While addressing the joint sitting of two Houses of Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings to the new building, BJP leader Maneka Gandhi lauded the government's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign among other schemes launched. Meanwhile, Congress’s Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury pointed out that there are still disparities within the nation in terms of wealth and employment.
The leaders were speaking at the function held in the Central Hall to commemorate the rich legacy of the Parliament of India.
Chowdhury batted for creation of more employment opportunities in the country. “It is essential to enable India's youthful population to contribute substantially to the country's economic growth and development...Tackling this economic growth challenge requires pro-growth government policies, mentoring low inflation, reducing interest rates, alleviating unemployment, fostering a skilled workforce, bolstering purchasing power, stimulating demand, and enhancing the healthcare and education sector,” said Chowdhury.
India ranked 131st among 189 countries on the Human Development Index, added Chowdhury.
He pointed out that ensuring millions living below poverty line have access to necessities including food, shelter and healthcare would be a challenge for meeting the prerequisite criteria of becoming a developed nation.
While, Gandhi said that she is proud to be a part of the moment when the government will be giving women "an equal share in future of India". The Women’s Reservation Bill is set to be tabled in the Parliament on Tuesday.
Gandhi, former minister of women and child development, also praised social schemes such as Jan Dhan and Ujjwala Yojana brought by the government.
She is one of the longest serving sitting Lok Sabha parliamentarians. She entered Parliament as an MP when she was 32. "I have seen seven prime ministers and shaping of grand history," says Gandhi.
She said that the PM Modi had adopted schemes based on the need of the people.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge were present on the dias at the function.
While speaking at the event, Chowdhury said the ability to achieve developed nation status by 2047 hinged on the active involvement of citizens. He said that India is not a homogeneous society and we need to maintain a harmonious society.
Chowdhury also batted for bolstering the health and education sectors.
