#IndependenceDay: India to get Chief of Defense Staff, announces Modi
India will soon get a Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), who will head all three forces- Navy, Army, and Air Force, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. After hoisting the tricolor at Red Fort on India's 73rd Independence Day, PM Modi spoke about a plethora of topics, including Article 370, Triple Talaq, population control, and infrastructure. Here are the highlights of his speech.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the tricolour at Red Fort. #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/FOzli5INJi
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2019
Interestingly, PM Modi has often used his Independence Day address to announce the government's flagship schemes like Swachh Bharat and Ayushman Bharat. This time, he spoke about Article 370, whose provisions were scrapped by his government last week. He also said his government worked for Muslim women by getting the Triple Talaq Bill passed. PM Modi underlined his government achieved a lot.
"The new government has not completed even 10 weeks, but in this short span of time in every sector we have taken important steps. Article 370 and 35A being revoked is a step towards realizing the dream of Sardar Patel," PM Modi said.
On Triple Talaq, PM Modi said Muslim women always remained in fear, and his government understood their pain. He slammed the practice of giving divorce by uttering "talaq" thrice. "When Islamic nations can ban it then why can't we? When we can ban Sati, when we can take strong steps against female infanticide, child marriage, then why not this," he added.
Talking about the controversial Article 370, PM Modi said his government believes in solving a problem. He said the special status of J&K didn't help anyone but only fanned separatist emotions. He added it was our duty to fulfill the wishes of citizens of J&K and Ladakh. PM Modi said dynasty politics and corruption flourished earlier, but it won't happen anymore.
"The old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh encouraged corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities. The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept such a situation," PM Modi went on.
PM Modi said at a time when the entire country is in a celebratory mood, some citizens are suffering due to floods. "We stand in solidarity with those who are affected by the floods," he said and asked Central and state governments to take necessary steps to provide them relief. Further, he hoped that the aspirations of all Indians will be fulfilled.
PM Modi also everyone has realized the "One Nation, One Constitution" dream. "GST brought to life the dream of One Nation, One Tax. India has also achieved One Nation, One Grid in the energy sector. Arrangements have been made for One Nation, One Mobility Card. Today, India is talking about One Nation, One Election," PM Modi added.
"It is unfortunate, however, that a lot of people lack access to water even after 70 years of Independence. Work on the Jal Jeevan Mission will continue with great enthusiasm in the years to come," PM Modi assured.
PM Modi then went on to say that everyone should be mindful about the population explosion. "Before bringing a child into this world, make sure you have created resources for his/her upbringing. It is necessary for our people to educate people about this duty of parents. We cannot have an unhealthy or uneducated society. Population control is need of the hour," PM Modi said.
There is one issue I want to highlight today- population explosion.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2019
We have to think- can we do justice to the aspirations of our children.
There is a need to have greater discussion and awareness on population explosion: PM @narendramodi
PM Modi noted that incremental progress won't take India anywhere, and a huge jump is needed. "Today according to needs of the 21st century, modern infrastructure is being set up. We have decided to invest Rs. 100 lakh crore on the country's infrastructure," he said. He also added that citizens have moved beyond "good" railway stations or bus stops, and want airports now.
Further, PM Modi announced that soon the country will get a Chief of Defense Staff- CDS, a post which was recommended by a committee after the 1999 Kargil War. "Our security forces are our pride. To further enhance coordination among our forces, I announce a big decision today, India will now have a Chief of Defense Staff- CDS," PM Modi said.
