What to expect from Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech?
The Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech this year assumes significance on the back of several factors. Apart from the Government facing criticism for inaction from the Opposition and industrial houses, this year has also been characterized by one of the worst economic performances in recent years. Also, as the country goes into general elections next year, what the country’s leader has to say when he addresses the nation from the Red Fort will be of special interest to everyone.
It is expected that this year’s Independence Day speech will mainly address the pressing issues of economic growth in the country and also set the stage for next year’s elections. The PM is likely to begin the address by citing that the global economy is going through challenging times, although the situation is beginning to look up in USA. As a result of the US economy looking attractive and strengthening of the US dollar, there has been a considerable devaluation of the rupee in the recent past, posing a host of problems to our economy. Inflation has gone up again due to the depreciating rupee, despite the country having had good monsoons this year, while the Current Account Deficit has widened. It is believed that the PM will mention that economic growth has not picked up as expected due to the lack of consensus in various matters among different political groups. Despite facing opposition from several fronts and at the cost of severing ties with different political parties over the past year, the UPA Government has gone ahead and introduced many reforms and changes in the policy regime which were much needed. For instance, the Government recently relaxed the FDI policy, permitting automatic investment in many sectors and raising the FDI caps in several other sectors.
The PM is expected to sound positive and encouraging about the Indian economy in this year’s speech, citing the positive developments which have taken place under the UPA Government 9 year term. The focus is likely to be on all the achievements by the present Government in both its terms.
Farmers and the agricultural class have always been a focus area for this Government. The PM’s speech will look at the Government’s schemes for the farmers, rural poor and the agricultural sector. An impressive farm output, supported by this year’s monsoons is also likely to be commended by the PM. Employment and job opportunities is another area which the PM will address, stating the various employment programmes initiated by the Government.
Children are the future of any country and the PM will stress on the need to provide good education and health to all the children in the country. Compulsory primary education and mid-day meal schemes are some programmes which have been carried out successfully by the Government. In addition, active steps have been taken to address health issues of women and children. The Government campaign against malnutrition is also likely to find a mention in the PM speech, which is an important step in child health.
The security of women has gained tremendous focus in the country in recent times. The PM is expected to reiterate the Government’s intentions of providing safety to women across the country. Internal violence and the threat of terrorism to the country is another area which will be dealt with in the PM’s speech, in view of the recent Naxalite attacks and the terror attack at Bodh Gaya.
Last, but definitely by no means the least, the PM will certainly stress on the present Government’s goal for a transparent and corruption free nation. The involvement of the common man in all the agendas of the Government and the need to progress as one single nation is likely to be the closing comments of the PM’s Independence Speech this year.
