News Brief
‘Post-2014, Nation Got An Alternate Model—Not Of Appeasement, But of Satisfaction’: Key Highlights From PM Modi's Speech In Rajya Sabha
PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (6 February) responded to the discussion in Rajya Sabha on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address.
In his speech, PM Modi emphasised the government's commitment to inclusive development, criticised the Congress for its governance model, and highlighted key policy decisions taken over the past decade.
Here are the key takeaways from PM Modi's speech in Rajya Sabha:
India’s Governance Model Post-2014
PM Modi stated that for nearly six decades, the country had no alternative governance model.
"Post-2014, the nation has got an alternate model of governance. This new model isn't focused on appeasement, but on satisfaction," he said.
He reiterated that his government has worked with the principle of ‘Nation First’ and has been re-elected for a third term based on performance.
Highlighting his government’s approach, he said, "We have tried to ensure that India's resources are optimally utilised. We've taken an approach of saturation. We've tried and ensured that the schemes reach the beneficiaries without any pilferages."
Empowerment Through Policy Implementation
PM Modi underscored the government's efforts in delivering welfare measures directly to the people.
"In the last decade, we've worked with the ideal of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and that has brought results," he remarked.
He also pointed out his government’s achievements in expanding reservations, saying, "For the first time, inspired by our principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, we provided 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker sections in the general category—without any conflict and without taking away anyone else's share."
Additionally, he mentioned the expansion of reservations and welfare schemes for marginalised communities, including the strengthening of the SC/ST Act, providing constitutional status to the OBC Commission, and working in "mission mode" for Divyangs (persons with disabilities) and the transgender community.
Women's Empowerment and Economic Growth
PM Modi emphasised the role of women in nation-building.
"No one can deny the contribution of Nari Shakti to India's growth journey. If they get more opportunities and become part of policy-making, the nation's progress will accelerate."
He highlighted the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a step in this direction.
Discussing economic reforms, he pointed out how targeted policies have transformed industries employing the underprivileged.
"In this year's budget, we focused on small segments like the leather and footwear industry, which benefit poor workers. The toy industry was once dominated by imports; today, we are exporting three times more toys than before," he said.
"Family first is the primary concern for Congress' model. Thus, their policies, functioning, speeches - have all been focused to ensure this," he said.
He also targeted the party for its past treatment of Dr B R Ambedkar.
"Congress hated Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar - there are several documents to corroborate the same. Congress left no stone unturned to ensure Dr. Ambedkar was defeated in elections, twice. They never considered him for the Bharat Ratna. The people of this country have respected Baba Saheb's contributions to the nation and today, Congress is being forced to say 'Jai Bhim', albeit unhappily," he added.
Emergency and Suppression of Freedoms
Modi recalled the Emergency imposed by Congress in 1975 and accused the party of stifling dissent.
"During Emergency, famous actor Dev Anand was asked to publicly support it. When he refused, his films were banned from Doordarshan. Kishore Kumar was also banned from Akashvani for not singing for the Congress," he said.
He further accused Congress of undermining constitutional principles right after Independence.
"People questioning the Uniform Civil Code must understand that we are only following the vision of our Constitution makers. But Congress, in a stop-gap arrangement post-Independence, crushed freedom of speech and muzzled the press."
Economic and Social Transformation
PM Modi highlighted his government's efforts to uplift the poor and the middle class.
"People who have come out of multidimensional poverty have worked very hard. A neo-middle class has emerged in our country. My government is standing with strong commitments with this neo-middle class," he said.
Citing tax reforms, he stated, "In 2013, income upto Rs 2 lakh was exempted from income tax. Today, we've exempted income upto Rs 12 lakh."
He also emphasised social security measures, saying, "For people over 70 years, we are providing benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana."
He also spoke about the impact of his government's policies on rural and border areas.
"Several regions across the nation had not witnessed a lot of development in the past. Villages on our borders were ignored for decades. We changed our approach towards them. We identified them as 'first villages' and specifically focused on their development. Cabinet Ministers, during our last term, were sent to these villages and were asked to stay there for days to understand and solve their problems," he said.
Vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’
PM Modi reiterated his commitment to making India a developed nation by 2047, stressing the role of youth in this journey.
"The nation's youth has the most important role in Viksit Bharat. After nearly three decades, we introduced the New Education Policy, built PM-SHRI schools, and promoted education in regional languages," he said.
Affirming his faith in India's poor and their resilience, PM Modi said, "If given opportunities, they can overcome any challenge. And they have done so—25 crore people have successfully overcome poverty by making the most of government schemes."
