India on the economic path towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047': PM Modi

PM Independence Day speech: In his address to the nation on India's 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a bold vision for the country’s economic future, setting the stage for India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking from the historic Red Fort, PM Modi stressed the importance of unity, resilience, and reform as key drivers of economic growth, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by natural disasters and social issues.

Strengthening the foundations

Prime Minister Modi began his speech by paying tribute to the countless freedom fighters, the "Azaadi ke deewane," whose sacrifices laid the foundation for India's independence. He drew a parallel between the determination of India's 140 crore people today and the 40 crore who fought to uproot colonial rule, stressing that with collective resolve, India can overcome any obstacles on its path to becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

"Our path to reforms is the blueprint of growth," he asserted, adding that these reforms are designed to benefit the poor, middle class, and youth, ensuring that all citizens share in the nation's progress.

Focus on key economic sectors

PM Modi highlighted the strides India has made in various economic sectors, from MSMEs to agriculture, and underscored the need for modernisation and technological integration across all industries. "Whether it's tourism, MSMEs, education, health, transport, agriculture, or any other sector, there is an advanced system in place," he said. The Prime Minister stressed that adopting global best practices and fostering connectivity through technology are critical to maintaining India's competitive edge in the global market.

The Prime Minister also announced the expansion of India’s healthcare infrastructure, with 75,000 new seats to be created in medical colleges over the next five years. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that 'Viksit Bharat 2047' is also a 'Swasth Bharat' (Healthy India). Additionally, the Rashtriya Poshan Mission aims to address malnutrition, further strengthening the nation’s human capital.

Empowering women and the youth

A significant portion of PM Modi’s speech was dedicated to the empowerment of women, particularly through economic participation. He revealed that over the past decade, 10 crore women have joined self-help groups, contributing to their financial independence and enhancing their role in household decision-making. To further support working women, maternity leave has been extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, a move aimed at promoting gender equality and ensuring that women can balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

The Prime Minister also expressed his pride in India’s youth, who he described as being in a "golden era." He noted that the youth are no longer content with incremental progress and are eager to take bold leaps towards new goals. This energy and ambition, he said, are vital for achieving the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

Attracting global investment

PM Modi called on state governments to create clear policies to attract global investors, stressing the need for good governance and law and order to foster a conducive business environment. He urged states to compete in attracting investment, which he described as a golden opportunity for India amid a favourable global economic landscape.

In addition to economic reforms, PM Modi addressed the importance of governance reforms to remove obstacles in the lives of ordinary citizens. He highlighted the need for a more efficient delivery system in governance, which is essential for achieving the ambitious goals set for 2047.

Building a self-reliant India

PM Modi also spoke about India’s achievements in the defense sector, noting that the country is emerging as a hub for defense manufacturing. He reiterated the government's focus on making India self-reliant, particularly in critical sectors such as space and defense, which are vital for national security and economic independence.