HT Digital,
New Delhi, Feb 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha today, responding to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address to Parliament. He highlighted the 75th Republic Day as a significant milestone and appreciated the President’s address that expressed confidence in India’s future.
The Prime Minister thanked the President for her inspiring words and the Members of the House for a productive discussion. He also emphasized the government’s efforts to eradicate signs of colonial mentality, including renaming the Andaman Islands and promoting the Indian language.
Modi spoke about the development of Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, the poor and Anna Data, and how their progress will lead to a developed India. He touched upon the rights and development of SC, ST and OBC communities, and the abrogation of Article 370. He mentioned steps taken to honour Baba Saheb and the election of tribal women as the President of the nation.
Modi highlighted the government’s policies for the welfare of the poor and underlined the increased enrolment of SC, ST and OBC students in higher education. He also spoke about the improved performance of public sector enterprises like BSNL, HAL and LIC. The Prime Minister reiterated the mantra of ‘States development for Country’s development’ and emphasised the importance of cooperative federalism.
He praised the states for their role in tackling the Covid Pandemic and in the success of the Aspirational District Programme. Modi outlined the government’s future focus on improving the quality of life and providing new opportunities for the neo-middle class.
He also highlighted the government’s support for those who have risen out of poverty and declared that the free ration scheme, Ayushman scheme, and other welfare schemes will continue at a fast pace. The Prime Minister concluded his address by thanking the Rajya Sabha Chairman and the President of India.