Prime Minister's 12th Independence Day Speech: Key Highlights
The prime minister's recent Independence Day address was unprecedented in scope, aiming to accelerate India's path to Viksit Bharat amidst global economic turbulence. His speech outlined a series of next-generation reforms aimed at reshaping the destiny of 1.4 billion people.
India's Digital and Technological Advancement
- Digital India Stack: India leads globally with UPI, accounting for half of the world's real-time transactions.
- Made-in-India Chip: Announcement of the first domestically produced chip by year-end, asserting digital sovereignty.
Energy Security Enhancements
- Reducing "No-Go" Areas: Reduction of restricted zones in Exclusive Economic Zones by almost 99%, freeing 10 lakh sq km for exploration.
- National Deepwater Exploration Mission: Focus on unlocking 600-1,200 million metric tons of oil and gas reserves, aiming to triple domestic output by 2032.
- Energy Transition Leadership: Achieved 50% clean-power mark five years ahead of target; focus on biofuels, green hydrogen, LNG infrastructure, and nuclear energy expansion.
Industrial Strategy and Critical Minerals
- National Critical Minerals Mission: Exploration at 1,200+ sites for lithium, rare earths, nickel, and cobalt to secure renewable power and advanced technologies.
National Security and Defence
- Operation Sindoor: Demonstrated military prowess, ending nuclear blackmail threats.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra: A multi-layered indigenous security shield to protect against cyber and hybrid threats.
Economic Reforms and Governance
- Tax and Legal Reforms: Introduction of a new Income Tax Bill, simplifying tax structures and introducing faceless assessment.
- GST 2.0: To be launched by Diwali, aimed at rationalising rates and boosting compliance.
- Direct Benefit Transfers: Benefiting over 25 crore individuals, lifting over 250 million Indians out of poverty.
Employment and Economic Activity
- PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana: Launch of a Rs 1 lakh crore initiative to create jobs, providing Rs 15,000 per month to newly employed youth.
- Task Force for Next-Generation Reforms: Aimed at reducing compliance costs and streamlining laws for startups and MSMEs.
The Prime Minister emphasised that these reforms are not merely for immediate gains but aim to transform India into a modern power by 2047, leveraging its ancient roots for strength.