Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against coronavirus and there is a firm belief that people will also set an example in the economic revival of the country.
In a letter to countrymen, Modi said many feared that India will become a problem for the world when Corona hits the country. “But today, through sheer confidence and resilience, you have transformed the way the world looks at us. You have proven that the collective strength and potential of Indians are unparalleled compared even to the powerful and prosperous countries of the world,” he said
Modi said in a crisis of this magnitude, it can certainly not be claimed that no one suffered any inconvenience or discomfort. “Our laborers, migrant workers, artisans and craftsmen in small scale industries, hawkers and such fellow countrymen have undergone tremendous suffering,” he said.
However, Modi said, they have to ensure that inconveniences that they are facing do not turn into disasters. “Hence, it is very important for every Indian to follow all rules and guidelines. We have displayed patience so far and we should continue to do so. This is one of the important reasons for India being safer and in a better state than many other countries. This is a long battle but we have started traversing on the path of victory, and victory is our collective resolve,” he said.
Prime Minister said there is also a widespread debate on how the economies of various countries, including India’s, will recover. “However, given the way India has surprised the world with its unity and resolve in the fight against Coronavirus, there is a firm belief that we will also set an example in economic revival. In the economic domain, through their strength, 130 crore Indians can not only surprise the world but also inspire it,” he said.
Stressing on self-reliance, he said the need of the hour is to move forward based on abilities. “There is only one way to do it – Aatmanirbhar Bharat or Self-reliant India. The recent Rs 20 lakh crore package given for Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a major step in this direction,” he said.
He said this initiative will usher in a new era of opportunities for every Indian, be it farmers, workers, small entrepreneurs or youth associated with startups. “The fragrance of Indian soil along with the sweat, hard work, and talent of our workers will create products that will reduce India’s dependence on imports and will move towards self-reliance,” he said.
Listing his government’s achievements, he said this day last year began a golden chapter in the history of Indian democracy. It was after several decades that the people of the country voted back a full-term government with a full majority.
“Once again, I bow to the 130 crore people of India and the democratic ethos of our nation. Your affection, goodwill, and active cooperation have given new energy, and inspiration. During normal times, I would have been in your midst. However, the present circumstances do not permit that. That is why I seek your blessings through this letter,” he said.
In the last one year, some of the decisions were widely discussed and remain etched in public discourse. “Article 370 furthered the spirit of national unity and integration. The Ram Mandir judgment, delivered unanimously by the Honourable Supreme Court of India, brought an amicable end to a debate persisting for centuries. The barbaric practice of Triple Talaq has been confined to the dustbin of history. Amendment to the Citizenship Act was an expression of India’s compassion and spirit of inclusiveness,” he said.
But there have been many other decisions that have added momentum to the nation’s development trajectory, he said. “The creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff was a long pending reform that has improved coordination among the armed forces. At the same time, India has stepped up preparations for Mission Gaganyaan. Empowering the poor, farmers, women, and youth has remained our priority. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi now includes all farmers. In just one year, more than Rupees 72,000 crore has been deposited in the accounts of over 9. 5 crore farmers,” he said.
He said the Jal Jeevan Mission will ensure supply of potable drinking water through piped connections to over 15 crore rural households.
“A huge campaign of free vaccination is being conducted for better health of our 50 crore livestock. For the first time in our country’s history, farmers, farm laborers, small shopkeepers, and workers in the unorganized sector are assured the provision of regular monthly pension of Rs. 3000 after the age of 60 years. Besides the facility of availing bank loans, a separate department has also been created for fishermen. Several other decisions have been taken to strengthen the fisheries sector. This will boost the blue economy,” he said.
Similarly, it has been decided to constitute a Vyapari Kalyan Board for timely resolution of the problems of the traders, he said. “Higher quantum of financial assistance is being provided to more than 7 crore women attached to self-help groups. Recently the loans without guarantee for self-help groups have been doubled to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh,” he said.
Prime minister said keeping in mind the education of tribal children they have begun the construction of more than 400 new Ekalavya Model Residential Schools. “Several people-friendly laws have been ushered in during the last year. Our Parliament has broken the decades-old record in terms of productivity. As a result, whether it be the Consumer Protection Act, the amendment to Chit Fund Law, or laws to provide more protection to women, children, and Divyang, their passage in the Parliament was expedited,” he said.
Modi said as a result of the policies and decisions of the government, the rural-urban gap is shrinking. “For the first time, the number of rural Indians using the internet is 10% more than the number of urban Indians. The list of such historic actions and decisions taken in the national interest would be too long to detail in this letter. But I must say that every day of this year, my government has worked round the clock with full vigor, taking and implementing these decisions,” he said.
Prime Minister said due to the global pandemic this is certainly a time of crisis but for Indians, this is also a time for a firm resolve. We must always remember that the present and future of 130 crores will never be dictated by adversity. We will decide on our present and our future. We will move ahead on the path of progress and victory will be ours,” he said.
