Addressing the joint session of Parliament, President Draupadi Murmu articulated her stance on pivotal issues such as the NEET paper leak, the stain of the Emergency, and the triumphs of India's parliamentary system. Emphasizing the sanctity of democracy, she condemned any attempts to tarnish it and reminisced about the national outcry during the Emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi administration in 1975.
In her maiden address to the 18th Lok Sabha, the President reassured the country's youth of the government's commitment to fostering an environment where they can dream big and realize their aspirations.
President's NEET Pledge and Assurance
During her address, when mentioning the government's steps in education, opposition members chanted slogans about NEET. The President insisted that hindrances in exams due to any reason are unacceptable and stressed the essentiality of integrity and transparency in public recruitments and examinations.
"The government is constantly striving to provide suitable opportunities for the youth to showcase their talents. Be it government recruitment or exams, any disruptions are improper; purity and transparency are of utmost importance," she said.
The President, referring to the paper leaks, stated, "My government is committed to conducting impartial investigations into such incidents and ensuring severe punishment for the guilty. There have been similar instances in various states, necessitating a concerted national action beyond partisan politics. Parliament has also enacted stringent laws against malpractices in exams. My government is actively working towards significant reforms in the examination institutions, their operational methods, and procedures," she explained.
Emergency Mentioned
In her speech, President Draupadi Murmu also touched upon the dark chapter of the Emergency. She noted that India would soon celebrate 75 years as a republic, hailing the Constitution's resilience through decades of challenges. "When our Constitution was being drafted, there were global entities rooting for India's failure. Despite its enactment, the Constitution faced several assaults. Today, 27th June, marks an infamous period initiated on 25th June 1975—the Emergency—representing a direct attack on the Constitution. This caused nationwide turmoil. However, India triumphed over such unconstitutional forces, showcasing the deep-seated republican virtues in our ethos. My government does not view the Constitution merely as a tool of governance but as an integral part of the public conscience. It's with this intent that we started observing 26th November as Constitution Day," she said.
Electoral Commendations
Referring to recent elections, President Murmu hailed them as the largest in the world, stating, "Nearly 64 crore voters have participated with enthusiasm. Women voters, in particular, took part actively. A pleasant surprise came from Jammu and Kashmir, where voter turnout broke long-standing records, marking a departure from decades of curfews and decreased participation often weaponized by India's adversaries in international fora. This time, the valley's response has been a resolute answer to such forces," she asserted.
The President mentioned that the world is witnessing India's people choosing a stable and clear majority government for the third consecutive time, something that hasn't happened in over six decades. "At a time when citizens' aspirations are at an all-time high, they've extended their trust in my government, confident that only my administration can fulfill those aspirations," she conveyed.
Upcoming Budget Excites
The President previewed the upcoming budget, suggesting it will provide powerful documentation of the government's long-term strategies and a vision for the future, including historic economic and social measures to fast-track India's vigorous development.
On Protests and Parliamentary Proceedings
Asserting that the last decade's reforms and the newfound confidence in Indian society propel us towards becoming a developed nation, the President emphasized that hindering this goal cannot be a collective intention. "Opposing policies and parliamentary activities are distinct. When the parliament runs smoothly, when healthy debate prevails, and when far-reaching decisions are made, trust is established not just in the government but the entire system. I am confident that we will utilize the assembly's time wisely, prioritizing public welfare," she indicated.
Development in the Northeast Earns Attention
During the session, when the President discussed progress in the Northeast, opposition members chanted slogans referencing Manipur. Addressing the parliament, she detailed that her government had increased budget allocation for the Northeast's development by over four times in a decade. The region is to be transformed into a strategic gateway through the Act East Policy, enhancing all forms of connectivity and advancing sectors like education, health, tourism, and employment. Assam is set for a groundbreaking change with a semiconductor plant worth ₹27,000 crore, setting the Northeast to become India's hub for indigenous chips.
Hinting at the internal challenges of the Northeast, she asserted her government's ongoing efforts to achieve enduring peace. "In the last decade, many age-old disputes have been resolved, and significant peace accords were signed. A phased approach for the withdrawal of AFSPA in strife-torn areas through expedited development is also underway," she said.
CAA's Positive Impact
"My government has started granting citizenship under the CAA law, ensuring a dignified life for families affected by the partition. To all families who've now acquired citizenship under CAA, I wish a prosperous future," she remarked.
Information about the President's speech is essential for the general public, academics, policy analyzers, and anyone interested in the political landscape of India. Key focus areas could be democratic values, education reforms, budget previews, Northeastern development strategies, and socio-political facets of recent legislation.
Keywords
President's Address, NEET, Emergency, Republic Celebrations, Electoral Victory, India, Northeast Development, CAA Benefits, Agriculture Reforms, Democratic Principles, Education Policy, Scandals, Exams and Integrity, AFSPA, Future Vision.
