Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, addressing an event at DU’s Hindu College, emphasized the need for the “economic independence” of the country. She underscored that the Modi government has empowered all sections of society “without any discrimination.”
Sitharaman highlighted the contrast between the previous governments and the Modi government’s achievements in the last decade. She pointed out the improvements in infrastructure, such as the availability of telephones and gas cylinders without recommendations, as well as advancements in roads, airports, and engineering colleges.
While acknowledging that previous governments also provided essential services, Sitharaman noted the significant backlog in housing, electricity, and roads in 2014. She emphasized the sense of urgency with which the current government is addressing these issues.
Asserting that the Modi government does not discriminate among citizens, Sitharaman stated, “Today we don’t differentiate. I am not saying some should get some should wait for it.” She highlighted the Prime Minister’s focus on four key groups – youth, women, farmers, and the poor – covering every section of society without considering caste, community, or religion.
Sitharaman encouraged students to learn from the rich history of Hindu College and the contributions of their elders to India’s freedom movement. She urged them to play a role in achieving economic independence and ‘atmanirbharta’ for the country.
“Your history should be our future. Remember what your elders did for the country. For a college like Hindu, the glorious history that you played in India’s freedom movement. Today we have to repeat that role for economic independence or atmanirbharta,” she said, expressing confidence in the determination and spirit of the students to contribute to the country’s progress.