President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’: the world is one family.
President Mukherjee, who was addressing the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, said the government has continued to pursue a bold and proactive foreign policy.
“We reached out to the world, both on land and sea,” he said.
Stating that highest urea production was achieved in 2015, President Mukherjee said the government realises the role of animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors.
“My government's mission of skilling India has gained momentum,” he added. President Mukherjee expressed his delight to note that the government has successfully eliminated Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus well before global targeted timeline of December 2015.
“There is strong focus on holistic healthcare, strengthening Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy,” he added.
The President said the government has launched the ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’.
“During last year, 342 camps were conducted, aids and assistive devices distributed to over 1.7 lakh persons with disabilities,” he added.
President Mukherjee further said the government firmly believes economic development and environmental protection can co-exist.
“As part of the Namami Gange Programme, my government is implementing several projects in all 118 cities and complete sanitation solutions for 1,649 gram panchayats on the banks of the holy Ganga,” he added.
Asserting that the government has taken measures to eliminate the scope for corruption, President Mukherjee said the ruling dispensation at the Centre has been unsparing in punishing those who are found guilty of corruption.
President Mukherjee further said the government has envisaged increasing the renewable energy capacity manifold to 175 GW by 2022.
“Today under my government, solar power is affordable and accessible to thousands of people. In the year 2015, India witnessed the highest ever generation of electricity.
The government introduced dynamic and comprehensive reforms in Coal Sector and conducted transparent auction/ allocation of over 70 coal blocks,” President Mukherjee said.
“Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 was amended and auction of mines has commenced. My government has initiated several ambitious measures for improving sanitation standards at railway stations and trains,” he added.
President Mukherjee said one lakh seventy eight thousand rural habitations will be connected with all weather roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) by March 2019.
“My government has revived a majority of the 73 stalled road projects, completed construction of 7,200 km of highways. My government is also working on a new Civil Aviation Policy with thrust on connectivity to small cities,” said President Mukherjee.
“Domestic Air Passenger traffic has registered a substantial growth during the year,” he added.
President Mukherjee further said the government is focused on ‘Sabka Vikas’.
“We must ensure that the poor and deprived are truly empowered to take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives. Sabka Vikas means that backward sections of society are equally valued and are genuine stakeholders in the country’s progress,” he added.
Asserting that Parliament reflects the supreme will of people, President Mukherjee said the democratic temper calls for debate and discussion and not disruption or obstruction.
“The government will constantly strive for smooth and constructive conduct of parliamentary business,” he added.
