What PM Modi Said In Rajya Sabha Today

Thanking President Droupadi Murmu for her visionary address to Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her a source of pride and inspiration for the women of India.

He was replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha.

Here are the key takeaways:

Update 4pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that there is a tendency to take loans for short-term benefits which is prevalent among some states in our country. This will prove to be disastrous for future generations.

States need to follow financial discipline so they can also contribute to the country's growth.

Update 3.50: Certain individuals are troubled that the government schemes have a 'Sanskrit touch'.

As per a news report, there are over 600 schemes named after members of Nehru-Gandhi family. If we don’t mention Nehru at a public event, that angers certain people.

However, it is surprising to note that the descendants of the Nehru family appear to be reluctant to retain the Nehru surname. One wonders why they feel a sense of shame about their heritage.

This country does not belong to one family. In honour of legendary figures like Netaji and Paramvir Chakra awardees, we named islands in the Andaman and Nicobar region after them. Their names will be remembered for generations to come.

The Article 356 was most abused by Indira Gandhi, who invoked it over 50 times. Nehru also dismissed the left government in Kerala, and the MGR and Karunanidhi governments in Tamil Nadu were dismissed by the Congress government at the Centre.

These actions by the previous governments show a disregard for democratic processes and the will of the people. Today, it is notable that the DMK is aligned with those same forces.

Update 3.35pm: The Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres serve as platforms for students to develop and test their ideas.

By providing access to technology and resources, we are empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Despite efforts by some individuals who oppose science and technology for political purposes, our scientists have risen to the occasion and successfully met the vaccine demands not only for India but also for 150 other nations through locally made vaccines.

India is leading the world in digital infrastructure.

Our utilisation of drone technology has revolutionised various industries, from digitising land records to delivering essential medicines.

The growth of the digital economy and an increased focus on green jobs are creating new avenues for employment.

Under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, we have opened up new frontiers in sectors such as mining, space, defence and so on, for young entrepreneurs to tap into and unleash their potential.

Update 3.20pm: We allowed the admission of girls in Sainik Schools. We opened doors for female officers to join the armed forces.

It is a source of pride for our nation that our daughters are now serving at the forefront, protecting our country at the Siachen glacier.

For the first time in history, a woman President addressed the Parliament in the current Budget session, and a woman finance minister presented the budget.

This marks a significant milestone in the empowerment of women in the country.

Update 3.10pm: The backbone of our nation are the small farmers who own 1-2 acres of land. In the past, their voices went unheard. We have now connected them to formal banking system.

Today, they receive PM Kisan funds three times a year directly in their bank accounts.

Additionally, we have provided small fishermen with loans and connected them to the banking system, enabling them to grow their businesses.

In order to support small farmers, who previously relied on rainfall, we have made a request to the United Nations to declare a year of millet, also known as "Shri Anna".

Our aim is to give these farmers access to global markets.

Update 3pm: Throughout each decade from 1847 to 1947, the contributions of our tribal brothers and sisters were evident.

However, they were excluded from development for many years. Our government is dedicated to working for the betterment of India's tribal communities.

From independence until 2014, only 140,000 land pattas were distributed to tribal families.

In the past nine years, we have distributed an additional 70,000 land pattas/allotment certificates. The number of land pattas distributed before 2014 was only 23,000, but since then, we have distributed over 80,000.

If this had been done before, it would have alleviated the need for our current efforts.

However, the welfare of tribals was not a priority for previous governments.

Update 2.50pm: Before 2014, only a limited number of villages had access to electricity.

Today, not only has power been extended to more areas, but we are also working to ensure a stable electricity supply for 22 hours a day.

We took action and did not simply abandon the people to their fate. Instead, we chose the path of hard work and, as a result, are making great strides in the energy sector.

For Amrit Kaal, we have chosen the path of ‘saturation’. We have adopted a strategy of complete coverage. Our focus is on ensuring 100 per cent access.

This is the true essence of secularism. When the goal is to reach everyone, it eliminates the scope for discrimination and corruption.

Update 2.40pm: In the past, people would have to visit elected officials just to obtain an LPG connection.

There was a lack of urgency in delivering these essential services to the people.

However, our government took a proactive approach and made the citizens of India our top priority.

We successfully overcame obstacles and provided gas connections to 320 million families, easing the lives of the common man. We have won the trust of people through hard work.

Update 2.30pm: In the past, the installation of a simple hand pump was a cause for celebration for days.

Today, water is made accessible to millions of households.

Similarly, with the Jan Dhan Yojana, millions of bank accounts were opened. This way, we found a permanent solution to bank the unbanked.

PM Modi takes a jibe at Congress, says he understands the pain of those whose bank accounts have been blocked.

Earlier, ‘atkana, latkana and bhatkana’ was a way of life under Congress. But we brought PM Gati Shakti and provided speed to infrastructure projects.

Update 2.25pm: After 2014, I became aware of the potholes left behind in governance under Congress. During their 60 years in power, India was left behind as other smaller nations progressed.

At that time, they held complete control over governance, from panchayats to Parliament. But they cultivated a culture of neglect, never making a concerted effort to find lasting solutions to problems.

Only after it would become an issue, they would resort to ‘tokenism’ and move on.

Their priorities and goals never aimed to provide permanent solutions. In contrast, our government has taken proactive measures to find enduring solutions to the fundamental issues facing our nation.

Update 2.19pm: Prime Minister Modi conveys his warm regards to all members of the Rajya Sabha who took part in the discussions.

The Rajya Sabha is considered a hallowed institution, where distinguished experts offer their wisdom to the country. The nation takes the debates held in the Rajya Sabha very seriously.

However, in recent times, the actions and words of a few have caused disappointment to both the House and the nation.

In response to these people, he stated that while they have mud, he has 'Gulal' in his hand. The truth is that the more mud is thrown at us, the more the lotus will bloom.

Update 2.07pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his address amidst sloganeering from the opposition benches.