security-
preparedness. For (10) this, today I once again congratulate our scientists and engineers.

80. The role of technology in the field of security is expanding continuously. Keeping this / in
view, work is in progress to establish three joint service agencies for space, cyber and special
forces. These collaborative efforts will strengthen the security of the // country.

Honourable Members,

81. New India is rapidly moving towards occupying its rightful place in the world community.
Today, India has acquired a /// new image and our relations with other countries have become
stronger. It is a matter of immense pleasure that in 2022, India will host the G-20 (1) Summit.

82. The world community enthusiastically supported India’s proposal to declare June 21st as
‘International Day of Yoga’ by the United Nations. At present, / several programmes associated
with International Day of Yoga are being organized with great enthusiasm in various countries,
of which the most important events will be held tomorrow, the // 21st June.
83. The world community supports India’s position on various issues such as climate change,
economic and cyber-crime, action against corruption and /// black money and energy security.
Today the whole world stands with India on the issue of terrorism. Designation of MasoodAzhar,
responsible for dastardly terrorist attacks on our (1) soil, as a global terrorist by United Nations,
is a major testimony to this fact.

84. My Government’s "Neighborhood First” policy is an / evidence of our approach of according

priority to South Asia and countries in the adjoining region. India will play a crucial role in the
progress of this region. // Accordingly, trade, connectivity and people-to-people contact are
being encouraged in this region. The presence of Heads of States and Heads of Governments of
/// ‘BIMSTEC’ countries, Kyrgyzstan – the current chair of ‘Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation’ and Mauritius during the swearing-in of the new Government is a reflection of
this (1) policy.

85. My Government is also conscious of protecting the interests of Indians living and working
abroad. Today an Indian, if caught in any crisis / abroad, is confident of receiving timely help
and relief. Several services ranging from passports to visas have been made easy and accessible.

86. Due to // the efforts of my Government, India’s philosophy, culture and achievements have
got a distinct recognition at the global stage. This year, the 150thbirth anniversary of Mahatma
/// Gandhi, which is being celebrated world over, will provide a fillip to India’s ‘Thought
Leadership’. Similarly, programmes related to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru (1) Nanak
Devji, will help spread the light of India’s spiritual wisdom throughout the world.

Honourable Members,

87. New India will be sensitive and also/ , economically prosperous. But for this to happen,
nation’s security is of utmost importance. My Government accords top most priority to national
security. Therefore, effective // steps are being taken to tackle Terrorism and Naxalism.

88. India has amply demonstrated both her intent and capabilities, first through surgical strikes
and then through /// air strikes after the Pulwama attack at terrorist hideouts across the border. In
future too, all possible steps will be taken to ensure our security.

89 (1) . Illegal infiltrators pose a major threat to our internal security. This is leading to social
imbalance in many parts of the country, as well as putting a / huge pressure on limited livelihood
opportunities. My Government has decided to implement the process of ‘National Register of
Citizens’ on priority basis in areas affected by infiltration. // Security along the border will be
further strengthened to prevent infiltration.

90. While on the one hand, Government is working to identify the infiltrators, on /// the other, it
is also fully committed to protecting the victims of persecution due to their faith. In this regard,
efforts will be made to amend the (1) Citizenship Act while protecting the linguistic, cultural
and social identities.

91. My Government is making efforts with complete dedication to provide a safe and peaceful
environment / to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The recently concluded peaceful elections
to local bodies and to LokSabha have bolstered our efforts. My Government is committed to take
// all necessary steps for the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
92. My Government is resolutely working to eradicate the menace of Naxalism from the country.
Considerable /// success has been achieved in this direction during the last 5 years. The area
affected by Naxalism is reducing continuously. In the coming years, development projects will
(1) be expedited in these areas, which will benefit our tribal brothers and sisters residing there.
Honourable Members,

93. My Government is rapidly taking forward / the work of modernisation of the army and the
armed forces. India is going to receive the delivery of first ‘Rafale’ fighter aircraft and ‘Apache’
helicopters in // the near future.

94. Special emphasis is being accorded by the Government to manufacture of modern armaments
under ‘Make in India’. The policy of indigenously /// manufacturing weapons such as modern
rifles and cannons, tanks and combat aircrafts is being carried forward successfully. ‘Defence
Corridors’ coming up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (1) will further strengthen this mission.
While fulfilling our security requirements, export of defence equipment is also being encouraged.

95. Respect towards soldiers and martyrs enhances / self-respect and enthusiasm among the
forces, and also strengthens our military capabilities. Hence, all possible efforts are being made
to take care of our soldiers // and their families. Through ‘One Rank One Pension’, increased
pensionary benefits to ex-service men and expansion of health facilities, efforts are being made to
/// improve their living standards.
96. The National War Memorial near India Gate in Delhi, built by my Government, seven
decades after India’s independence, is (1) a tribute to the martyrs by a grateful nation. Similarly
my Government has set up the ‘National Police Memorial’ in memory of police personnel who
were martyred while / safeguarding the security of the country.

Honourable Members,

97. Inspiration from history guides us towards the future path of nation building. It is our // duty
to preserve the memory of our nation-builders and gratefully remember them. There have been
many such efforts during the last five years. ‘Dandi Museum’ /// has been built to
honourPujyaBapu and the historic Dandi March. "Statue of Unity”, the tallest statue in the
world, has been built as a mark of (10) our gratitude to the Iron Man, Sardar Patel.‘Kranti
Mandir’ has been set up at the Red Fort in Delhi, as a tribute to NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose /
and other freedom fighters of Azad Hind Fauj.26 Alipur Road in Delhi, the site of Babasaheb
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s Mahaparinirvana has been developed as a National // Memorial. A
museum is also being built in Delhi as a mark of respect to the contributions of all former Prime
Ministers of the country.

98. /// My Government, inspired by Sardar Patel, is committed to further strengthen the spirit of
‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. For this, it is essential to (1) accord importance to National
Ambitions and Regional Aspirations. All forms of dialogue and cooperation will be encouraged
to achieve this. Guided by the principle of ‘SabkaSath, / Sabka Vikasaur SabkaVishwas’, it is
the endeavour of my Government to ensure that no citizen is left behind in India’s journey of
development.

Honourable Members,

// 99. India had to pass through a long period of subjugation. But throughout this period, Indians
kept fighting for independence in different parts of the country. /// The longing for freedom and
willingness to make sacrifices to achieve freedom had never waned. This desire for independence
culminated into the ‘Quit India Movement’ in 1942, (1) when the entire nation was determined
to achieve independence and even to sacrifice their lives in this cause. Contributing to the
freedom struggle was the only thought behind all / the actions of our countrymen. We achieved
our independence in 1947 on the strength of this collective spirit.

100. Today, all of us are again // at a juncture of creating history. We are striving to launch a new
movement for ushering in a new era. Our resolve today will determine the shape of /// the India
of 2047 when we celebrate the centenary of our independence.

101. Today, our country is enriched with the experiences of a 72-year (1) journey since
independence. The nation is moving ahead only by learning from these experiences. All of us
have to move ahead with the resolve to realise the idea / of New India by the year 2022 when we
celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. Thus, in the New India in the 75th year
of its independence// :

- Farmers’ income will be doubled;

- Every poor will have a pucca roof over his head;

- Every poor will have access to /// clean fuel;

- Every poor will have electricity connection;

- No poor will be compelled to defecate in the open;

- Every poor will (1) have access to medical facilities;

- Every village in the country will be connected by roads;

- River Ganga will flow uninterrupted, and pollution free/ ;

- In collaboration with States, India will be close to becoming a $ 5 trillion economy;

- We will be progressing towards joining world’s three // largest economies;

- An Indian will unfurl the tri-colour in space, entirely on the strength of indigenous resources;
and

- We will provide /// leadership to global development with a new zeal and confidence.

Honourable Members,
102. If the gap between the public and the Government is reduced, (1) and public partnership is
ensured, our countrymen can transform Government schemes and programmes into mass
movements. This is the way forward to achieve transformative national goals. Adopting / this
approach, programmes like the ‘Beti-Bachao, Beti-Padhao’, and ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’
evolved into mass movements. On the strength of people’s // participation, we will also achieve
the objective of a New India.

Honourable Members,

103. It is the belief of my Government that political parties /// , States and 130 crore countrymen
are all committed to India’s integrated and accelerated development. Our vibrant democracy has
also matured adequately.During the last few decades, (1) due to frequent elections being held in
some part of the country or the other, the pace and continuity of development programmeshave
been impacted. Our countrymen have demonstrated / their wisdom by delivering a clear verdict
both at State and National issues. ‘One Nation – Simultaneous Elections’ is the need of the
hour, which would facilitate // accelerated development, thereby benefitting our countrymen.
With such a system in place, all political parties, according to their respective ideologies, will be
able to better /// utilise their energy towards development and public welfare. Therefore, I urge
all Members of Parliament to seriously ponder over this development oriented proposal of‘One
Nation - (1) Simultaneous Elections’.

Honourable Members,

104. This year also marks 70 years of adoption of the Indian Constitution. As a Member of
Parliament, all / of you have undertaken the oath or affirmation to discharge your duties with true
faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India. The Constitution is paramount to all of // us. The
chief architect of our Constitution, Babasaheb Dr. BhimraoAmbedkar had said that ‘we must
hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic /// objectives’.

105. Our Constitution provides guidance for ensuring social, economic and political justice as
well as securing liberty and equality for all citizens; and promote (1) fraternity among all,
assuring the dignity of the individual.

106. I believe that you all Members of the RajyaSabha and the LokSabha, as parliamentarians, /
will make invaluable contributions in achieving the ideals of the Constitution while discharging
your duties. In this way, you will contribute effectively in ushering in a New India// .

107. All of us will have to accord priority to our duties as public representatives and as citizens
of the country. Only then will we be /// able to inspire countrymen to discharge their duties as
citizens.

108. My advice to all MPs is that you should always remember the fundamental mantra of
Gandhiji (1) . He had said that every decision of ours should be guided by its impact on the
poorest and the weakest person in the society. You must also remember / the voter who setting
aside all his work and overcoming his difficulties went to the polling station to cast his vote and
discharge his responsibilities towards the nation. Your // priority should be to fulfill his
aspirations.
109. I urge you all to dedicate yourselves in the task of building a New India and to discharge
your /// duties with utmost sincerity over the next five years. I once again wish the very best to
all of you.

Jai Hind!

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