New Delhi: On the eve of the 67th Republic Day, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday cautioned India against the forces of violence, intolerance and unreason, adding that the nation cannot resolve disputes with other nations and discuss peace with them under a “shower of bullets”.
On reforms, the President urged legislators and ministers to show a “spirit of accomodation” and ensure discussion and debate while passing legislation, as delays in taking decisions could harm the process of development.
The President’s advice comes against the backdrop of the GST Bill, that could not be passed in the Parliament.
Mr Mukherjee said: “It is the bounden duty of the lawmakers to ensure that such legislation is enacted after due discussion and debate.”
President reiterates tolerance mantra
Advising legislators in an obvious reference to the GST Bill, President Pranab Mukherjee said in his traditional Republic Day-eve speech: “A spirit of accommodation, cooperation and consensus-building should be the preferred mode of decision-making. Delays in decision-making and implementation can only harm the process of development,” he said.
On intolerance, the President said: “When grim instances of violence hit established values that are at the core of our nationhood, it is time to take note. We must guard against the forces of violence, intolerance and unreason.” The President said there will be occasional doubters and baiters who continue to complain, to demand, to rebel. His remarks assume significance as communal and casteist violence has been seen over the past several months.
On India’s economic growth, the President said despite occasional setbacks, India’s performance this year has been strong.
The President lauded the start-up initiatives launched by the NDA government while he raised an alarm over rising pollution levels in cities, that come against the backdrop of the “odd-even” scheme recently implemented by the Kejriwal government.
On the alarming levels of pollution in the cities, he said everyone had the right to lead a healthy, happy and productive life in India. “This right has been breached, especially in our cities, where pollution has reached alarming levels. Climate change has acquired real meaning with 2015 turning out to be the warmest year on record,” he said.
