Independence Day 2021: PM announces “100%” Goal

Today marks the 75th anniversary of our nation’s Independence Day. A fight which originated as far back as the 19th century ended on 15 August 1947 when we got Purna Swaraj from British colonial rule. Today we reap the fruits of the toil of our nation’s freedom fighters. Marking the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation today morning from Red Fort, laying the groundwork for a “100%” Goal in terms of national development. 

Prime Minister’s Independence Day Speech 

The last Independence Day was shrouded by the after-effects of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the controversial supreme court ruling on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This year, the Prime Minister unveiled a new outlook on Independence called “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”. As part of this outlook, he announced a set of goals for the country. The celebrations and the work cut for these are marked for a two year period.

During his speech, the PM passed his gratitude to the people who shaped this nation – Nehru, Patel and Ambedkar. He also congratulated the winners at this year Olympics games. His speech also included an acknowledgement of the consequences of the pandemic – he spoke about India’s ongoing battle with the virus and the lives we have lost to it.

For the second year in a row, the event took place away from a live public audience owing to pandemic health restrictions. This year’s limited celebrations included a series of events organized by the armed forces, and saluting the tricolor. The capital city is also under high security alert for the event, with anti-drone defence systems in strategic areas.

Unveiling the Government’s Independence Day Plans

The Prime Minister announced plans for “100% growth” in these times of uncertainty and as India wages a war against the virus and climate change.

“Now we have to move towards saturation. 100% villages have roads, 100% households have bank accounts, 100% beneficiaries have ayushman bharat card, 100% eligible persons have ujjwala gas connections.”

-Quote translated from Hindi to English by NDTV

These set goals are directed towards boosting India’s infrastructure and overall development index. PM Modi also called for “Sabka Prayas” for the successful implementation of these plans.

In addition to the abovementioned infrastructural improvements, the PM also spoke about boosting the existing railway networks in the country. The government will be introducing 75 Vande Bharat trains to connect different parts of the country within 75 weeks.

To strengthen manufacturing industries and employment, the Prime Minister announced a 100 crore scheme called Gati Shakti. The economic fall-outs of the pandemic have hit both industries hard. In his speech, PM Modi also encouraged Indian manufacturers to “target global market.”

In lieu of promoting women’s education, Sainik schools will be now open to women. 

This plan for development also includes specific measures to combat climate change like the National Hydrogen Mission. This scheme will function to make India a hub for the production and export of green hydrogen. Certain schemes have also been introduced under different government programs to fortify rice for the poor.

Back in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the ‘Deshbhakti Curriculum’ as a tribute to Bhagat Singh. The curriculum is to be implemented in Delhi government schools from September 27. Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel also set forth plans for 4 new districts and 29 tehsils during the state’s independence day celebrations.

To read more about India’s freedom heroes, click here