Addressing the nation on the eve of the 78th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu emphasised the need for for a more inclusive society and called for affirmative action to be strengthened as an instrument towards this end.
" The spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of our social life. We move together as a cohesive nation with our diversity and plurality. Affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion. I firmly believe that in a vast country like ours, tendencies that stoke discord based upon perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected," she said.
While focusing on the steady progress of political democracy in India, she said, "Social justice is a top priority for the Narendra Modi government, which has initiated unprecedented measures for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised communities," the president stated.
Further highlighting the economic advancements achieved in the recent years, Murmu saaid, "My dear countrymen, India is among the fastest growing economies in the world with an average annual growth of 8% between 2021 and 2024. This has not only given more money in the hands of people, but there has been a huge decline in the number of people living below the poverty line as well," says President Droupadi Murmu in her address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day.
While quoting B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, she said, "political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy" and said steady progress of political democracy testifies to the progress made towards the consolidation of social democracy.
The President in her address also mentioned that a number of unprecedented initiatives have been taken for welfare of SC, ST and marginalised sections including the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ), which provides direct financial assistance, and the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), focused on improving the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Emphasizing the developments made in the sector of Women's welfare, Murmu noted that government efforts have tripled budget allocations for women's welfare over the past decade, leading to increased female labor participation and an improved sex ratio at birth.
"But I am glad to note that the government has given equal importance to women's welfare and women's empowerment. The budget allocation for this purpose has more than tripled in the last decade," she said.
She also cited the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women Reservation Act) as a significant step towards women's empowerment.
Recognising farmers as "Annadata" (providers of food), she praised their contributions to India's agricultural self-reliance. "With this, they have contributed immensely to making India self-reliant in agriculture and feeding our people," she said.
