In her Independence Day address, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that social justice is the government’s top priority and that the spirit of inclusion should permeate every aspect of social life in India. She asserted that “affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion.”
Addressing the nation on the eve of the 78th Independence Day, President Murmu highlighted that tendencies which foster discord based on perceived social hierarchies must be rejected.
She noted that India has been among the fastest-growing major economies, with an average annual growth rate of 8 percent from 2021 to 2024. This growth has not only increased the wealth of the population but also significantly reduced the number of people living below the poverty line. For those still suffering from poverty, efforts are being made to provide support and lift them out of it.
President Murmu pointed out that the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, introduced during the early phase of COVID-19, continues to supply free rations to about 80 crore people. This initiative helps prevent those who have recently escaped poverty from falling back into it.
She also highlighted that India has become the world’s fifth-largest economy and is on track to become one of the top three economies soon. This achievement is attributed to the hard work of farmers and workers, the foresight of planners and wealth creators, and visionary leadership. Farmers, in particular, have exceeded expectations in agricultural production, contributing significantly to India’s self-reliance in this sector.
The President acknowledged the recent improvements in infrastructure, including the expansion of roads, highways, railways, and ports, facilitated by strategic planning and effective institutions. She also noted the government’s promotion of futuristic technologies, such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and the creation of a supportive ecosystem for startups, making India a more attractive investment destination.
With increased transparency, the banking and financial sectors have become more efficient, setting the stage for the next generation of economic reforms and growth that could propel India among developed nations.
President Murmu emphasized that India’s rapid yet equitable progress has elevated its global stature. Following the successful completion of its G-20 Presidency, India has solidified its role as the voice of the Global South and aims to use its influential position to promote world peace and prosperity.
Reflecting on BR Ambedkar’s call to make the country’s political democracy a social democracy as well, she noted that the steady progress of political democracy signifies advancement toward social democracy.
“The spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of our social life. We move forward as a cohesive nation embracing our diversity and plurality. Affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion. In a vast country like ours, tendencies that foster discord based on perceived social hierarchies must be rejected,” President Murmu stated.
She underscored that social justice is a top government priority and has led to unprecedented initiatives for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalized communities. There are provisions for reservation in government jobs and higher education institutions for these groups.
The President also mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) scheme, which provides direct financial assistance to marginalized communities, and the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, a mass campaign aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
Finally, she highlighted the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, which ensures that sanitation workers are not required to manually clean sewers and septic tanks, thus eliminating hazardous tasks.