Jan 25, 2017: President Pranab Mukherjee today addressed the nation on the eve of 68th Republic Day. In his speech, President said Demonetization, while immobilizing black money and fighting corruption, may have led to temporary slowdown of economic activity. However, he said, As more and more transactions become cashless, it will improve the transparency of the economy.
Addressing the nation President said, Indian economy has been performing well despite the challenging global economic conditions. In the first half of 2016-17, it grew at a rate of 7.2 percent – same as that last year – showing sustained recovery.
President Pranab Mukherjee said, the country is on the path of fiscal consolidation and the inflation level is within comfort zone. He said despite a population of 1.3 billion, the per capita income has shown a ten- fold increase and poverty ratio has declined by two- thirds while average life expectancy has more than doubled, and literacy rate has shown a four-fold increase.
Mr Mukherjee said, many flagship initiatives of the government have been designed to promote the well-being of the society. Stressing on the government’s Swachh Bharat Mission which aims at a Clean India by October 2nd ,2019 to coincide with the 150th Birth anniversary of Gandhiji, President also mentioned about significance of programmes like MGNREGA, Aadhar and Digital India movement, Start up and Atal Innovation Mission as well as Skill India initiatives in enhancing employment generation to rejuvenate the rural economy.
Mr Mukherjee said, it is his firm conviction that India’s pluralism and her social, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity are the greatest strength of the country. He said, a healthy democracy calls for conformity to the values of tolerance, patience and respect for others.
Mr Mukherjee said the time is ripe for a constructive debate on electoral reforms and a return to the practice of the early decades after independence of holding Lok Sabha and State assemblies simultaneously. He said it is for the Election Commission to take this exercise forward in consultation with political parties.
President urged to work harder to provide food security to people and make the agriculture sector resilient to the vagaries of nature and to provide enhanced employment opportunities to our youth through the creation of world-class manufacturing and services sectors. He also said, there is a need to work harder to keep at bay the dark forces of terrorism. He said, these forces have to be dealt with firmly and decisively. President said economy is yet to grow at over 10 per cent for an extended period of time to make a significant dent on poverty.He also stressed on working hard to provide safety and security of women and children and ensuring the well- being of soldiers and security personnel.
