New Delhi: Presenting a virtual report card of the Modi government’s tenure, President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday highlighted its various development works and commitment to social justice, as he asserted it has worked to build a “New India” after assuming power in 2014 when the nation was passing through “uncertain times”.
In his address to the joint sitting of Parliament at the beginning of the Budget Session, Kovind also referred to the contentious Rafale deal, saying that the Indian Air Force will welcome the ultra-modern fighter aircraft in the coming months to strengthen its strike capability after a gap of many decades.
The President’s address, which reflects the government’s view, assumes significance as it comes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May.
The 10 per cent reservation for the general category poor, the triple talaq legislation and the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill also figured in his over an hour-long speech at Parliament’s central hall in the presence of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Union ministers and other MPs.
“Prior to the 2014 General Election, the country was passing through a phase of uncertainty. After the elections, my government assumed charge and vowed to build a New India. A New India with no place for imperfect, corrupt and inertia ridden systems,” he said.
In the last four and a half years, the government has infused new hope and confidence among the people of the country, enhanced the country’s image and has effectively brought in social and economic change, he said. From day one, the government’s mission, based on transparency, was to improve the lives of citizens, to eradicate their difficulties owing to poor governance, and to make sure that the benefit of public services reach the lowest strata of the society, he said.
Highlighting the government’s achievements and various welfare schemes, Kovind said 21 crore poor people were covered under the PM’s life insurance scheme, while over 2 crore households got power connection as part of the Saubhagya scheme. “Under the Swachh Bharat initiative, the government has built nine crore toilets,” he said.
The president also described 2019 as a significant year for democracy as the country is observing the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Be it cities or villages, the government has worked towards strengthening the health care infrastructure by building new AIIMS and wellness centres across the country, he said. (PTI)
