73rd Independence Day Speech: PM Modi Emphasises On Controlling Population & Plastic Pollution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the country in his sixth straight address from the Red Fort on Independence Day. PM Modi spoke before a large gathering of ministers, diplomats and schoolchildren at the historic Mughal-built Red Fort.

He spoke about significant decision the government took after winning a historic mandate in Lok Sabha Elections 2019. The removal of Article 370, Article 35-A and ban on Triple Talaq have been important steps.

¡°We have fulfilled the dream that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had for India,¡± said Modi.

Below are the top excerpts from Modi¡¯s speech on Independence Day:

Must reduce use of plastic bags

PM Modi asked, "Can India reduce the use of plastic bags, especially single-use plastic?" He said the time for implementing this idea has come and a significant measure may be announced on October 2.

¡°Our priority should be a 'Made in India' product,¡± he said.

Will create a chief of Defence staff

Modi announced creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS) as head of the tri- services. He said the CDS will ensure synergy among the three services and provide effective leadership to them. "Our government has decided to have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS," PM said.

Reuters

A high-level committee set up to examine the gaps in the country's security system in the wake of the Kargil War in 1999 had called for appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff as a single-point military adviser to the Defence Minister.

People not only want railway stations, they want airports

¡°Earlier the aspiration was to have a good mobile phone but now, people aspire better data speed. People's thinking has changed. Earlier, people were happy with merely a plan to make a railway station,¡± he said.

Modi said that people now not only want railway stations and bus stations, they also want airports.

Population explosion is a problem

Modi highlighted the growing issues of India¡¯s ever-increasing population. He said, ¡°We have to think- can we do justice to the aspirations of our children.¡±

AFP

Sati, Triple Talaq and Kashmir

Hailing the passage of triple talaq bill that makes instant divorce a criminal offence and empowers Muslim women, Modi said, ¡°If we can take steps against "Sati" custom, female foeticide and dowry, then why not against instant triple talaq?¡±

On the recent abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir that previously gave special rights to Kashmiris, Modi said that a new approach was needed to deal with Kashmir.

¡°Different governments made efforts in 70 years to deal with Kashmir, but it did not bear results; a new approach was needed. Why did those who are supporting Article 370 make it a permanent provision for Jammu and Kashmir and kept it a temporary measure. Politics comes and goes but steps taken in the interest of the nation are paramount,¡± Modi said.