President Droupadi Murmu spoke to the nation tonight on the eve of India's 79th Independence Day, delivering an exhaustive account of the nation's resplendent development trajectory since 1947. President Murmu's address emphasised strong economic growth, impressive progress in infrastructure, and an acute focus on using technology, especially artificial intelligence, for progress ahead.
LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day https://t.co/AiBSvUP5La
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Economic Resilience And Growth
President Murmu claimed that the Indian economy is in the "pink of health," demonstrating "extraordinary progress" in all sectors. She highlighted India's position as the fastest-growing major economy in the world with a 6.5 per cent GDP growth rate in the previous fiscal year.
"Despite stress in the world economy, domestic demand is running ahead. Inflation has been contained. Exports are increasing," President Murmu said. She credited this economic resilience to "sagacious economic management and carefully calibrated reforms," along with the dedication of India's farmers and workers.
Poverty Reduction And Inclusive Governance
The president underscored that "good governance" has played a key role in pulling a substantial segment of the population out of poverty. She pointed to active welfare programmes targeting not just the poor but also vulnerable groups just above the poverty line, so as not to fall back. This commitment, she said, is evident in rising spending on social services, narrowing income disparities, and lowering regional disparities, with hitherto weaker economic regions now emerging to their full potential.
Transformative Infrastructure Development
President Murmu praised the accelerated development of infrastructure in the last decade. She particularly cited the development and widening of the National Highway network under Bharatmala Pariyojana and the Railways' modernisation.
A "historic milestone" was marked with the opening of the Kashmir Valley rail link, one that she said would greatly increase trade and tourism in the region, opening new economic avenues. In addition, the President noted the development of metro rail infrastructure in cities, the AMRUT mission providing water and sewerage connections, and the Jal Jeevan Mission's work in delivering tap water to rural households.
Healthcare Revolution And Digital Dominance
In the health sector, President Murmu referred to a "paradigm shift" due to efforts such as Ayushman Bharat, the largest health scheme in the world, which has already benefited more than 55 crore (550 million) individuals. She mentioned the inclusion of this facility for all citizens 70 years or older, without any income criteria, for proper access to healthcare.
The President also pointed to India's spectacular progress in information technology. She pointed out that almost every village is now connected with 4G, which has made India a world leader in digital payments and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT). "Over half of all digital transactions in the world happen in India," she emphasised, pointing to the thriving digital economy's increasing contribution to the country's GDP.
AI: The Next Frontier For Governance
For the future, President Murmu chose Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be the "next phase of technological progress." She announced the launch of the India-AI Mission to enhance the nation's AI capabilities and develop models specific to India's needs.
"Since we want to become a global AI hub by 2047, our concern will be how best to utilise the growth in technology for the people so that their lives get better through better governance," President Murmu said, sketching a picture of future growth where technological advance gets translated into greater welfare for citizens.
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