In his first address to the nation from Red Fort after 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, August 15, spoke about issues like Article 370, Article 35A, criminalising triple talaq, welfare schemes for the farmers and also announced the launch of a new ‘Jal Jeevan” Mission to provide potable water. 

Addressing the nation on Independence Day. Watch. https://t.co/V6cCfmRPRx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2019

In another major announcement Modi said: “We have taken the decision to create a Chief of Defence Staff position. This will be an important step.”

$5 Trillion Economy

Speaking about the economy, PM Modi said that India will become a $5 trillion economy in the next five years.

“From 2014 to 2019, we became a $3 trillion economy. Before that, in the last 70 years, the country was a $2 trillion economy. We added $1 trillion to the economy in just five years. Now we are looking forward to making the nation a $5 trillion economy,” Pm Modi said. 

Standing up in support of industrialists, Modi said that wealth creators should not be seen with suspicion and that they are country’s wealth and should be respected.

“We have done a lot in improving ‘Ease of Doing Business’. But that’s just one step. Our ultimate aim is ‘Ease of Living’,” PM added.

Flood Affected Areas

Extending greetings for Raksha Bandhan, Modi expressed his concern for the people in flood-affected areas of the country.

“Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the country. We stand in solidarity with those who are affected by the floods,” PM said.

Water Conservation

Focusing on the urgent need to conserve water, Modi said: “The country fully understands the importance of water conservation and that is why a ministry for Jal Shakti has been formed. Steps have been taken to make the medical sector even more people friendly.”

With special focus on “Jal Jivaan Mission” in the coming days, both Central and the states government will work together and contribute in conserving water resources and harvest rainwater. A total of ₹3.70 lakh crore has been allotted for this mission.

Article 370

Talking about the much debated Article 370, Modi said, “ Within 70 days of the new government, we removed the Article 370 which was not done in the last 70 years.”

Proudly highlighting the success of his party in power, Modi added: “ In 2019, I was amazed, the mood of the people of the country had changed, disappointment had turned into optimism, dreams became connected with desire and everyone was on the same page that this country can change.”

“Now every Indian can say confidently ‘One Nation, One Constitution’,” said PM Modi.

Population Control

Speaking about the increase in population of the country, the Prime Minister urged the citizens to understand the need for birth control in the country.

“Population explosion in the country will create various problems for the coming generations. Those who follow the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation, it is also a form of patriotism. There is a need of social awareness in the country,” PM said.

Infrastructure

Modi in his speech highlighted that people of the country are no longer happy with the plan of railway station and every citizen wants Vande Bharat Express in their area. 

He announced that a total of Rs 100 Lakh Crore will be allocated for new infrastructure in the nation for building roads, railways and hospitals.

On creating 100 tourist destinations in the country, PM said: “Let us pledge to visit at least 15 tourist destinations before 2022.”

Ban On Plastic

Putting a ban on single-use plastic, Modi said: “On October 2, let us pledge to make the country free of single-use plastic.On Diwali let us gift people cloth bags instead of plastics. That will be an advertisement for your company as well.”

PM Modi also advised all startups to come up with ideas to recycle plastics in the country.

Modi’s Sixth Consecutive Speech

After his Independence Day speech concluded, PM Modi met schoolchildren at the Red Fort.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets children at Red Fort on the occasion of 73rd #IndiaIndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/xWiVyjuHUp

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019

Among all Independence Day speeches by prime ministers since 1991, the ones by PM Modi have been the longest. Today’s Independence Day’s speech was the sixth consecutive one for Narendra Modi.

Also, Read Twitter Suspends Four Accounts After Centre Objects To Handles Spreading Fake News On Kashmir