Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about a number of schemes and initiatives implemented by his Government, but failed to give assurance on the ongoing protest by ex-servicemen for One Rank One Pension.
Highlights from the Prime Minister’s speech.
Introducing ‘Team India’:
“This is no ordinary morning. This is a morning of the hopes, dreams and aspirations of 125 crore Indians. This is Team India, a team of 125 crore Indians. We are making them partners of development. Jan Bhagidari, partnership with people, is the biggest asset of a democracy.”
On Jan Dhan Yojana
“We opened the doors of banks for the poor. Starting Jan Dhan Yojana was a big step towards financial inclusion and we did it. It was a time-bound programme that was successfully implemented.”
On Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan:
“If there is something that has touched every person, it is the movement towards cleanliness. Who has given maximum strength to Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan? It is the children of India.”
Swachch Vidyalaya:
“I promised to set up toilets across India in schools for both boys and girls. 4.25 lakh toilets have been built in 2.62 lakh schools.”
On corruption
“This country can be rid of corruption. Corruption has spread like termites. A year before our government came to power the CBI had only 800 cases of corruption. We have registered 1,800 cases.”
Respecting the working class
“We must have dignity of labour. Our attitude towards the working class must change. Dignity of labour should be our national duty.”
Kisaan Kalyaan Mantralay (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer)
“The Ministry of Agriculture (Krishi Mantralay) will be renamed the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare (Kisaan Kalyaan Mantralay). Rs. 50,000 crores has been earmarked for irrigation to increase agriculture productivity.”
“Start-up India, Stand up India”
“We are looking at systems for enabling start-ups. We must be Number 1 in start-ups.”
One Rank One Pension
“We are determined to implement OROP, but in the process none should be left out. Talks are on with the stakeholders. We want justice to be done to all sections and cases are pending for 35 to 40 years.”
