Mera Saansad
Search Search
English language

PM’s reply to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in Lok Sabha

Published By : Admin | February 7, 2022 | 17:32 IST
“Before making my speech, I would like to pay tributes to Lata Didi. Through her music she unified our nation”
“'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' is the perfect time to think about how India can play a global leadership role in the coming years”
“We also believe that criticism is an essential part of democracy. But, blind opposition to everything is never the way ahead”
“If we are talking about being vocal for local, are we not fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi? Then, why was it being mocked by the Opposition?”
“The world has taken note of India's economic strides and that too in the middle of a once in a lifetime global pandemic”
“The Government of India ensured that over 80 crore fellow Indians get access to free ration in the midst of the pandemic. It is our commitment that no Indian has to remain hungry”
“For India's progress, it is important to empower the small farmer. The small farmer will strengthen India's progress”
“PM Gati Shakti presents a holistic approach to solve our infrastructure challenges. Our emphasis is on proper connectivity”
“We do not believe only Governments can solve all problems. We believe in the people of the nation, the youth of the nation”
“We do not agree with the approach of scaring our youth, wealth creators and entrepreneurs”
“Being self-reliant in the defence sector is among the biggest national service”
“Nation, for us is a living soul, not just an arrangement of power or government”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today replied to the motion of thanks on the President’s address to Parliament, in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Lata Mangeshkar before starting his speech. “Before making my speech, I would like to pay tributes to Lata Didi. Through her music she unified our nation”, he said.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of the current epoch in making new resolutions and rededicating to the task of nation -building. “'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' is the perfect time to think about how India can play a global leadership role in the coming years. It is equally true that India has made several developmental strides in the last few years”, he said. Furthermore, he contined, that a new world order in the post-Corona period is taking shape rapidly. “This is a turning point where we as India should not lose this opportunity”, he added.

The Prime Minister narrated the changing status of the deprived and poor who are getting new dignity through facilities. “Earlier, gas connection was a status symbol. Now, the poorest of the poor have access to it and that is why it is very gladdening. The poor have access to bank accounts, DBT is helping in service delivery...these are major changes”, he said. He added that when poor person feels happy due to electricity in her house, her happiness gives strength to the joy of the nation. He also talked of the joys of smoke-free kitchen in poor household due to free gas connection.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of proper functioning of democracy and highlighted the centuries old democratic tradition of India. “We are firm believers in democracy. And, we also believe that criticism is an essential part of democracy. But, blind opposition to everything is never the way ahead”, he emphasized. The Prime Minister lamented the fact of using the pandemic for political purpose. He criticized pushing people who were following lockdowns, when guidelines were suggesting that people stay where they were, being asked and scared to leave Mumbai and Delhi for their hometown in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Shri Modi also regretted the blind opposition to efforts that should be universally supported. “If we are talking about being vocal for local, are we not fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi? Then, why was it being mocked by the Opposition? We talked about Yoga and Fit India but that was mocked by the Opposition too”, he said. “The world has taken note of India's economic strides and that too in the middle of a once in a lifetime global pandemic”, he added.

The Prime Minister recalled the flu pandemic hundred year ago and noted the that most of the deaths were due to hunger. He stressed that in the current pandemic, no Indian was allowed to die of hunger and one of the biggest social security measures was taken. “The Government of India ensured that over 80 crore fellow Indians get access to free ration in the midst of the pandemic. It is our commitment that no Indian has to remain hungry”, he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that only effective way of dealing with poverty is taking care of the concerns of the small farmers. He lamented that small farmers have been ignored for very long. “Those who have ruled the nation for so many years and are used to living in palatial houses have forgotten to speak about the welfare of the small farmer. For India's progress, it is important to empower the small farmer. The small farmer will strengthen India's progress’, he said.

The Prime Minister dwelled at length on the new approach of governance and project delivery. He cited the long pending projects such as Saryu Nahar National Project in Uttar Pradesh which got completed by the current government. He also cited the example of PM Gati Shakti which presents a holistic approach to solve the infrastructure challenges and will reduce the logistics choice of the industry. The Prime Minister reiterated the emphasis is on proper connectivity. “Our Government changed the definition of MSMEs and this helped the sector”, he added.

The Prime Minister also talked of the new mentality of Aatmnirbharta which has been pushed by innovative policies. He highlighted the harnessing of the talent and youth of country via opening new sectors. “We do not believe only Governments can solve all problems. We believe in the people of the nation, the youth of the nation. Take the start-up sector for example. The number of start-ups have risen and this shows the strength of our people”, he also highlighted the rise of quality unicorn in recent times. The Prime Minister said “We do not agree with the approach of scaring our youth, wealth creators and entrepreneurs.” There were just 500 startups before 2014. In the last 7 years 60 thousand startups emerged and India is headed towards a century of unicorns. India has reached third place with regard to the startups.

He said that mocking ‘Make in India’ amounts to mocking the entrepreneurship of India, youth of India and industry of media. He also maintained that being self-reliant in the defence sector is among the biggest national service.

The Prime Minister said in the past inflation was explained away by giving the excuse of global problems, whereas India, today, is tackling inflation despite difficult global scenario without making excuses for that.

The Prime Minister said “Nation, for us is a living soul, not just an arrangement of power or government”. He cited puranas and Subramania Bharathi to elaborate on an all-encompassing concept of India where entire India is treated as living soul. He narrated the respect given to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat by the people of Tamil Nadu as an example of pan-India national sentiment.

The Prime Minister concluded by exhorting political parties, citizens and youth to contribute with positive sentiment during the auspicious period of Amrit Kaal.

Click here to read PM's speech

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya

Popular Speeches

Today, the entire country and entire world is filled with the spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ram: PM Modi at Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya
View All
India eyes 2036 Olympics, PM Modi announces nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5-15

Media Coverage

India eyes 2036 Olympics, PM Modi announces nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5-15
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
12 Years of Transformation: PM Modi Highlights India’s Progress in Independence Day Address
August 15, 2026

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted India’s transformation over the last 12 years, outlining the progress made across manufacturing, digital infrastructure, basic amenities, energy security, youth empowerment, innovation, social security and other key sectors.

Key highlights from the Prime Minister’s address include:

1. Manufacturing: Scale and Self-Reliance

Over the last 12 years:

  • Defence production has increased nearly 4 times.
  • Khadi and Village Industries production has increased nearly 5 times.
  • Electronics manufacturing has increased nearly 7 times.
  • Modern railway coach production has increased 21 times.
  • Mobile phone production has increased 35 times.

2. Digital India and Innovation

The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s digital and innovation ecosystem:

  • Internet consumers have increased nearly 4 times.
  • Patent grants have increased 4 times.
  • Digital transactions have increased around 100 times.
  • India has built a significantly larger digital and innovation ecosystem.

3. Faster Delivery of Basic Amenities

The Prime Minister highlighted the faster pace at which basic facilities are reaching ordinary citizens:

  • Tap-water connections have been provided at an average annual pace nearly 15 times faster.
  • LPG connections have been provided at an annual pace nearly 6 times faster.
  • Toilets for the poor have been constructed at an annual pace nearly 4 times faster.
  • Pucca houses for the poor have been provided at an annual pace nearly 3 times faster.
  • Hundreds of obsolete laws have been abolished.
  • Modern public transport, including metro systems, has reached several more cities.

4. Building the Semiconductor Ecosystem

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress in building domestic semiconductor capabilities:

  • India earlier had no major semiconductor manufacturing plant.
  • A complete semiconductor ecosystem is now being built in India.
  • Three semiconductor plants have been initiated.
  • India has also started exporting chips.

5. Securing Critical Minerals

Highlighting the importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies, the Prime Minister referred to the steps being taken to strengthen India’s capabilities in this sector:

  • National Critical Mineral Mission has been launched.
  • Critical Mineral Corridor has been announced in the Budget.
  • Agreements have been signed with several countries for critical mineral supplies.

6. Strengthening Energy Security

The Prime Minister underlined that energy security is an essential condition for building a developed India, particularly as technologies such as chips, AI and data centres require huge quantities of electricity.

Underlining the role of nuclear energy, the Prime Minister highlighted:

  • The SHANTI Act as a major reform in the nuclear energy sector.
  • India crossing an important milestone in Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology.
  • The potential of the technology to play a major role in making India self-reliant in nuclear fuel.

7. Expanding Oil and Gas Exploration

The Prime Minister highlighted the change in India’s approach towards offshore exploration:

  • Nearly 99% of India’s offshore area was earlier classified as a No-Go Area.
  • The approach has now changed from No-Go Area to Go Ahead Area.
  • Previously restricted areas have been opened for exploration.
  • This has created possibilities for discovering new oil and gas reserves.

8. Energy Diversification

The Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion in different sources of energy.

City Gas Distribution

  • 2014: Available in fewer than 70 cities.
  • Today: Available in around 700 cities.

Piped Cooking Gas

 

  • 2014: Around 20–22 lakh households.
  • Today: Nearly 1.75 crore households.

Solar Energy

 

  • 2014: Around 2 GW.
  • Today: Around 160 GW.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

 

  • The scheme has crossed 50 lakh households.
  • Lakhs of families are benefiting through lower or zero electricity bills.
  • Families can also sell surplus electricity and earn.
  • Assistance of up to around ₹80,000 per household is available.

9. Railways: Electrification and Future Fuels

The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of Indian Railways:

  • In 2014, after nearly 90 years, only around 30% of the railway network had been electrified.
  • Today, Indian Railways has moved towards near-complete electrification.
  • India has started work on its first Made-in-India hydrogen train.
  • It is being developed as the world’s longest and most powerful hydrogen train.

10. India’s Resilience During Global Crises

The Prime Minister said that the capabilities built over the last 10–12 years were tested during:

  • COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Russia-Ukraine war.
  • Conflicts in West Asia.

11. Affordable Fertiliser for Farmers

Highlighting the Government’s efforts to protect farmers from high global fertiliser prices, the Prime Minister stated:

  • Urea: Around ₹3,000 per bag internationally; Indian farmers get it for less than ₹300.
  • DAP: More than ₹5,000 internationally; Indian farmers get it for ₹1,350.

12. Trade and Export Opportunities

The Prime Minister highlighted the new opportunities being created for Indian producers and exporters:

  • Since 2014, India has entered into FTAs with around 40 countries.
  • New opportunities have opened for agriculture, fisheries, MSMEs, textiles and other export sectors.

13. Youth at the Centre of Viksit Bharat

The Prime Minister said that India’s youth have a major role in building Viksit Bharat and highlighted the new pathways opened up for them:

  • Startup India: New avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • ₹1 lakh crore Research Fund: New opportunities for young researchers.
  • Digital India: Empowerment through affordable data.
  • Skill India: National skills ecosystem.
  • Space Sector: Opened for private participation.
  • National Drone Policy: New opportunities for young entrepreneurs and innovators.
  • Khelo India: Strengthened sports ecosystem.

14. Education and Innovation

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of educational and innovation opportunities:

  • National Education Policy 2020: Introduced after a gap of 35 years.
  • Universities: Fewer than 350 during 2004–2014; around 650 new universities added in the following decade.
  • Medical Colleges: Fewer than 400 before 2014; around 850 today.
  • More than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established in schools.
  • Focus has been placed on developing a technology and innovation mindset from an early age.

15. Startups, Space and AI

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing startup and innovation ecosystem:

  • An Indian space startup has launched a Made-in-India rocket.
  • India now has around 2.5 lakh registered startups.
  • AI is creating new opportunities for young Indians.
  • India hosted the AI Impact Summit this year.

16. New Sectors and New Opportunities

Bioeconomy

  • 2014: Around ₹60,000 crore.
  • Today: Nearly ₹20 lakh crore.
  • The expansion is creating new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Electric Vehicles

 

  • Towards the end of the previous decade: Around 1.5 lakh EVs sold annually.
  • Last year: Around 25 lakh EVs sold.

Aviation

 

  • New airports and routes are creating employment.
  • MRO is opening new opportunities.
  • India is moving towards Made-in-India aircraft manufacturing.
  • The Made-in-India C-295 defence transport aircraft has successfully completed its flight.

17. Rural Empowerment through SVAMITVA

The Prime Minister highlighted the impact of the SVAMITVA initiative:

  • Around 3.25 crore families have received property cards.
  • Around ₹140 lakh crore of economic potential has been unlocked in rural areas.
  • Property records are enabling villagers to access bank loans against their property.
  • New avenues for rural employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship have opened up.

18. Growth in Defence Exports

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of India’s defence exports:

  • Defence exports have increased more than 50 times.
  • Indian defence equipment is now exported to around 100 countries.

19. Women-Led Development: Lakhpati Didi

Highlighting the growing role of women in India’s development:

  • The target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis has been achieved.
  • Women from general, Dalit, backward and tribal families have become Lakhpati Didis.

20. Expanding Social Security

The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of social security coverage:

  • Before 2014, around 25 crore people were covered by social security.
  • Today, around 100 crore Indians are covered by one or another social security scheme.

21. Ayushman Bharat

The Prime Minister highlighted the financial relief provided to families through Ayushman Bharat:

  • Beneficiary families have avoided an estimated ₹2 lakh crore in medical expenditure.