Rs 66,000 cr approved under PMDP to J&K
Surgical strikes show India’s ‘New Policy’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 31: President Ram Nath Kovind said today that the Central Government is committed to equitable development of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir, the three regions of the State and an environment favourable to development has been created in Jammu and Kashmir even as he announced that out of Rs 80,000 crore worth Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP). Rs 66,000 cr have been approved so far.
Kovind said due to efforts of country’s security forces, terrorism and violence has been reduced. He also referred to successful conduct of Panchayat and Municipal elections in Jammu and Kashmir after gap of several years.
In his Address to both Houses of Parliament marking beginning of budget session, the President also referred to surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in September 2016 after attack on Uri Army camps and described them (the strikes) as “India’s new policy and strategy”.
“Through the surgical strikes on cross border terror posts, India has shown its new policy and strategy,” Kovind said, adding: “While India is a staunch supporter of friendly ties with all countries, there is also a need to constantly strengthen our capabilities to tackle any challenges”.
In this context, he pointed out that only last year, India joined handful of countries that possess the ‘Nuclear Triad’ capability.
“My Government is committed to equitable development of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir (the three regions of the State). As a result of the efforts of my Government, an environment favourable to development has been created in the State,” the President said.
Recently in Jammu and Kashmir, the President said, elections to Urban Local Bodies were held after an interval of 13 years and Panchayats after seven years. The elections were conducted peacefully with more than 70 percent voters participating enthusiastically, he added.
Congratulating security forces, he said they are constantly striving to strengthen the country’s internal security and their concerted efforts have played a crucial role in reducing terrorism and violence.
“In the last few years, a record number of youngsters in the Maoist areas have come forward to join the mainstream. The Police Memorial, which was dedicated to the national last year, seeks to honour their sacrifice and also preserves the memories of their sacrifice for the future generations.
Kovind said it was a major diplomatic success of the Government that today, India’s voice is heard with respect at international fora.
Maintaining that morale of the defence forces is very high, he added: “Our defence forces and their morale symbolize the prowess of the India of the 21st century. Not only has my Government fulfilled the demand for One Rank One Pension that had been pending for four decades, but it has also disbursed arrears amounting to more than Rs 10,700 crore to 20 lakh ex-servicemen.”.
Kovind said the Government believed that neglecting the country’s defence needs even for a moment is detrimental to present as well as future of the country.
“The new agreements relating to defence sector signed last year, purchase of new defence equipment and indigenous production within the country under the `Make in India initiative have all helped in boosting morale of the defence forces and increasing country’s military self-reliance. After a gap of many decades, the Indian Air Force is preparing to welcome, in the coming months, the new generation ultra-modern fighter aircraft Rafale and strengthen the strike capability.
Presenting key achievements of the Modi Government ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Kovind asserted it has worked to build a “New India” after assuming power in 2014 and infused new hope when the nation was passing through “uncertain times”.
Kovind said the Government is attempting to find “permanent solutions” for problems faced by farmers, amid speculation over an announcement of a farm relief package in the Interim Budget to be unveiled Friday.
He described the 10 per cent quota as historic.
“Prior to the 2014 General Election, the country was passing through a phase of uncertainty. After the elections, my Government assumed charge and vowed to build a New India. A New India with no place for imperfect, corrupt and inertia ridden systems,” he said.
The President’s address, which reflects the Government’s views, assumes significance as it comes just ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May.
In the last four and a half years, the Government has infused new hope and confidence among the people of the country, enhanced the country’s image and has effectively brought in social and economic change, he said.
From day one, the government’s mission, based on transparency, was to improve the lives of citizens, to eradicate their difficulties owing to poor governance, and to make sure that the benefit of public services reach the lowest strata of the society, he said.
Addressing problems faced by farmers, who, he called are the foundation of the economy, the President recounted the Government’s commitment to doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and listed measures taken during its tenure.
“On behalf of this august House, I compliment our annadata farmers. My Government is striving day and night to attain the goal of doubling farmers’ income. Understanding the needs of farmers, the Government is seeking to find permanent solutions to their problems,” he said. The comments by the President come against the backdrop of the attack on the Government by the Congress and other opposition parties over agrarian distress.
Referring to the Citizenship Amendment Bill that has triggered protests in the Northeast, Kovind said it will give justice to persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan through Indian nationality.
He said the NDA Government was mindful of the prevalence of injustice and deprivation in the society and has been working towards reforming the legal system so as to “ensure social and economic justice”.
Touching upon the state of economy, Kovind said India’s contribution to global economy has increased from 2.6 per cent in 2014 to 3.3 per cent in 2017 on the back of high growth rate during the last four and a half years.
He said the country’s GDP has been growing at a rate of 7.3 per cent on an average, making India the sixth largest economy in the world, adding that this is an opportune moment for the country to play a decisive role in the fourth industrial revolution.
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