With the national election looming just months away, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a comprehensive address to Rajya Sabha members, outlining his administration’s achievements and laying out plans to propel India towards becoming a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat.
In his speech responding to the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address during the interim budget session in Parliament, Modi emphasized that the government’s policies are geared towards ensuring basic facilities for all and enhancing the standard of living. He articulated a vision that goes beyond merely improving the ‘ease of living’ to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens, particularly focusing on empowering the neo-middle class emerging from poverty.
The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing schemes aimed at supporting the welfare of the poor, such as the free ration scheme, Ayushman scheme, discounted medicines, and initiatives like the PM Samman Nidhi scheme for farmers, affordable housing, clean water connections, and sanitation facilities. These efforts, he stressed, will continue to be implemented swiftly under ‘Modi 3.0’ to fortify the foundations of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ as envisioned by his administration.
Highlighting initiatives aimed at inclusive growth, Modi underscored the significance of programs targeting the upliftment of marginalized communities, such as scholarships for students from scheduled castes and tribes, which have contributed to increased school enrollment and reduced dropout rates. He reiterated his commitment to the principle of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’, emphasizing inclusivity as the cornerstone of his governance philosophy.
Modi also commended the improved performance of public sector undertakings (PSUs) under his administration, citing examples of enhanced efficiency and profitability in entities like BSNL, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, and LIC. He highlighted the growth trajectory of PSUs, reflecting a significant rise in net profit and net value over the past decade.
The prime minister reiterated his call for ‘states’ development for country’s development’, advocating for a competitive cooperative federalism that fosters healthy competition among states for development. He expressed confidence in India’s medical infrastructure, pledging to make healthcare more affordable and accessible in the coming years.
Looking ahead, Modi outlined ambitious goals for a viksit Bharat across various sectors, including universal access to piped water, expansion of renewable energy sources, boosting domestic manufacturing, and advancing India’s digital economy. He expressed optimism about India’s potential to lead in areas like semiconductors, electronics, space technology, and green energy, underlining the country’s determination to reduce dependence on external sources and foster innovation and self-reliance.
Modi’s address encapsulated a vision for a prosperous, self-reliant India, underpinned by inclusive development, technological advancement, and sustainable growth. As the nation gears up for the upcoming election, his vision sets the stage for a transformative agenda aimed at realizing the aspirations of every Indian citizen.