New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announcing a key military reform in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort here on Thursday morning, said the post of Chief of Defence Staff would be created, who was likely to be above the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The Prime Minister also described the abrogation of Article 370 as a step towards “One nation, one Constitution”, saying a new approach was needed as the provisions granting special status for J&K had failed to yield the desired results in 70 years. Mr Modi also gave an assurance that every possible effort will be made to develop the region.
“It has been under 10 weeks since the new government was formed but several pathbreaking decisions have been taken. This includes decisions for Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, the end of triple talaq, and steps for the welfare of farmers and traders,” he said in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
He said that “the work that did not happen in 70 years, that task of removing Articles 370 and 35A, was accomplished in 70 days, and both Houses of Parliament passed it with a two-thirds majority”.
He noted that the spirit of “One nation, one Constitution” had finally become a reality, and India was proud of that.
“It is our responsibility to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and help provide them new wings,” he said.
Referring to the long-forgotten but major problem of “population explosion” in the country, the Prime Minister expressed concern over it, saying that it causes innumerable challenges for the coming generations.
He asserted that India now had a decisive leadership to handle the country’s myriad challenges, making a slew of significant announcements like the promise to provide piped drinking water to every household across the country in the course of nearly 95-minute speech.
He said a massive Rs 100 lakh crore will be spent on developing infrastructure to help in achieving the target of nearly doubling the size of the Indian economy to $5 trillion in the next five years.
In his sixth consecutive Independence Day address, he also touched on a host of other issues, including tackling cross-border terrorism, corruption, poverty, ensuring the ease of living, banning single-use plastics, curbing the use of fertilisers and water conservation. With his government facing criticism for raising taxes on affluent people, Mr Modi sought to assuage them, saying those creating wealth must be respected as wealth distribution could happen only when wealth is created.
He unveiled the “Jal Jivan” mission under which his government will spend Rs 3.5 lakh crores to provide piped drinking water to all households.
Rejecting criticism on the government’s decisions on J&K, Mr Modi wondered why those speaking in support of Article 370 kept it as a temporary provision for 70 years after introducing it. “If it was so essential and life-changing, if you had the conviction, then for 70 years why did it remain temporary, why did you not use your large mandates to make it permanent?” Mr Modi asked.
