New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to the nation on the occasion of the completion of one year of his government’s second term. In his open letter, PM Modi mentioned several initiatives, achievements and big decisions taken by his government, as well as the challenges and hardships faced by the migrant laborers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The PM wrote that it was after several decades that the people of the country voted back a full term government with a full majority. It is pertinent to mention here that PM Modi-led BJP government came back to power in 2019, after general elections to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha were held. Back in 2014 India general election, the BJP won 282 seats, leading the NDA to a tally of 336 seats in the 543-seat Lok Sabha. Narendra Modi was sworn in as the 14th Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014. Read full text of letter here
In his letter to the nation, PM Modi wrote that since 2014, India’s stature has rose significantly as the dignity of poor was enhanced through various schemes and initiatives like ‘Antyodaya’. He said that the nation has witnessed some major transformations in the last six years including “achieving financial inclusion, free gas and electricity connections, total sanitation coverage, and made progress towards ensuring ‘Housing for All’.”
Apart from this, he wrote, India demonstrated its mettle through the surgical strike and air strike. “At the same time, decades old demands such as OROP, One Nation One Tax- GST, better MSP for farmers were fulfilled,” he said.
PM further said that in the last one year, some of the decisions were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse. He referred to the scrapping of Article 370, Triple Talaq and Supreme Court’s Ram Mandir judgment among major decisions taken in the last one year.
“The decision on Article 370 furthered the spirit of national unity and integration. The Ram Mandir judgment, delivered unanimously by the Honourable Supreme Court of India, brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries. The barbaric practice of Triple Talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history. Amendment to the Citizenship Act was an expression of India’s compassion and spirit of inclusiveness,” PM wrote.
PM also mentioned the creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). It was a long-pending reform that has improved coordination among the armed forces, he wrote.
He further mentioned Gaganyaan, India’s first manned space mission and said that the dedicated team of scientists at ISRO has stepped up preparations in this regard.
He said that empowering the poor, farmers, women and youth has remained the priority of his government. “PM Kisan Samman Nidhi now includes all farmers. In just one year, more than Rupees 72,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts of over 9 crore 50 lakh farmers. The Jal Jeevan Mission will ensure supply of potable drinking water through piped connections to over 15 crore rural households. A huge campaign of free vaccination is being conducted for better health of our 50 crore livestock,” he wrote.
“For the first time in our country’s history, farmers, farm labourers, small shopkeepers and workers in unorganised sector are assured the provision of regular monthly pension of Rs. 3000 after the age of 60 years,” PM added.
PM further said that several people-friendly laws have been ushered in during the last year. “Our Parliament has broken the decades-old record in terms of productivity. As a result, whether it be the Consumer Protection Act, the amendment to Chit Fund Law or laws to provide more protection to women, children and Divyang, their passage in the Parliament was expedited,” he wrote.
He said that the rural-urban gap is also shrinking as a result of the policies and decisions of the government. “For the first time, the number of rural Indians using the internet is 10% more than the number of urban Indians,” he said.
PM said that as the nation was moving ahead at a fast pace, the coronavirus pandemic brought almost everything to a halt.
“Many feared that India will become a problem for the world when Corona hits India. But today, through sheer confidence and resilience, you have transformed the way the world looks at us. You have proven that the collective strength and potential of Indians is unparalleled compared even to the powerful and prosperous countries of the world,” he wrote.
“Be it clapping and lighting a lamp to the honouring of Corona Warriors by India’s armed forces, Janta curfew or by faithful adherence to rules during the nationwide lockdown, on every occasion you have shown that Ek Bharat is the guarantee for ShresthaBharat,” he said.
He said that in a crisis of this magnitude, it can certainly not be claimed that no one suffered any inconvenience or discomfort. “Our labourers, migrant workers, artisans & craftsmen in small scale industries, hawkers and such fellow countrymen have undergone tremendous suffering.We are working in a united and determined way to alleviate their troubles,” he wrote.
“However, we have to take care to ensure that inconveniences that we are facing do not turn into disasters,” PM wrote while reiterating that it is very important for every Indian to follow all rules and guidelines.
“We have displayed patience so far and we should continue to do so. This is one of the important reasons for India being safer and in a better state than many other countries. This is a long battle but we have started traversing on the path of victory, and victory is our collective resolve,” PM said.
Modi also mentioned the super cyclone Amphan that has wreaked havoc in parts of West Bengal and Odisha in the last few days. “Here too, the resilience of the people of these states is noteworthy. Their courage inspires the people of India,” he said.
“At such a time, there is also a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including India’s, will recover,” PM wrote. He said that given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against Coronavirus, there is a firm belief that it will also set an example in economic revival. “In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it,” he added.
The prime minister again reiterated that the need of the hour is to become self-reliant. “We have to move forward based on our own abilities, in our own way, and there is only one way to do it – Aatmanirbhar Bharat or Self-reliant India,” he wrote.
He also mentioned the Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package for Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. “This initiative will usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it our farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with start ups,” he wrote.
PM further added that he is also aware that there is a lot that needs to be done. “There are many challenges and problems that our country faces. I am working day and night. There could be deficiencies in me but there is nothing that our country lacks. So, I believe in you, your strength and your abilities even more than I believe in myself,” he wrote in his letter to nation.
“Due to the global pandemic this is certainly a time of crisis but for us Indians this is also a time for a firm resolve,” he added.
