PARLIAMENTARY REPORT
INDIA
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO INDIA PARLIAMENT
Presidential Address to Parliament
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed the members of both Houses of Parliament assembled together in the Central Hall of Parliament, on 23 February 2015 at the first Session of Parliament for 2015. The President, in his Address said the fundamental tenet of the government was ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (All Together, Development of All). Realizing that financial inclusion was critical to poverty elimination, the government launched an ambitious scheme called Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to provide universal access to banking facilities – a bank account, having in-built accidental insurance with a Rupay debit card. A record 132 million new bank accounts were opened; over 110 billion rupees were deposited and 115 million Rupay debit cards were issued. Believing that Swachhata or cleanliness had a cascading impact on national development and the potential to generate wealth from waste, the government launched the Swachh Bharat Mission to achieve a clean and open defecation free India by October 2019. Swachh Vidyalaya programme was rolled out to construct a toilet in every school before 15 August 2015. The President made an appeal to MPs to spend at least fifty per cent of their Local Area Development Scheme Funds on Swachh Bharat Mission. Safeguarding the interest of farmers and families affected by land acquisition was of paramount importance. While taking utmost care to protect the
interest of farmers, including their compensation entitlements, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act was suitably refined to minimize certain procedural difficulties in acquisition of land inevitably required for critical public projects of infrastructure and for creation of basic amenities like rural housing, schools and hospitals, particularly in remote areas. In view of the critical role of
soil for productivity and farm output, a Soil Health Card Scheme was launched. Price stabilization fund was set up for perishable commodities. Another scheme was being launched to address the irrigation requirements of every village in an effective and sustainable manner. A mission had also been launched with the objective of conserving and developing indigenous cattle breeds. The President felt happy that the economy was on the high growth trajectory due to the government’s sustained efforts and series of policy initiatives. The Constitutional
(Amendment) Bill on goods and services tax once enacted would simplify the indirect tax regime, broaden tax base and promote better tax compliance. The President said the government was committed to taking all possible steps to stop generation of black money, both domestically and internationally. The steps included putting in place robust legislative and administrative frameworks, systems and process with due focus on capacity building, integration of information through
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technology, and fast tracking prosecution. The Insurance Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2014 was promulgated which was later replaced by an act of Parliament, enhancing the foreign equity cap from 26% to 49% while safeguarding Indian ownership and control. This would enhance capital availability and ensure better access to insurance services, especially in rural areas and for economically weaker sections. Relations with neighbouring countries were reinvigorated promoting greater cooperation and integration in South Asia. At the same time, the government spoke clearly about its interests and was fully prepared to defend its borders and secure the people. Relations with China expanded significantly based on mutual respect and sensitivity to each other’s concerns and interests. Confidence and momentum in the time-tested strategic partnership with Russia was restored. The visit of US President Barack Obama as the chief guest on Republic Day elevated India’s relations with the United States to a new level. India intended to further deepen its cooperation with Europe. With Japan, a deeper political, economic and security relationship was at the forefront of a more active and purposeful Act- East-Policy, which was anchored in relations with Southeast Asia and now extended to Australia and the Pacific Islands. India was committed to deeper engagement with West Asia, Central Asia, Africa and South Americas. The government would continue to work with others to reform multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, and would seek India’s rightful place
in these institutions. India would also participate actively in regional and international groupings. Shri Mukherjee said the UN decision to observe 21 June as International Yoga Day was a global recognition for India’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. The President urged the MPs to discharge their solemn responsibility in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation.
Moving the Motion of Thanks
on the President’s Address on 24 February 2015, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP) said the performance of the last nine months reflected that the government tried to live up to the expectation and aspiration of the people of India. Seconding the Motion, Shri Nishikant Dubey (BJP) said the government started the Namami Gange Project for cleaning the river Ganga and renewed focus on tourism would increase employment and revenue. The leader of the Congress
Party in Lok Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge rejected the government’s assertion that nothing was done during the last 65 years and all the developmental works took place only during the last nine months. It took years and lot of efforts to develop the country. The previous governments and leaders strived hard in this direction and implemented several schemes. The present government came into being because the roots of democracy were firm in the country. Dr P. Venugopal (AIADMK) said efforts to arrive at a common view on issues like Goods and Services Tax must be given priority. The Tamil Nadu government was trying to make the state the most favoured
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