Stating that the demography of the country was being changed as part of a “conspiracy and well-planned plot”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that a high-powered mission would be set up to deal with the “challenge”.
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Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day, Modi also announced setting up a task force for next-generation reforms, a ‘Diwali gift’ for the common man by bringing down the Goods, Services and Tax (GST) burden, providing a ‘Suraksha Kavach (protective shield)’ to all critical places, including hospitals and railways, by 2035 and the launch of a Sudarshan Chakra Mission.
Highlighting the issue of illegal immigrants, Modi said, “Today I want to alert the country about a concern, a challenge. Under a conspiracy, under a well-planned plot, the demography of the country is being changed. The seeds of a new crisis are being sown. These intruders are snatching the livelihood of the youth of my country. These intruders are targeting the sisters and daughters of my country. This will not be tolerated. These intruders are misleading the innocent tribals and occupying their lands. The country will not tolerate this.”
Saying that demographic changes in the border areas endanger the security of the country, Modi said, “This creates a crisis for the unity, integrity and progress of the country. It sows the seeds of social tension. No country can hand itself over to intruders. If no country in the world can do it, how can we do it for India?”
“Our ancestors have attained freedom through sacrifice…They have given us an independent India. It is our duty towards those great men that we do not accept such acts in our country. This will be a true tribute to them. Therefore, today I want to say from the ramparts of the Red Fort that we have decided to set up a high-powered demographic mission. Through this mission, we will do our work in a well-thought-out and determined manner to deal with the huge crisis that is visible in India, within the stipulated time. We are moving ahead in that direction,” Modi announced.
In a 103-minute Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister hinted at a reduction in GST rates in the coming months. “The government will bring next-generation GST reforms, which will bring down the tax burden on the common man. It will be a Diwali gift for you,” Modi said.
Modi also announced setting up a task force for bringing the next-generation reforms. He highlighted that the country’s macroeconomic indicators are strong.
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Discussing measures for job creation, Modi said, “The government is launching a Rs 1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, under which it will provide Rs 15,000 to youths getting jobs in private companies. It is expected to provide jobs to about 3.5 crore youths.”
Discussing Operation Sindoor, Modi said, “For decades, our nation faced terrorism, but now we have set a new normal.”
The Prime Minister also mentioned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his speech, saying that 100 years ago, an organisation was born, and that “it will continue to inspire us”.
