President Murmu addresses nation on Independence Day eve

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday emphasised the need to strengthen affirmative action as a tool for inclusion while urging the rejection of divisive tendencies rooted in perceived social hierarchiesIn her address to the nation on the eve of 78th Independence Day Murmu highlighted the steady progress of political democracy in India asserting that it reflects advancements towards social democracyShe noted that the nation thrives on its diversity and plurality moving forward as a cohesive entitySocial justice is a top priority for the Narendra Modi government which has initiated unprecedented measures for the welfare of Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes and other marginalised communities the president statedShe quoted BR Ambedkar the architect of the Indian Constitution emphasising that political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy and said steady progress of political democracy testifies to the progress made towards the consolidation of social democracyThe spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of our social life We move together as a cohesive nation with our diversity and plurality Affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion I firmly believe that in a vast country like ours tendencies that stoke discord based upon perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected she saidMurmu detailed several government initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalised groups including the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan PMSURAJ which provides direct financial assistance and the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan PMJANMAN focused on improving the socioeconomic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups PVTGsShe also mentioned the NAMASTE scheme designed to eliminate manual scavenging by ensuring sanitation workers do not engage in hazardous tasksThe president stressed the importance of justice in its broadest sense particularly in terms of gender and climate justiceShe acknowledged that while women in Indian society are seen as equals traditional prejudices persistMurmu noted that government efforts have tripled budget allocations for womens welfare over the past decade leading to increased female labor participation and an improved sex ratio at birthBut I am glad to note that the government has given equal importance to womens welfare and womens empowerment The budget allocation for this purpose has more than tripled in the last decade she saidShe cited the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Women Reservation Act as a significant step towards womens empowermentSpeaking about the 2024 Lok Sabha elections President Murmu highlighted the record number of nearly 97 crore eligible voters describing it as the largest electoral exercise in historyShe commended the Election Commission and security personnel for ensuring a smooth electoral process asserting that the widespread exercise of franchise is a powerful endorsement of democracyWhen such a large number of people exercise their franchise it is a resounding vote for the idea of democracy Indias successful conduct of elections strengthens democratic forces around the world she saidRecognising farmers as Annadata providers of food she praised their contributions to Indias agricultural selfreliance With this they have contributed immensely to making India selfreliant in agriculture and feeding our people she saidMurmu also noted substantial improvements in infrastructure including roads railways and ports driven by strategic planning and effective institutionsAdditionally she pointed to the governments promotion of sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence creating a conducive environment for startups and enhancing Indias appeal as an investment destinationConsidering the great potential of futuristic technology the government has vigorously promoted a range of sectors such as semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence while also creating an ideal ecosystem for startups which will propel their growth It has made India an even more attractive investment destination she saidWith increased transparency in the banking and financial sector she expressed optimism about the prospects for economic growth that could elevate India among developed nationsIn her address the President also acknowledged the observance of Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas Partition Horrors Remembrance Day reflecting on the human tragedy of partition which resulted in immense suffering and loss of lifeAs we prepare to celebrate our Independence Day we must remember the unparalleled tragedy and stand in solidarity with those families affected she concludedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever