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Indo-Nepal Joint Training Exercise - Surya Kiran Culminates

 

            Indo-Nepal Joint Military Training was conducted at Army Battle School (NABS), Saljhandi, Nepal from 31 October to 13 November 2016 wherein the troops of the Kumaon Regt and Jabar Jung Battalion of Nepal Army participated. Surya Kiran-X, which was the tenth such Indo-Nepal joint training exercise between the two nations, provided an ideal platform for troops of the two countries to share their experiences on Counter Terrorists Operations and Disaster Management.

           

Other activities conducted during training included basic familiarisation with each other’s weapons & equipment and concepts while operating in Counter Terrorism environment. The training culminated with a 72 hrs outdoor exercise in which troops of both contingents carried out a Cordon and Search Operation in a mock village.

 

 

 

 

 

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

Chief of Army Staff Visits Nepal

Gen Dalbir Singh, Chief of Army Staff, proceeded on a visit to Nepal from 11 to 13 November 2016. The visit assumes special significance in the light of India’s special relationship with Nepal, underpinning India’s priorities in maintaining friendly relations in the region.

The close ties of both the armies can be viewed in light of the unique tradition of honouring each other’s Chiefs of Army Staff with the Honorary rank of ‘General’. Presence of large number of Nepali Gorkha troops in Indian Army is also worth mentioning.

Upon his arrival at the Nepal Army Headquarters, the Indian Army chief was accorded a Guard of Honour. During the visit he paid a courtesy call to Hon’ble President of Nepal and interacted with the Chief of the Army Staff of Nepalese Army. He is also scheduled to meet the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal during his ongoing visit. Gen Dalbir Singh will also be witnessing EX-SURYA KIRAN-X, a joint training exercise between Indian and Nepalese Armies being conducted at Saaljhandi, Nepal.

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Col Rohan Anand, SM PRO (Army)

Ex INDRA - 16 Concludes

The Indo-Russian military exercise 'INDRA-2016' culminated today after eleven days of intense and exacting military training in counter-terrorism operations. The closing ceremony was held at 249th Combined Armed Range, Sergieviesky in the Ussiriysk District of Primosski krai Province, Russia. Exercise concluded with impressive closing ceremony, wherein the Contingents marched in unison past the saluting dais exhibiting their resolve to further the Indo-Russian friendship.

Brigadier Sukrit Chadah addressed the parade and expressed great satisfaction with the high standards achieved in the joint training exercise. The contingent was also addressed by Maj Gen Andrei Ivanovich Sichevoe, COS of the 5th Army of Russia. Fifteen personnel from each side were awarded medals of excellence for their outstanding performance during the exercise. Closing ceremony was also attended by the Vice Governor of the Primosski krai Province and members of the district administration.

Eighth in the series of bilateral exercises under this banner, the joint exercise this year focused on conduct of counter insurgency / counter terrorist operations under UN mandate in semi mountainous and jungle terrain. The exercise also provided an opportunity to both the armies for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust and co-operation.

Participants from both the Armies expressed immense satisfaction at the conclusion, in terms of the standards achieved in the validation phase of the training. Validation Exercise which was spread over three days included Securing of Assembly Area, Axis Clearance, Occupation of Blocking Position, Isolation and finally neutralization of a group of terrorists. Both the contingents are carrying home, cherished memories of the warm bonhomie generated and the outstanding professional association established amongst the two Armies. Indian Army contingent will depart for India on 03 Oct 2016.

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

Gen Dalbir Singh Visits Forward Areas of Uttarakhand

The Chief of the Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh visited the forward areas of Uttarakhand on 09 November 2016 where he took stock of operational preparedness by own forces and infrastructure development in the crucial Central Sector. On his arrival, the COAS was received by the formation commanders and later given a detailed brief on the operational & administrative preparedness of own forces. The COAS also interacted with the troops at various locations he visited and enquired about their well being.

Gen Dalbir Singh expressed satisfaction with the efforts being made to ensure capability enhancement and operational effectiveness to meet all contemporary and emerging challenges in the forward areas along the LAC. The COAS appreciated the efforts of the formations deployed in the remote & difficult areas and exhorted them to continue their selfless service to the Nation.

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

EX YUDH ABHYAS - 2016 IN PROGRESS

The prestigious Indo-US Joint Military Training Exercise, Yudh Abhyas - 2016 is being conducted at Chaubattia Military Station, Ranikhet, Uttarakhandwef 14 Sep 2016.The exercise was the twelfth in the YudhAbhyas series, which started in the year 2004 under US Army Pacific Partnership Program. It strengthens and broadens interoperability and cooperation between the Indian and US armies. It is the third Indo-US Army exercise at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand and complements number of other exchanges and exercise between the forces.

 

Over the years the two countries have decided to progressively increase the scope and content of the combined exercise and Exercise YudhAbhyas 2016 has witnessed a Brigade Headquarter  based Command Post Exercise, an Infantry company carrying out Field Training Exercise and discussions on issues of mutual interest by experts of both countries. The exercise provided an ideal platform for the personnel of the two countries to share their experiences on counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations, especially in the mountainous terrain.

 

The exercise curriculum was planned progressively where the participants were initially made to get familiar with each other’s organizational structure, weapons, equipment, and tactical drills. Subsequently, the training advanced to joint tactical exercises wherein the battle drills of both the armies are being coherently practiced. The Joint Drills include Room Intervention, Cordon and Search in Counter Terrorist Operations, Jungle Lane Shooting, Reflex Shooting, Long Range Firing and Cliff Assault Techniques.The commanders and staff officers of both sides were also exercised to work in close coordination to receive and collate intelligence and to issue suitable operational orders to the combined field training components, who executed these orders on ground in simulated realistic situation, in the Command Post Exercise covering all the planning aspects.

The bilateral training would be brought to a meaningful culmination by conduct of a final validation exercise on 26 Sep in which all the learning mutually imparted by both armies will be put to test on ground. Troops would be inducted by helicopters into a notional hostile area to neutralize terrorists, as part of the exercise.

 

The exercise is being conducted within the scope of Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism Operations under the charter of the United Nations.

 

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RA/DM/RAJ

 

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE 2016 Award

The winners of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE 2016 Competition, received their awards from President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi, today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, congratulated all the winners and said he was really amazed by the range of creativity expressed by these young minds.

 The Minister further said, that the “many wonderful ideas coming from children from diverse backgrounds and regions, goes to show how much pervasive the spirit of creativity and innovation is in our country”.

Addressing the young winners, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, said that they have a duty not to adapt to the problems our society is facing but transcend them and to help India become a creative, compassionate and collaborative society. Given the various challenges the country faces and may face in this 21st century, “we will need an army of young people like you who would help the Government and society by identifying and addressing problems faced in day to day life and also likely to be faced in the long term. I am sure you all will live up to our collective expectations”.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE 2016 competition –is a national competition of original technological ideas and innovations by children up to class 12 or those out of school up to the age of 17 years -it is organized by National Innovation Foundation(NIF) every year to promote creativity and originality among children.

The awards of IGNITE competition are announced every year on October 15th, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s birthday, which is celebrated as the Children’s Creativity and Innovation Day by NIF.

Starting in 2008, in the last eight years, 173 awards have been given to 246 children. This year, a total of 31 students have been awarded for their ideas/innovations (List of award winners annexed). Overall, 55,089 submissions of students from 458 districts of all the states & Union Territories of India were received during the IGNITE 16 competition, which ran from September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016.

An exhibition showcasing award winning ideas has been put up at the venue. NIF will file patents in all applicable cases in the name of the students and will also engage designers/fabricators to develop prototypes of the students’ ideas.

NIF, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has been actively engaged in promoting creativity and innovation in our society with active support of Honey Bee Network. NIF has taken major initiatives to serve the knowledge-rich but economically poor people of the country. It is committed to making India innovative by documenting, adding value, protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of the contemporary unaided technological innovators as well as of outstanding traditional knowledge-holders and disseminating their innovations on commercial and non-commercial basis.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Award is an effort to focus primarily on the creativity of the children and promote inclusive and compassionate thinking among them.

 

Click here to see the IGNITE Award list :

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RDS/ss

 

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu Condemns Attack on Uri Army Base

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Uri Army base as an act of cowardice. The Minister said that Pakistan is aiding, funding and training terrorists; it has become their state policy. It is a rogue nation as they are not abiding by the promise they made. Mr. Naidu told media that Pakistan is exposed at the international level and all the countries in the world should come together to condemn the heinous act of Pakistan.

“They want to cripple Indian Economy and they want to weaken the country as it is not acceptable at all”, he said. He added that it’s high time to declare Pakistan as a terrorist nation and urged world countries to come together to stop assistance to Pakistan. “The United Nations should take up this issue in a serious manner because terrorism is an enemy of humanity; it’s not against India alone, terrorist activities are happening in different parts of the globe. Pakistan has become an epic centre of terrorism; it’s high time that United Nations should come forward to declare Pakistan a terrorist state”. He advised member nations not to extend any help and assistance. He said that the Govt. of India will give a fitting reply to the perpetrators of Uri terrorists attack.

TVK/PR/SCR/AD

Text of PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' address on All India Radio on 30 October 2016

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, आप सबको दीपावली की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनायें। भारत के हर कोने में उत्साह और उमंग के साथ दीपावली का पर्व मनाया जाता है। भारत एक ऐसा देश है कि 365 दिन, देश के किसी-न-किसी कोने में, कोई-न-कोई उत्सव नज़र आता है। दूर से देखने वाले को तो कभी यही लगेगा कि जैसे भारतीय जन-जीवन, ये उत्सव का दूसरा नाम है, और ये स्वाभाविक भी है। वेद-काल से आज तक भारत में जो उत्सवों की परम्परा रही है, वे समयानुकूल परिवर्तन वाले उत्सव रहे हैं, कालबाह्य उत्सवों की परम्परा को समाप्त करने की हिम्मत हमने देखी है और समय और समाज की माँग के अनुसार उत्सवों में बदलाव भी सहज रूप से स्वीकार किया गया है। लेकिन इन सबमें एक बात हम भली-भाँति देख सकते हैं कि भारत के उत्सवों की ये पूरी यात्रा, उसका व्याप, उसकी गहराई, जन-जन में उसकी पैठ, एक मूल-मन्त्र से जुड़ी हुई है – स्व को समष्टि की ओर ले जाना। व्यक्ति और व्यक्तित्व का विस्तार हो, अपने सीमित सोच के दायरे को, समाज से ब्रह्माण्ड तक विस्तृत करने का प्रयास हो और ये उत्सवों के माध्यम से करना। भारत के उत्सव कभी खान-पान की महफ़िल जैसे दिखते हैं। लेकिन उसमें भी, मौसम कैसा है, किस मौसम में क्या खाना चाहिये। किसानों की कौन सी पैदावार है, उस पैदावार को उत्सव में कैसे पलटना। आरोग्य की दृष्टि से क्या संस्कार हों। ये सारी बातें, हमारे पूर्वजों ने बड़े वैज्ञानिक तरीक़े से, उत्सव में समेट ली हैं। आज पूरा विश्व environment की चर्चा करता है। प्रकृति-विनाश चिंता का विषय बना है। भारत की उत्सव परम्परा, प्रकृति-प्रेम को बलवान बनाने वाली, बालक से लेकर के हर व्यक्ति को संस्कारित करने वाली रही है। पेड़ हो, पौधे हों, नदी हो, पशु हो, पर्वत हो, पक्षी हो, हर एक के प्रति दायित्व भाव जगाने वाले उत्सव रहे हैं। आजकल तो हम लोग Sunday को छुट्टी मनाते हैं, लेकिन जो पुरानी पीढ़ी के लोग हैं, मज़दूरी करने वाला वर्ग हो, मछुआरे हों, आपने देखा होगा सदियों से हमारे यहाँ परम्परा थी – पूर्णिमा और अमावस्या को छुट्टी मनाने की। और विज्ञान ने इस बात को सिद्ध किया है कि पूर्णिमा और अमावस को, समुद्र के जल में किस प्रकार से परिवर्तन आता है, प्रकृति पर किन-किन चीज़ों का प्रभाव होता है। और वो मानव-मन पर भी प्रभाव होता है। यानि यहाँ तक हमारे यहाँ छुट्टी भी ब्रह्माण्ड और विज्ञान के साथ जोड़ करके मनाने की परम्परा विकसित हुई थी। आज जब हम दीपावली का पर्व मनाते हैं तब, जैसा मैंने कहा, हमारा हर पर्व एक शिक्षादायक होता है, शिक्षा का बोध लेकर के आता है। ये दीपावली का पर्व ‘तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय’ - अन्धकार से प्रकाश की ओर जाने का एक सन्देश देता है। और अन्धकार, वो प्रकाश के अभाव का ही अन्धकार वाला अन्धकार नहीं है, अंध-श्रद्धा का भी अन्धकार है, अशिक्षा का भी अन्धकार है, ग़रीबी का भी अन्धकार है, सामाजिक बुराइयों का भी अन्धकार है। दीपावली का दिया जला कर के, समाज दोष-रूपी जो अन्धकार छाया हुआ है, व्यक्ति दोष-रूपी जो अन्धकार छाया हुआ है, उससे भी मुक्ति और वही तो दिवाली का दिया जला कर के, प्रकाश पहुँचाने का पर्व बनता है।

एक बात हम सब भली-भांति जानते हैं, हिन्दुस्तान के किसी भी कोने में चले जाइए, अमीर-से-अमीर के घर में चले जाइए, ग़रीब-से-ग़रीब की झोपड़ी में चले जाइए, दिवाली के त्योहार में, हर परिवार में स्वच्छता का अभियान चलता दिखता है। घर के हर कोने की सफ़ाई होती है। ग़रीब अपने मिट्टी के बर्तन होंगे, तो मिट्टी के बर्तन भी ऐसे साफ़ करते हैं, जैसे बस ये दिवाली आयी है। दिवाली एक स्वच्छता का अभियान भी है। लेकिन, समय की माँग है कि सिर्फ़ घर में सफ़ाई नहीं, पूरे परिसर की सफ़ाई, पूरे मोहल्ले की सफ़ाई, पूरे गाँव की सफ़ाई, हमने हमारे इस स्वभाव और परम्परा को विस्तृत करना है, विस्तार देना है। दीपावली का पर्व अब भारत की सीमाओं तक सीमित नहीं रहा है। विश्व के सभी देशों में किसी-न-किसी रूप में दीपावली के पर्व को याद किया जाता है, मनाया जाता है। दुनिया की कई सरकारें भी, वहाँ की संसद भी, वहाँ के शासक भी, दीपावली के पर्व के हिस्से बनते जा रहे हैं। चाहे देश पूर्व के हों या पश्चिम के, चाहे विकसित देश हों या विकासमान देश हों, चाहे Africa हो, चाहे Ireland हो, सब दूर दिवाली की धूम-धाम नज़र आती है। आप लोगों को पता होगा, America की US Postal Service, उन्होंने इस बार दीपावली का postage stamp जारी किया है। Canada के प्रधानमंत्री जी ने दीपावली के अवसर पर दिया जलाते हुए अपनी तस्वीर Twitter पर share की है।

Britain की प्रधानमंत्री ने London में दीपावली के निमित्त, सभी समाजों को जोड़ता हुआ एक Reception का कार्यक्रम आयोजित किया, स्वयं ने हिस्सा लिया और शायद U.K. में तो कोई ऐसा शहर नहीं होगा, कि जहाँ पर बड़े ताम-झाम के साथ दिवाली न मनाई जाती होI Singapore के प्रधानमंत्री जी ने Instagram पर तस्वीर रखी है और उस तस्वीर को उन्होंने दुनिया के साथ share किया है और बड़े गौरव के साथ किया है। और तस्वीर क्या है। Singapore Parliament की 16 महिला MPs भारतीय साड़ी पहन करके Parliament के बाहर खड़ी हैं और ये photo viral हुई है। और ये सब दिवाली के निमित्त किया गया हैI Singapore के तो हर गली-मोहल्ले में इन दिनों दिवाली का जश्न मनाया जा रहा हैI Australia के प्रधानमंत्री ने भारतीय समुदाय को दीपावाली की शुभकामनायें और Australia के विभिन्न शहरों में दीपावली के पर्व में हर समाज को जुड़ने के लिए आह्वान किया है। अभी New Zealand के प्रधानमंत्री आए थे, उन्होंने मुझे कहा कि मुझे जल्दी इसलिए वापस जाना है कि मुझे वहाँ दिवाली के समारोह में शामिल होना है। कहने का मेरा तात्पर्य यह है कि दीपावली, ये प्रकाश का पर्व, विश्व समुदाय को भी अंधकार से प्रकाश की ओर लाए जाने का एक प्रेरणा उत्सव बन रहा है।

दीपावली के पर्व पर अच्छे कपड़े, अच्छे खान-पान के साथ-साथ पटाखों की भी बड़ी धूम मची रहती है। और बालकों को, युवकों को बड़ा आनंद आता है । लेकिन कभी-कभी बच्चे दुस्साहस भी कर देते हैं। कई पटाखों को इकठ्ठा कर-कर के बड़ी आवाज़ करने की कोशिश में एक बहुत बड़े अकस्मात को निमंत्रण दे देते हैं। कभी ये भी ध्यान नहीं रहता है कि आसपास में क्या चीजें हैं, कहीं आग तो नहीं लग जाएगी। दीपावली के दिनों में अकस्मात की ख़बरें, आग की ख़बरें, अपमृत्यु की ख़बरें, बड़ी चिंता कराती हैं। और एक मुसीबत ये भी हो जाती है कि दिवाली के दिनों में डॉक्टर भी बड़ी संख्या में अपने परिवार के साथ दिवाली मनाने चले गए होते हैं, तो संकट में और एक संकट जुड़ जाता है। मेरा खास कर के माता-पिताओं को, parents को, guardians को खास आग्रह है कि बच्चे जब पटाखे चलाते हों, बड़ों को साथ खड़े रहना चाहिए, कोई ग़लती न हो जाए, उसकी चिंता करनी चाहिए और दुर्घटना से बचना चाहिए । हमारे देश में दीपावली का पर्व बहुत लम्बा चलता है। वो सिर्फ एक दिन का नहीं होता है। वो गोवर्धन पूजा कहो, भाई दूज कहो, लाभ पंचमी कहो, और कार्तिक पूर्णिमा के प्रकाश-पर्व तक ले जाइए, तो एक प्रकार से एक लंबे कालखंड चलता है। इसके साथ-साथ हम दीपावली का त्योहार भी मनाते हैं और छठ-पूजा की तैयारी भी करते हैं। भारत के पूर्वी इलाके में छठ-पूजा का त्योहार, एक बहुत बड़ा त्योहार होता है। एक प्रकार से महापर्व होता है, चार दिन तक चलता है, लेकिन इसकी एक विशेषता है - समाज को एक बड़ा गहरा संदेश देता है। भगवान सूर्य हमें जो देते हैं, उससे हमें सब कुछ प्राप्त होता है। प्रत्यक्ष और परोक्ष, भगवान सूर्य देवता से जो मिलता है, उसका हिसाब अभी लगाना ये हमारे लिये कठिन है, इतना कुछ मिलता है और छठ-पूजा, सूर्य की उपासना का भी पर्व है । लेकिन कहावत तो ये हो जाती है कि भई, दुनिया में लोग उगते सूरज की पूजा करते हैं। छठ-पूजा एक ऐसा उत्सव है, जिसमें ढलते सूरज की भी पूजा होती है। एक बहुत बड़ा सामाजिक संदेश है उसमें ।

मैं दीपावली के पर्व की बात कहूँ, छठ-पूजा की बात कहूँ - ये समय है आप सबको बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनायें देने का, लेकिन साथ-साथ मेरे लिये समय और भी है, ख़ासकर के देशवासियों का धन्यवाद करना है, आभार व्यक्त करना है। पिछले कुछ महीनों से, जो घटनायें आकार ले रही हैं, हमारे सुख-चैन के लिये हमारे सेना के जवान अपना सब कुछ लुटा रहे हैं। मेरे भाव-विश्व पर सेना के जवानों की, सुरक्षा बलों के जवानों की, ये त्याग, तपस्या, परिश्रम, मेरे दिल-दिमाग पर छाया हुआ रहता है। और उसी में से एक बात मन में कर गई थी कि यह दिवाली सुरक्षा बलों के नाम पर समर्पित हो। मैंने देशवासियों को ‘Sandesh to Soldiers’ एक अभियान के लिए निमंत्रित किया। लेकिन मैं आज सिर झुका कर के कहना चाहता हूँ, हिंदुस्तान का कोई ऐसा इन्सान नहीं होगा, जिसके दिल में देश के जवानों के प्रति जो अप्रतिम प्यार है, सेना के प्रति गौरव है, सुरक्षा-बलों के प्रति गौरव है। जिस प्रकार से उसकी अभिव्यक्ति हुई है, ये हर देशवासी को ताक़त देने वाली है। सुरक्षा-बल के जवानों को तो हम कल्पना नहीं कर सकते, इतना हौसला बुलंद करने वाला, आपका एक संदेश ताक़त के रूप में प्रकट हुआ है। स्कूल हो, कॉलेज हो, छात्र हो, गाँव हो, ग़रीब हो, व्यापारी हो, दुकानदार हो, राजनेता हो, खिलाड़ी हो, सिने-जगत हो - शायद ही कोई बचा होगा, जिसने देश के जवानों के लिए दिया न जलाया हो, देश के जवानों के लिए संदेश न दिया हो। मीडिया ने भी इस दीपोत्सव को सेना के प्रति आभार व्यक्त करने के अवसर में पलट दिया और क्यों न करें, चाहे BSF हो, CRPF हो, Indo-Tibetan Police हो, Assam Rifles हो, जल-सेना हो, थल-सेना हो, नभ-सेना हो, Coast Guard हो, मैं सब के नाम बोल नहीं पाता हूँ, अनगिनत। ये हमारे जवान किस-किस प्रकार से कष्ट झेलते हैं - हम जब दिवाली मना रहे हैं, कोई रेगिस्तान में खड़ा है, कोई हिमालय की चोटियों पर, कोई उद्योग की रक्षा कर रहा है, तो कोई airport की रक्षा कर रहा है। कितनी-कितनी जिम्मेवारियाँ निभा रहे हैं। हम जब उत्सव के मूड में हों, उसी समय उसको याद करें, तो उस याद में भी एक नई ताक़त आ जाती है। एक संदेश में सामर्थ्य बढ़ जाता है और देश ने कर के दिखाया। मैं सचमुच में देशवासियों का आभार प्रकट करता हूँ। कइयों ने, जिसके पास कला थी, कला के माध्यम से किया। कुछ लोगों ने चित्र बनाए, रंगोली बनाई, cartoon बनाए, जो सरस्वती की जिन पर कृपा थी, उन्होंने कवितायें बनाईं I कइयों ने अच्छे नारे प्रकट किये। ऐसा मुझे लग रहा है, कि जैसे मेरा Narendra Modi App या मेरा My Gov, जैसे उसमें भावनाओं का सागर उमड़ पड़ा है - शब्द के रूप में, पिंछी के रूप में, कलम के रूप में, रंग के रूप में, अनगिनत प्रकार की भावनायें, मैं कल्पना कर सकता हूँ, मेरे देश के जवानों के लिये कितना गर्व का एक पल है। ‘Sandesh to Soldiers’ इस Hashtag पर इतनी सारी चीज़ें-इतनी सारी चीज़ें आई हैं, प्रतीकात्मक रूप में।

मैं श्रीमान अश्विनी कुमार चौहान ने एक कविता भेजी है, उसे पढ़ना पसंद करूँगाI

अश्विनी जी ने लिखा है -

“मैं त्योहार मनाता हूँ, ख़ुश होता हूँ, मुस्कुराता हूँ,
मैं त्योहार मनाता हूँ, ख़ुश होता हूँ, मुस्कुराता हूँ,
ये सब है, क्योंकि, तुम हो, ये तुमको आज बताता हूँ,
मेरी आज़ादी का कारण तुम, ख़ुशियों की सौगात हो,
मैं चैन से सोता हूँ, क्योंकि,
मैं चैन से सोता हूँ, क्योंकि तुम सरहद पर तैनात हो,
शीश झुकाएँ पर्वत अम्बर और भारत का चमन तुम्हें, शीश झुकाएँ पर्वत अम्बर और भारत का चमन तुम्हें,
उसी तरह सेनानी मेरा भी है शत-शत नमन तुम्हें, उसी तरह सेनानी मेरा भी है शत-शत नमन तुम्हें ।। ”

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, जिसका मायका भी सेना के जवानों से भरा हुआ है और जिसका ससुराल भी सेना के जवानों से भरा हुआ है, ऐसी एक बहन शिवानी ने मुझे एक टेलीफोन message दिया। आइए, हम सुनते हैं, फ़ौजी परिवार क्या कहता है: -

“नमस्कार प्रधानमंत्री जी, मैं शिवानी मोहन बोल रही हूँ। इस दीपावली पर जो ‘Sandesh to Soldiers’ अभियान शुरू किया गया है, उससे हमारे फ़ौजी भाइयों को बहुत ही प्रोत्साहन मिल रहा है। मैं एक Army Family से हूँ। मेरे पति भी Army ऑफिसर हैं। मेरे Father और Father-in-law, दोनों Army Officers रह चुके हैं। तो हमारी तो पूरी family soldiers से भरी हुई है और सीमा पर हमारे कई ऐसे Officers हैं, जिनको इतने अच्छे संदेश मिल रहे हैं और बहुत प्रोत्साहन मिल रहा है Army Circle में सभी को। और मैं कहना चाहूँगी कि Army Officers और Soldiers के साथ उनके परिवार, उनकी पत्नियाँ भी काफ़ी sacrifices करती हैं। तो एक तरह से पूरी Army Community को बहुत अच्छा संदेश मिल रहा है और मैं आपको भी Happy Diwali कहना चाहूँगी। Thank You .”

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, ये बात सही है कि सेना के जवान सिर्फ़ सीमा पर नहीं, जीवन के हर मोर्चे पर खड़े हुए पाए जाते हैं। प्राकृतिक आपदा हो, कभी क़ानूनी व्यवस्था के संकट हों, कभी दुश्मनों से भिड़ना हो, कभी ग़लत राह पर चल पड़े नौजवानों को वापिस लाने के लिये साहस दिखाना हो - हमारे जवान ज़िंदगी के हर मोड़ पर राष्ट्र भावना से प्रेरित हो करके काम करते रहते हैं।

एक घटना मेरे ध्यान में लाई गई - मैं भी आपको बताना चाहता हूँI अब मैं इसलिए बताना चाहता हूँ कि सफलता के मूल में कैसी-कैसी बातें एक बहुत बड़ी ताक़त बन जाती हैं। आप ने सुना होगा, हिमाचल प्रदेश खुले में शौच से मुक्त हुआ, Open Defecation Free हुआ। पहले सिक्किम प्रान्त हुआ था, अब हिमाचल भी हुआ, 1 नवम्बर को केरल भी होने जा रहा है। लेकिन ये सफलता क्यों होती है ? कारण मैं बताता हूँ, देखिए, सुरक्षाबलों में हमारा एक ITBP का जवान, श्री विकास ठाकुर - वो मूलतः हिमाचल के सिरमौर ज़िले के एक छोटे से गाँव से हैं। उनके गाँव का नाम है बधाना। ये हिमाचल के सिरमौर ज़िले से हैं। अब ये हमारे ITBP के जवान अपनी ड्यूटी पर से छुट्टियों में गाँव गए थे। तो गाँव में वो उस समय शायद कहीं ग्राम-सभा होने वाली थी, तो वहाँ पहुँच गए और गाँव की सभा में चर्चा हो रही थी, शौचालय बनाने की और पाया गया कि कुछ परिवार पैसों के अभाव में शौचालय नहीं बना पा रहे हैं। ये विकास ठाकुर देशभक्ति से भरा हुआ एक हमारा ITBP का जवान, उसको लगा - नहीं-नहीं, ये कलंक मिटाना चाहिये। और उसकी देशभक्ति देखिए, सिर्फ़ दुश्मनों पर गोलियाँ चलाने के लिये वो देश की सेवा करता है, ऐसा नहीं है। उसने फटाक से अपनी Cheque Book से सत्तावन हज़ार रुपया निकाला और उसने गाँव के पंचायत प्रधान को दे दिया कि जिन 57 घरों में शौचालय नहीं बना है, मेरी तरफ से हर परिवार को एक-एक हज़ार रूपया दे दीजिए, 57 शौचालय बना दीजिए और अपने बधाना गाँव को Open Defecation Free बना दीजिए। विकास ठाकुर ने करके दिखाया। 57 परिवारों को एक-एक हज़ार रूपया अपनी जेब से दे करके स्वच्छता के अभियान को एक ताक़त दी। और तभी तो हिमाचल प्रदेश Open Defecation Free करने की ताक़त आई। वैसा ही केरल में, मैं सचमुच में, नौजवानों का आभार व्यक्त करना चाहता हूँ। मेरे ध्यान में आया, केरल के दूर-सुदूर जंगलों में, जहाँ कोई रास्ता भी नहीं है, पूरे दिन भर पैदल चलने के बाद मुश्किल से उस गाँव पहुँचा जा सकता है, ऐसी एक जनजातीय पंचायत इडमालाकुडी, पहुँचना भी बड़ा मुश्किल है। लोग कभी जाते नहीं। उसके नज़दीक में, शहरी इलाके में, Engineering के छात्रों के ध्यान में आया कि इस गाँव में शौचालय बनाने हैं। NCC के cadet, NSS के लोग, Engineering के छात्र, सबने मिलकर के तय किया कि हम शौचालय बनाएँगे। शौचालय बनाने के लिए जो सामान ले जाना था, ईंटें हो, सीमेंट हो, सारे सामान इन नौजवानों ने अपने कंधे पर उठा करके, पूरा दिन भर पैदल चल के उन जंगलों में गए। खुद ने परिश्रम करके उस गाँव में शौचालय बनाए और इन नौजवानों ने दूर-सुदूर जंगलों में एक छोटे से गाँव को Open Defecation Free किया। उसी का तो कारण है कि केरल Open Defecation Free हो रहा है। गुजरात ने भी, सभी नगरपालिका-महानगरपालिकायें, शायद 150 से ज़्यादा में, Open Defecation Free घोषित किया है। 10 ज़िले भी Open Defecation Free किए गए हैं। हरियाणा से भी ख़ुशख़बरी आई है, हरियाणा भी 1 नवम्बर को उनकी अपनी Golden Jubilee मनाने जा रहा है और उनका फ़ैसला है कि वो कुछ ही महीनों में पूरे राज्य को Open Defecation Free कर देंगे। अभी उन्होंने सात ज़िले पूरे कर दिए हैं। सभी राज्यों में बहुत तेज़ गति से काम चल रहा है। मैंने कुछ का उल्लेख किया है। मैं इन सभी राज्यों के नागरिकों को इस महान कार्य के अन्दर जुड़ने के लिये देश से गन्दगी रूपी अन्धकार मिटाने के काम में योगदान देने के लिये ह्रदय से बहुत-बहुत अभिनन्दन देता हूँ।

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, सरकार में योजनायें तो बहुत होती हैं। और पहली योजना के बाद, उसी के अनुरूप दूसरी अच्छी योजना आए, तो पहली योजना छोड़नी होती है। लेकिन आम तौर पर इन चीज़ों पर कोई ध्यान नहीं देता है। पुरानी वाली योजना भी चलती रहती है, नयी वाली भी योजना चलती रहती है और आने वाली योजना का इंतज़ार भी होता रहता है, ये चलता रहता है। हमारे देश में जिन घरों में गैस का चूल्हा हो, जिन घरों में बिजली हो, ऐसे घरों को Kerosene की ज़रुरत नहीं है। लेकिन सरकार में कौन पूछता है, Kerosene भी जा रहा है, गैस भी जा रहा है, बिजली भी जा रही है और फिर बिचौलियों को तो मलाई खाने का मौका मिल जाता है। मैं हरियाणा प्रदेश का अभिनन्दन करना चाहता हूँ कि उन्होंने एक बीड़ा उठाया है। हरियाणा प्रदेश को Kerosene मुक्त करने का। जिन-जिन परिवारों में गैस का चूल्हा है, जिन-जिन परिवारों में बिजली है, ‘आधार’ नंबर से उन्होंने verify किया और अब तक मैंने सुना है कि सात या आठ ज़िले Kerosene free कर दिए, Kerosene मुक्त कर दिए। जिस प्रकार से उन्होंने इस काम को हाथ में लिया है, पूरा राज्य, मुझे विश्वास है कि बहुत ही जल्द Kerosene free हो जायेगा। कितना बड़ा बदलाव आयेगा, चोरी भी रुकेगी, पर्यावरण का भी लाभ होगा, हमारी foreign exchange की भी बचत होगी और लोगों की सुविधा भी बढ़ेगी। हाँ, तकलीफ़ होगी, तो बिचौलियों को होगी, बेईमानों को होगी।

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, महात्मा गाँधी हम सब के लिए हमेशा-हमेशा मार्गदर्शक हैं। उनकी हर बात आज भी देश कहाँ जाना चाहिए, कैसे जाना चाहिए, इसके लिये मानक तय करती है। गाँधी जी कहते थे, आप जब भी कोई योजना बनाएँ, तो आप सबसे पहले उस ग़रीब और कमज़ोर का चेहरा याद कीजिए और फिर तय कीजिए कि आप जो करने जा रहे हैं, उससे उस ग़रीब को कोई लाभ होगा कि नहीं होगा। कहीं उसका नुकसान तो नहीं हो जाएगा। इस मानक के आधार पर आप फ़ैसले कीजिए। समय की माँग है कि हमें अब, देश के ग़रीबों का जो aspirations जगा है, उसको address करना ही पड़ेगा। मुसीबतों से मुक्ति मिले, उसके लिए हमें एक-के-बाद एक कदम उठाने ही पड़ेंगे। हमारी पुरानी सोच कुछ भी क्यों न हो, लेकिन समाज को बेटे-बेटी के भेद से मुक्त करना ही होगा। अब स्कूलों में बच्चियों के लिये भी toilet हैं, बच्चों के लिये भी toilet हैं। हमारी बेटियों के लिये भेदभाव-मुक्त भारत की अनुभूति का ये अवसर है।

सरकार की तरफ़ से टीकाकरण तो होता ही है, लेकिन फिर भी लाखों बच्चे टीकाकरण से छूट जाते हैं। बीमारी के शिकार हो जाते हैं। ‘मिशन इन्द्रधनुष’ टीकाकरण का एक ऐसा अभियान, जो छूट गए हुए बच्चों को भी समेटने के लिए लगा है, जो बच्चों को गंभीर रोगों से मुक्ति के लिए ताक़त देता है। 21वीं सदी हो और गाँव में अँधेरा हो, अब नहीं चल सकता और इसलिये गाँवों को अंधकार से मुक्त करने के लिये, गाँव बिजली पहुँचाने का बड़ा अभियान सफलतापूर्वक आगे बढ़ रहा है। समय सीमा में आगे बढ़ रहा है। आज़ादी के इतने सालों के बाद, गरीब माँ, लकड़ी के चूल्हे पर खाना पका करके दिन में 400 सिगरेट का धुआं अपने शरीर में ले जाए, उसके स्वास्थ्य का क्या होगा। कोशिश है 5 करोड़ परिवारों को धुयें से मुक्त ज़िंदगी देने के लिये। सफलता की ओर आगे बढ़ रहे हैं।

छोटा व्यापारी, छोटा कारोबारी, सब्जी बेचनेवाला, दूध बेचनेवाला, नाई की दुकान चलानेवाला, साहूकारों के ब्याज के चक्कर में ऐसा फँसा रहता था - ऐसा फँसा रहता था। मुद्रा योजना, stand up योजना, जन-धन account, ये ब्याजखोरों से मुक्ति का एक सफल अभियान है। ‘आधार’ के द्वारा बैंकों में सीधे पैसे जमा कराना। हक़दार को, लाभार्थी को सीधे पैसे मिलें। सामान्य मानव के ज़िंदगी में ये बिचौलियों से मुक्ति का अवसर है। एक ऐसा अभियान चलाना है, जिसमें सिर्फ़ सुधार और परिवर्तन नहीं, समस्या से मुक्ति तक का मार्ग पक्का करना है और हो रहा है।

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, कल 31 अक्टूबर, इस देश के महापुरुष - भारत की एकता को ही जिन्होंने अपने जीवन का मंत्र बनाया, जी के दिखाया - ऐसे सरदार वल्लभ भाई पटेल का जन्म-जयंती का पर्व है। 31 अक्टूबर, एक तरफ़ सरदार साहब की जयंती का पर्व है, देश की एकता का जीता-जागता महापुरुष, तो दूसरी तरफ़, श्रीमती गाँधी की पुण्यतिथि भी है। महापुरुषों को पुण्य स्मरण तो हम करते ही हैं, करना भी चाहिए। लेकिन पंजाब के एक सज्जन का फ़ोन, उनकी पीड़ा, मुझे भी छू गई: -

“प्रधानमंत्री जी, नमस्कार, सर, मैं जसदीप बोल रहा हूँ पंजाब से। सर, जैसा कि आप जानते हैं कि 31 तारीख़ को सरदार पटेल जी का जनमदिन है। सरदार पटेल ओ शख्सियत हैं, जिनाने अपनी सारी ज़िंदगी देश नु जोड़न दी बिता दित्ती and ओ उस मुहिम विच, I think, सफ़ल भी होये, he brought everybody together. और we call it irony or we call it, एक बुरी किस्मत कहें देश की कि उसी दिन इंदिरा गाँधी जी की हत्या भी हो गई। and जैसा हम सबको पता है कि उनकी हत्या के बाद देश में कैसे events हुए। सर, मैं ये कहना चाहता था कि हम ऐसे दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण जो events होते हैं, जो घटनायें होती हैं, इनको कैसे रोक सकते हैं। ”

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, ये पीड़ा एक व्यक्ति की नहीं है। एक सरदार, सरदार वल्लभ भाई पटेल, इतिहास इस बात का गवाह है कि चाणक्य के बाद, देश को एक करने का भगीरथ काम, सरदार वल्लभ भाई पटेल ने किया। आज़ाद हिंदुस्तान को, एक झंडे के नीचे लाने का सफल प्रयास, इतना बड़ा भगीरथ काम जिस महापुरुष ने किया, उस महापुरुष को शत-शत नमन। लेकिन यह भी तो पीड़ा है कि सरदार साहब एकता के लिए जिए, एकता के लिए जूझते रहे; एकता की उनकी प्राथमिकता के कारण, कइयों की नाराज़गी के शिकार भी रहे, लेकिन एकता के मार्ग को कभी छोड़ा नहीं; लेकिन, उसी सरदार की जन्म-जयंती पर हज़ारों सरदारों को, हज़ारो सरदारों के परिवारों को श्रीमती गाँधी की हत्या के बाद मौत के घाट उतार दिया गया । एकता के लिये जीवन-भर जीने वाले उस महापुरुष के जन्मदिन पर ही और सरदार के ही जन्मदिन पर सरदारों के साथ ज़ुल्म, इतिहास का एक पन्ना, हम सब को पीड़ा देता है ।

लेकिन, इन संकटों के बीच में भी, एकता के मंत्र को ले करके आगे बढ़ना है। विविधता में एकता यही देश की ताक़त है। भाषायें अनेक हों, जातियाँ अनेक हों, पहनावे अनेक हों, खान-पान अनेक हों, लेकिन अनेकता में एकता, ये भारत की ताक़त है, भारत की विशेषता है। हर पीढ़ी का एक दायित्व है। हर सरकारों की ज़िम्मेवारी है कि हम देश के हर कोने में एकता के अवसर खोजें, एकता के तत्व को उभारें। बिखराव वाली सोच, बिखराव वाली प्रवृत्ति से हम भी बचें, देश को भी बचाएँ। सरदार साहब ने हमें एक भारत दिया, हम सब का दायित्व है श्रेष्ठ भारत बनाना। एकता का मूल-मंत्र ही श्रेष्ठ भारत की मज़बूत नींव बनाता है।

सरदार साहब की जीवन यात्रा का प्रारम्भ किसानों के संघर्ष से हुआ था। किसान के बेटे थे। आज़ादी के आंदोलन को किसानों तक पहुँचाने में सरदार साहब की बहुत बड़ी अहम भूमिका रही। आज़ादी के आंदोलन को गाँव में ताक़त का रूप बनाना सरदार साहब का सफल प्रयास था। उनके संगठन शक्ति और कौशल्य का परिणाम था। लेकिन सरदार साहब सिर्फ संघर्ष के व्यक्ति थे, ऐसा नहीं, वह संरचना के भी व्यक्ति थे। आज कभी-कभी हम बहुत लोग ‘अमूल’ का नाम सुनते हैं। ‘अमूल’ के हर product से आज हिंदुस्तान और हिंदुस्तान के बाहर भी लोग परिचित हैं। लेकिन बहुत कम लोगों को मालूम होगा कि सरदार साहब की दिव्यदृष्टि थी कि उन्होंने co-operative milk producers के union की कल्पना की थी। और खेड़ा district, उस समय केरा district बोला जाता था, और 1942 में इस विचार को उन्होंने बल दिया था, वो साकार रूप, आज का ‘अमूल’ किसानों के सुख-समृद्धि की संरचना सरदार साहब ने कैसे की थी, उसका एक जीता-जागता उदाहरण हमारे सामने है। मैं सरदार साहब को आदरपूर्वक अंजलि देता हूँ और इस एकता दिवस पर 31 अक्टूबर को हम जहाँ हों, सरदार साहब को स्मरण करें, एकता का संकल्प करें।

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, इन दीवाली की श्रृंखला में कार्तिक पूर्णिमा - ये प्रकाश उत्सव का भी पर्व है। गुरु नानक देव, उनकी शिक्षा-दीक्षा पूरी मानव-जाति के लिये, न सिर्फ़ हिंदुस्तान के लिये, पूरी मानव-जाति के लिए, आज भी दिशादर्शक है। सेवा, सच्चाई और ‘सरबत दा भला’, यही तो गुरु नानक देव का संदेश था। शांति, एकता और सद्भावना यही तो मूल-मंत्र था। भेदभाव हो, अंधविश्वास हो, कुरीतियाँ हों, उससे समाज को मुक्ति दिलाने का वो अभियान ही तो था गुरु नानक देव की हर बात में। जब हमारे यहाँ स्पृश्य-अस्पृश्य, जाति-प्रथा, ऊँच-नीच, इसकी विकृति की चरम सीमा पर थी, तब गुरु नानक देव ने भाई लालो को अपना सहयोगी चुना। आइए, हम भी, गुरु नानक देव ने जो हमें ज्ञान का प्रकाश दिया है, जो हमें भेदभाव छोड़ने के लिए प्रेरणा देता है, भेदभाव के ख़िलाफ़ कुछ करने के लिए आदेश करता है, ‘सबका साथ सबका विकास’ इसी मंत्र को ले करके अगर आगे चलना है, तो गुरु नानक देव से बढ़िया हमारा मार्गदर्शक कौन हो सकता है। मैं गुरु नानक देव को भी, इस ‘प्रकाश-उत्सव’ आ रहा है, तब अन्तर्मन से प्रणाम करता हूँ।

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, फिर एक बार, देश के जवानों के नाम ये दिवाली, इस दिवाली पर आपको भी बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनायें। आपके सपने, आपके संकल्प हर प्रकार से सफल हों। आपका जीवन सुख-चैन की ज़िंदगी वाला बने, यही आप सबको शुभकामनायें देता हूँ। बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।

***

AKT/AK/HS

Statement by DGMO to Media

I had briefed all of you on the terrorist action in Uri yesterday. The Army operations have been called off after conducting a detailed search of the area in and around the military complex at Uri. The total recoveries from the slain terrorists is four AK 47 rifles, four Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, 39 Under Barrel Grenade Launcher grenades, five hand grenades, two radio sets, two GPSs, two Map Sheets, two Matrix Sheets, one Mobile Phone and a large number of food and medicine packets having Pakistani markings.

The infiltration attempts by terrorists have shown a marked increase in comparison to the past 3-4 years. In 2016, there have been 17 infiltration bids eliminated by the Indian Army along the Line of Control. Of a total of 110 terrorists eliminated in J&K, 31 have been killed while they were attempting to cross the Line of Control. It actually indicates a desperate attempt from across the Line of Control to infiltrate more terrorists into Kashmir with a view to create disturbance and foment unrest in our area. The last two infiltration attempts i.e. 11 Sep 16 in Punch and on 18 Sep 16 at Uri have been successfully thwarted by the Indian Army by killing of four terrorists in each of the operations.

The Indian Army has displayed considerable restraint while handling the terrorist situation both along the Line of Control and in hinterland. However, we have the desired capability to respond to such blatant acts of aggression and violence as deemed appropriate by us. We reserve the right to respond to any act of the adversary at a time and place of own choosing.

HR/DM/RAJ

PM celebrates Diwali with jawans, people, near India-China border in Himachal Pradesh

PM celebrates Diwali with jawans, people, near India-China border in Himachal Pradesh

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today visited Sumdo near the India-China border, in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, to celebrate Diwali with the jawans.

He interacted with jawans from the ITBP and the Indian Army, and offered sweets to them.

Addressing the jawans, he said he had been visiting armed forces personnel every year on Diwali since 2001.

He mentioned the tremendous response from people across the country, to his appeal for sending messages to soldiers as part of the #Sandesh2Soldiers campaign.

The Prime Minister said that giving One Rank One Pension to ex-servicemen was a promise that he had made, and he was happy that he had been able to fulfil it.

The Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Dalbir Singh, was present on the occasion.

While returning from Sumdo, the Prime Minister halted briefly at a nearby village - Chango. He exchanged Diwali greetings, interacted with the people there, and offered sweets to children.

***

AKT/AK

Vice President strongly condemns Uri terror attack

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Army Administrative Base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. In a message, he said that such attacks are the result of the use of cross-border terrorism by one particular country in our region.

Following is the text of Vice President’s message:

“I am deeply shocked at the terrorist attack on Army Administrative Base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those whose loved ones have been killed.

Such attacks are the result of the use of cross-border terrorism by one particular country in our region. We shall deal with such provocations in a befitting manner.”

***

KSD/BK

Dr Jitendra Singh exchanges Diwali greetings with BSF

 

Asserting that the human rights of an Army soldier are supreme, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the human rights of an Indian soldier should take precedence over those of a terrorist, in Rajpura, Kathua, J&K today. He added that a terrorist forfeits his entitlement to human rights the day he resorts to terrorism which is the biggest violation of human rights.

 

Dr Jitendra Singh first paid a visit to security personnel posted on the border and and exchange greetings on Diwali with them. 

 

 

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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space,      Dr Jitendra Singh exchanging Diwali greetings with BSF personnel posted on International Border in Kathua-Samba belt of Jammu & Kashmir on 29th October, 2016.

 

 

 

Addressing a public meeting, comprising  ex-servicemen, their families and local residents, and organized by “Seema Jan Kalyan Samiti”, Dr Jitendra Singh said, those who target the military or para-military personnel are the ones who do not have the courage to call a terrorist a terrorist or to condemn the atrocious act of mutilating the dead body of martyred Indian soldier, but find Army a convenient soft target because Indian Army, being one of the most disciplined forces of the world, is trained to exercise restraint while a terrorist, who is not constrained to follow any rule of law, will immediately retaliate and put their life to risk.

 

Reiterating that Diwali of 2016 is dedicated to Indian Army and India’s Para-Military forces, Dr Jitendra Singh said that semblance of Diwali in the country today is because of the young soldiers who are guarding the borders. He added that project has been undertaken to build 1140 updated Sulabh toilets in the border villages, out of which over 150 have been completed. He also added that the construction of bunkers along the border areas has already started from LoC.

 

*****

 

PK/RG

President of India writes to Chief of the Army Staff conveying condolences on loss of lives of soldiers in the terrorist attack in Uri

President of India writes to Chief of the Army Staff conveying condolences on loss of lives of soldiers in the terrorist attack in Uri

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has written to the Chief of the Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh, conveying condolences on the loss of lives of soldiers in the terrorist attack in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir today (September 18, 2016).

In his message, the President said, “It is with deep shock and outrage that I learned of the terrorist attack in Uri in which many soldiers were killed and others injured.

I salute and pay tributes to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice protecting our nation.

In this hour of distress, I extend my deepest condolences to members of the bereaved families as well as prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack”.

***

AKT/NT

The Chief of Army Staff reviews security along India- China border

The Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Dalbir Singh reviewed the operational preparedness along the Indo-China border in areas of Puh & Sumdo in Himachal Pradesh on 28 October 2016. He also interacted with troops on ground & expressed satisfaction at the high operational standards achieved. He was accompanied by GOC-in-C Western Command Lt Gen Surinder Singh during this visit.

Manoj Tuli APRO (Army)

President of India Strongly condemns terrorist in Uri

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Army Base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir.

In series of tweets, the President has said, “Strongly condemn outrageous terrorist attack on Army base in Uri; tributes to brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifice.

Heartfelt condolences to families of those bereaved in Uri terrorist attack; prayers for speedy recovery of injured.

India will not be cowed down by such attacks, we will thwart the evil designs of terrorists and their backers”.

AKT/NT

Police Commemoration Day to be observed tomorrow

The Police Commemoration Day will be observed at the Police Memorial Ground, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi tomorrow. The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh will lay wreath and pay homage on the occasion.

The day commemorates the sacrifices of ten policemen while defending our borders with China in 1959. Indian Police personnel were responsible for manning the 2,500 mile long border of India with Tibet until the autumn of 1959.

On October 20, 1959, three reconnaissance parties were launched from Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh in preparation for further movement of an Indian expedition which was on its way to Lanak La. While members of two parties returned to Hot Springs by the afternoon of that day, the third one comprising of two Police Constables and a Porter did not return. All available personnel were mobilized early next morning in search of the missing personnel. A party of about 20 Police personnel led by Shri Karam Singh, DCIO proceeded ahead on horseback, while other followed on foot in three Sections.

At about mid day, Chinese Army personnel were seen on a hillock who opened fire and threw grenades at the party led by Shri Karam Singh. Since there was no cover, most personnel were injured. Ten of them died, seven were taken prisoners by the Chinese and the remaining managed to escape.

Bodies of the ten personnel were returned by the Chinese only on November 13, 1959, a full three weeks after the incident. These bodies were cremated with full Police honours at Hot Springs.

The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories held in January 1960 decided that October 21 would henceforth be observed as ‘Commemoration Day’ in all Police Lines throughout India to mark the memory of these gallant personnel who were killed in Ladakh and all other Police personnel killed on duty during the year. It was also decided to erect a memorial at Hot Springs and, every year, members of Police Forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage to those gallant martyrs. Since the year 2012, the Police Commemoration Day Parade is being held at the National level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri.

Since 1961, more than 33,000 police personnel have sacrificed their lives for security of the nation and service to the society.

***

KSD/PK/KM

Statement by DGMO to Media

A group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire on an administrative base of one of the units of Indian Army at Uri in Kashmir at approximately 0530 hours this morning. The firefight between the terrorists and Army Personnel continued till approximately 0830 hours, during which four terrorists have been killed. All four killed were Foreign Terrorists and had some items with them which had Pakistani markings. Initial reports indicate that the slain terrorists belong to Jaish-e-Mohammed tanzeem. Four AK 47 rifles and four Under Barrel Grenade Launchers along with a large number of other war like stores were recovered from them.

The terrorists fired incendiary ammunition along with automatic fire of small arms that led to army tents / temporary shelters catching fire. The tents located in the complex were to house additional troops inducted due to routine turnover of units. There have been a total of 17 Army fatal casualties. Of these, 13 - 14 casualties have been due to these tents/ shelters having caught fire. I must mention that the operation for clearance of the area is still in progress and a very deliberate search is being carried out of the entire area around the Military Complex in Uri. As such, complete details of the operation are not yet available. However, the operation is being carried out by the Indian Army in a very professional manner and the Army personnel have displayed exceptionally high standards of courage and gallantry while neutralizing the terrorists.

Since the terrorists had some items with Pakistani markings, I have spoken to Pakistan DGMO and conveyed our serious concerns on the same.

I would also like to mention that all the intelligence agencies are working in close synergy with the Security forces and regular intelligence inputs are received from concerned agencies and necessary action is being taken accordingly.

The COAS has visited the site of operation and taken an 'on the ground' assessment of the situation. The Hon'ble Raksha Mantri is also currently on his way to Srinagar and shall be updated by the COAS on the situation.

We salute the supreme sacrifice made by our brave soldiers following the highest traditions of Indian Army. Finally, I would like to assure you that the Indian Army remains prepared to thwart any nefarious designs and any evil designs of the adversary shall be given a befitting reply.

RA/DM/RAJ

Second Joint tactical Exercise held by Indian and Chinese army in Ladakh

As part of the ongoing initiative to enhance interaction and cooperation between India and China, under the provisions of Border Defense Cooperation Agreement, 2013, the Indian and Chinese armies held Second Joint Exercise “Sino India Cooperation 2016” today, as a sequel to the first Joint Exercise held on 06 Feb 2016 in the area of Border Personnel Meeting Hut at Chushul Garrison of Eastern Ladakh, along with Chinese troops of Moldo Garrison.

During the day long exercise on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) a fictitious situation of earthquake striking an Indian Border village was painted. Thereafter joint teams carried out rescue operations, evacuation and rendering of medical assistance.

The Indian Team for the exercise was led by Brigadier RS Raman and that of the Chinese was led by Sr Col Fan Jun. The exercise was a great success and has not only refined the drills to provide succor to the border population in case of natural calamity but has also increased the level of trust and cooperation between the two border guarding forces along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

The joint exercise, compliments the Hand in Hand series of the India -China joint exercises and the effort of both the nations to enhance cooperation and maintain peace and tranquility along the border areas of India and China.

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

A billion hopes rest on your young and brave shoulders, President Tells Army Officers at Ota Chennai

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the Summer term at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai today (September 10, 2016).

Addressing the Officers, the President said an onerous task awaits them as they go on to don the mantle of great responsibility and authority bestowed upon them by the Constitution of India. They have been through a gruelling one year of training to equip them with the requisite mental and physical skills required to lead troops in extremely challenging conditions. The President told Officers that their honour and integrity is not just theirs: they should always remember there are more than a billion Indian fellow citizens looking up to them every moment with admiration, awe and respect for what they are, the great Institution they serve in and what they are expected to do for this Nation at the time of reckoning.

The President said more than ever before India requires young men and women to take up the challenge of guiding the nation through troubled waters. They need to work tirelessly and selflessly even at the peril of their lives in the service of our Motherland. When they are battling odds that seem insurmountable, they should remember there are a billion hopes pinned on their young and brave shoulders.

The President expressed happiness to see Officer Cadets from friendly countries of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Lesotho.

***

AKT/AK

DG Projects Border Roads Visits Sikkim Road

Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Suresh Sharma has completed a five-day inspection visit of strategic roads in Sikkim. He is constantly keeping focus on the State for fast track completion of Strategic Roads and to plan new roads.

DGBR travelled extensively to see the progress made by Project Swastik on the National Highway to Nathu La and Mangan. He spent two days on roads along the International Border on Lachung and Lachen axis and visited Donkya La Pass at an altitude of about 18000 feet which was recently connected by Project Swastik. This project, linking both Lachung & Lachen axis was completed despite adverse geographical terrain and harsh climatic conditions. After overseeing the progress of the Theng Tunnel construction, DGBR has expressed confidence about its timely completion. He has also emphasised on installation of higher road safety measures all along highways in the State, to ensure zero accidents. He also interacted with construction workers and ground level executives and explained Border Roads Organisation’s current priorities to them.

Lt Gen Sharma met the area Commander of the Army formation to discuss their priority and feedback on quality and productivity.

***

NW/Nampi/RAJ

Indian troops finest in the world, look after their welfare, President tells Army Officers (September 9, 2016)

Indian troops finest in the world, look after their welfare, President tells Army Officers (September 9, 2016)
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended a Presidential Dinner hosted in his honour at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai yesterday (September 9, 2016).

Addressing the Officers, the President said the journey of Officers Training Academy, Chennai which began in 1963 is embellished with the acts of great valour and heroism.

The President called upon the officers to remember that the troops they command are the finest in the world. In addition to leading them well in operations, it is their duty to look after their welfare and ensure the best possible quality of life for them. They must lead by example and always ‘Walk the Talk’.

The President said the Indian Army is in the midst of a transformation and needs agile, adaptive leaders with a broad perspective and wide range of skills. In an era, where they will face the full spectrum of conflict, ranging from high intensity combat, peace time soldiering, peace keeping, humanitarian intervention, counter terrorism and insurgency, low intensity conflict, all in rapid succession or even simultaneously – India needs military leaders, equal to the challenge! They will be expected to make sound and ethical decisions in operational and other difficult situations in a split second. They have to train hard to achieve this competence.

***

AKT/AK

Recoveries of Naugam operation confirm Pakistan connection

            Four terrorists were eliminated by Army on the Line of Control while trying to infiltrate in Naugam Sector. Pakistan Ordinance Factory markings on the hand grenades and the UBGL Grenades recovered from the terrorists confirm Pakistan complicity in abetting and equipping terrorism. The hand grenades recovered are ARGES 84 which are manufactured by Pakistan Ordinance Factories (Link http://www.pof.gov.pk/productdetail.php?proid=47&catid=7).Pakistan origin markings are also seen on the medicines and eatable items recovered.

A large number of highly inflammable material, like six plastic explosive slabs, six bottles of petroleum jelly, six bottles of inflammable liquid and six lighters were also recovered. Similar inflammable material was recovered at Poonch Incident site of 11 Sep and Uri Incident site of 18 Sep16. This shows the sinister design of Pakistan to aid terrorists in causing maximum destruction. Other items recovered from the terrorists include:

(a)  AK 47 Rifles – 04

(b)  Magazine  AK 47 – 16

(c)  Amn – 349 Rds

(d)  Radio set- 1

(e)  GPS- 1

(f)    Binocular- 1

(g)  Wire cutter -2

(h)  Samsung mobile – 1

(i)    Rain Ponchos & Haversack – 4(each)

(j)    First Aid kit – 1

(k)  Clothing and eatable items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manoj Tuli

APRO (Army)

Address of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India on the occasion of review the passing out parade of the summer term at Officers Training Academy (10 September 2016)

It gives me great pleasure as the Supreme Commander to be present here amongst you in the beautiful surroundings of the OTA and reviewing this parade which heralds a new dawn in your lives as Commissioned Officers of the Indian Army.

As I look at each one of you I am filled with pride and confidence. I congratulate the Commandant and his faculty for having toiled hard to turn out such a smart and capable set of young and vibrant military leaders. I am sure each one of you present here and the rest of our Nation watching this Parade shares this sense of pride, which I feel. Before going any further let me congratulate each one of you for the excellent standard of Drill and an outstanding Parade. I must confess that, even now, every time I witness a Military Parade my veins throb with renewed passion and fervour for our splendid Armed Forces and our great Nation, India.

A few moments from now you will be commissioned as Officers into the finest Army in the world commanding the finest soldiers that walk this Earth. An onerous task awaits you as you go on to don the mantle of great responsibility and authority bestowed upon you by the Constitution of India. You have been through a gruelling one year of training to equip you with the requisite mental and physical skills required to lead troops in extremely challenging conditions. Above everything else that your Alma Mater has taught you, the first and foremost is the Honour Code. Your honour and integrity is not just yours: always remember there are more than a billion Indian fellow citizens looking up to you every moment with admiration, awe and respect for what you are, the great Institution you serve in and what you are expected to do for this Nation at the time of reckoning. On your shoulders and through your professionalism may the Indian Army rise to even greater heights!

India is an unique country of 1.3 billion people, three major Ethnic groups, 122 languages, 1600 dialects and disparate religions. Our strength lies in the unique capacity to blend apparent contradictions into positive affirmations. In the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, it is a Country held together and I quote : “by strong but invisible threads…. About her there is the elusive quality of a legend of long ago: some enchantment seems to have held her mind. She is a myth and an idea, a dream and a vision, and yet very real and present and pervasive” (unquote). I see before me a microcosm of what India is with representation from every part of our great Country constituting this impressive Parade, today. I am also gladdened to see Officer Cadets from our friendly and valued countries of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Lesotho. My congratulations to your Government and Countrymen on receiving such fine young men and woman into their Armed Forces. May God be with each one of you and may you always triumph over adversity.

Our security challenges in fact go much beyond conventional borders and conventional threats in the international arena including; a sizeable diaspora to protect in unstable regions in the world, energy security issues and protection of maritime sea lanes. Time and again our Country has fallen back on our Armed Forces in internal crisis situations, both man made & natural. All these challenges demand a capable and responsive Armed Forces to ensure stability and peace, so vital for our Country on its path of peace and prosperity for all its citizens.

The 21st Century has ushered in its own set of challenges. Though turbulence and uncertainty have manifested all along in the history of mankind, this century is witnessing chaos and strife of a very virulent nature encompassing asymmetric warfare involving both state and non state actors.

More than ever before India requires young men and women to take up the challenge of navigation through troubled waters and work tirelessly and selflessly even at the peril of their lives in the service of our Mother land. The Indian Army represents the Instrument of Last Resort. Always remember that the acme of a great and powerful Army does not lie in the power it can unleash but the manner and dexterity with which it does so.

Your leadership abilities will be tested under fire literally. When you are battling odds that seem insurmountable remember there are a billion hopes pinned on your young and brave shoulders.

Gentlemen & Lady Cadets standing in front of me march ahead with Tagore’s words from Nutan Yuge Bhore:

“CHOLAAY CHOLAAY BAAJBEY JOYER BHEREE – PAAYER BEGEYI POTH KETEY JAAY, KORISH NEY AAR DERI”

Move ahead, the roll of drums announce your triumphal march;

With feet of glory, you shall cut out your own path;

Delay not, delay not, a new age dawns.

God bless each one of you. Thank you.

Jai Hind!

***

AKT/AK

Chief of Army Staff Reviews the Operational Readiness of South Western Command

 

          
            Gen Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Army Staff visited Jaipur based Headquarters of South Western Command and reviewed the operational preparedness today.

           Upon his arrival at Jaipur, the COAS was received and briefed in detail on the operational state of the Sapta Shakti Command by Lt Gen Sarath Chand, GOC-in-C, South Western Command. The COAS expressed his deep satisfaction at the excellent state of operational readiness as well as measures undertaken by the Command to face evolving security challenges, especially along our Western Borders.

 

 

 

 

       Col Rohan Anand, SM

       PRO (Army)

 

Two World Records Established by Indian Army Dare Devils

Two world records were made by the Indian Army DARE DEVILS team of Corps of Signals as per stipulations of GUINNESS Book of Records, LIMCA Book of Records, ASIA Book of Records and INDIA Book of Records, at Signal Training Centre, Jabalpur, today. The extraordinary feat was performed in front of civil and military dignitaries which included Justices of Madhya Pradesh High Court and Major General Dharam Vir Singh Rana, Officiating General Officer Commanding, Madhya Bharat Area.

The existing World Record for “Longest continuous ride standing on the seat of a motor cycle” was broken by Capt Manpreet Singh (Team Captain “Dare Devils”) and covering distance of 75.2 Km in 02 hrs 24 min and 12 secs. The previous World Record of 32.3 km was achieved by Ratnesh Pandey (India), in Indore on 05 Dec 2015.

The World Record for “Handle Bar Riding on a Motorcycle” under fresh category was established by Havildar Sandeep Kumar, covering a distance of 46.9 Km in 01 hr 27 min and 31 secs.

Final certification is awaited and would be proposed to be published in the next editions of respective books.

Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

Union Home Minister meets different delegations at Leh today

The Union Home Minister Sh. Rajnath Singh today met over 15 political parties, religious communities and civil society groups at Leh. They presented a joint memorandum for grant of UT status with legislature to Leh- Ladakh region.

Sh. Rajnath Singh mentioned that he saw real ‘unity in diversity’ amongst the people of Ladakh. He mentioned that the entire country is proud of the people of Ladakh as they are maintaining cordial relations amongst different communities within the region and for being true and staunch nationalists, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Army and Security Forces in defending the country from both external and internal threats. Shri Rajnath Singh stated that this made him proud of all people of Ladakh.

The Home Minster also reviewed the security situation in the state with State Government officials who briefed the Home Minister on the current Law and Order situation in the state, and on the position of supply of essential commodities, as well as the movement of trucks carrying fruits to various parts of the country.

Union Home Minister is visiting Kargil tomorrow to meet different delegations and groups to assess the feelings of the people there.

***

KSD/PK/KM

Maiden annual joint disaster relief exercise ‘prakampana’ inaugurated

The maiden Joint Disaster Management Exercise named Prakampana (‘Cyclone’ in Sanskrit) aimed at synchronising resources and efforts of all agencies involved in disaster management has been inaugurated at Visakhapatnam today, 30th August 16. The three-day long exercise is being conducted by the Eastern Naval Command in liaison with concerned Centre and State authorities. Vice Admiral HCS Bisht Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC delivered the opening address while Shri Satya Prakash Tucker, Chief Secretary to Govt. of Andhra Pradesh delivered the opening address during the inaugural ceremony of Ex Prakampana held at Samudrika Naval Auditorium. Shri Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Hon’ble HRD Minister, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh also addressed the gathering and later visited the disaster management camp set up to give an insight into the nuances of disaster relief operations.

Several dignitaries from various Central and State Government agencies, representatives from PSUs located in Visakhapatnam, Professors, University reps and experts in the field of disaster management are participating in the exercise in addition to armed forces viz. Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The inaugural session had presentations by all concerned agencies were aimed at highlighting their existing capabilities in dealing with such natural disasters and was followed by a Table Top Exercise (TTX) at Maritime Warfare Centre, inside Naval Dockyard on a simulated scenario of a super cyclone hitting an urban city akin Hudhud. All stake holders officials who were tasked to formulate a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan to cater for the pre-event action and post disaster action plan. The TTX enabled better understanding of each other’s peculiarities so as to bring all agencies to a common understanding of Disaster Management for better synergy and co-ordination in planning relief operations.

Day two is going to be full of Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) capability demonstration beginning with display of air assets of IN and IAF at Naval Air Station followed by demonstration of HADR IN Ships at Naval Dockyard, and a Static Demonstration of HADR assets of all participating stake holders at HADR Campsite near Samudrika grounds.

*****

DKS/AC

One lakh villages will become ODF on 2nd October, 2016-Tomar

 

 

Two years ago, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on October 2nd, 2014, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Mission was divided into two parts – urban and rural. While the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban is managed by the Ministry of Urban Development, the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (Rural) is led by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Here are some of the highlights of progressof SBM Gramin in the last two years:

 

Taking stock of 2 years of the Mission

·        The Rural household toilet coverage has increased from 42% at the start of Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin to 55.34%as of today.

·        This entailed the construction of 2.4 crore toilets under SBM and 15.04 lakh under MNREGA.

·        In the first year alone, there was an increase of 446% in construction of toilets after the launch of SBM(G) as compared to pre-SBM period of 2014-15.

·        35 districts and about one lakhvillages are targeted to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF)by October 2, 2016.

·        On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi tomorrow,the district of his birth, Porbandar, is also poised to become ODF. Additionally, 9more districts are likely to be declared ODF on the same day.

·        It is worth notingthat self-declaration of ODF by a village or districts themselves is not treated as final. Third party verifiers are being engaged to validate the self-declaration of ODF.

·        The success of the Mission is having a very real and measurable impact on health and mortality, especially in children in Rural India.

·        The ‘Swachh Survekshan’, a nationwide survey in 75 districts, conducted earlier this year, has created a sense of healthy competition among districts to achieve ‘Swachhta’.

Swachh Bharat is becoming a ‘Jan Andolan’

·        This is the biggest mass mobilization in history - the focus is on behavior change rather than on toilet construction because SBM is about the change of mindset.

·        Women, children, members of the third gender, senior citizens and specially abled citizens have particularly been taking the lead as sanitation champions and galvanizing their communities to make their villages ODF.

·        Cross-benefits of Community mobilization due to SBM: In Sawamahu Gram Panchayat in Punjab, during routine cleaning of villages, women found that a big component of garbage was empty liquor bottles, leading to them starting adaru-bandi(no alcohol) campaign. They also learnt the use of internet and WhatsApp to share their activities with one another. 

·        Shri Chandrakant Kulkarni, a retired government employee from Maharashtra, has donated one-third of his pension to the Swachh Bharat Kosh.

·        A team of brave army personnel, led by Wing Commander Paramvir Singh undertook a ‘Ganga Avahan’ for the cause of Swachh Bharat. The expedition swam 2800 km along the length of River Ganga, from Devprayag (Uttarakhand) to Ganga Sagar (West Bengal), to spread awareness about the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Swachh Bharat and Mass Media

·        It is encouraging to know that some media houses have started dedicated campaigns for Swachh Bharat. There is immense potential for media to play a pivotal role in ensuring ‘A Clean India’.

·        This Ministry has also launched a campaign against open defecation in rural areas with Shri Amitabh Bachchan and Shri Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassadors.

·        The reach and proved efficacy of ‘Radio’ will be leveraged to the fullest for influencing behavior change in the days to come.

Beyond ODF: Focus on Solid and Liquid Waste Management in villages

·        Mahila mandals of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh took up the work of weekly cleaning of their villages. This became a good source of income for many as they sold one lakh kg of scrap worth about Rs.5 lakh from February 2015 to August 2016.

·        In Indore, the famous Khajrana Ganesha temple receives more than 100 kg of green waste in the form of flower offerings every day. These flowers are converted into compost using on-site facilities. The same compost is being purchased by the devotees and locals.

·        In Tamil Nadu, nearly 53056 MGNREGA workers are engaged in solid waste work in 9000 Gram Panchayats. Through sale of compost and recyclable waste, the Panchayats have generated a total income of Rs. 75.41 lakh. 

·        Several villages in Nanded district in Maharashtra are “mosquito free” owing to the presence of individual soak pits called “magic pits” in every household. This helps them not only avoid water-borne diseases like diarrhea, cholera and jaundice due to reduced ground and surface water contamination, but also vector borne diseases like dengue, malaria and the dreaded zika virus.

·        Waste stabilization ponds have not only helped control the problem of safely draining out liquid waste in villages, but many of these ponds have been converted into beautified spots which have now become the pride of their villages.

Economic benefits of sanitation and SLWM

·         Lack of proper sanitation leads to a less healthy and less productive population, leading to economic loss. A World Bank study estimates that the resulting loss to the Indian economy is 6.4% of the GDP because of poor sanitation. According to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, India would save $19 billion worth of health care costs if everyone started washing their hands with soap before meals and after defecation.

·         We have seen this happen in our experiences at ODF villages in the last two years.

·         Bhusrapara village in Malda district, West Bengal has 14 households, without any toilets. The villagers regularly contracted diarrhea in the monsoons, the time when they got employment as agriculture labor. The village became ODF on 15th July 2015, after which there has been only one case of diarrhea in the village. The villagers estimate that they have saved between Rs.1800-Rs.3000 per person per year.

·         Since becoming ODF, Saragaon village in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh has recorded a reduction in loss of man-days from 83 per year earlier to 11 now. The average yearly health expenditure in the village has reduced by 85%. Increasing demand for toilets leads to increasing demand for masonry services. Nadia, the first ODF district in West Bengal set up two masonry training institutes which trained around 2400 men and women to construct toilets and became a source of livelihood.

 

Leveraging Technology to achieve scale

·         The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has started organizing virtual classroomsacross the country to build capacities of district officials and members of the rural community to trigger behaviour change in their villages. This initiative has helped achieve scale in capacity building an efficient and economical manner and has helped spread best practices rapidly across the country.

·         The Swachh App for mobile devices across Android, Apple and Windows phones has been very popular and useful to make the details of the progress of SBM-G readily accessible for all in real time.

 

Challenges

·         Importance of sustaining ODF and preventing slip-backs – This is very critical and there needs to be sustained efforts to ensure that once a village turns ODF, it stays ODF. The district administration must focus on continued awareness campaigns and sanitation champions must continue mobilizing people to highlight the importance of toilet usage even after attaining ODF status.

·         Aiming for ODF+ (ODF Plus) : ODF Villagesneed to include SLWM and general cleanliness as the ultimate goal to become truly “Swachh”.

 

Road ahead

·        Looking ahead, many States are on the verge of becoming ODF - Gujarat, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Mizoram are likely to achieve ODF status for all rural areas in their state by 31st March 2017

·         Technology will need to be leveraged in terms of SLWM and sanitation solutions.Technology for information sharing and dissemination to enable learning from and implementing the best practices across the country by administration, institutions and individuals and will be a key focus area in the times to come.

·         Convergence of all government programs will be required for Swachhta and sanitation

·         The government is providing more flexibility and enhanced scale of finance to help districts become ODF at the earliest.

·         100 iconic placesidentified across the country – with 10 being cleaned up in Phase 1 – will be made Swachh as per international standards.

 

Performance is on track to meet the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin targets well before 2ndOctober 2019.

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SNC

Opening Ceremony of the 128th Edition of Durand Football Tournament

The 128th Edition of Durand Football Tournament commenced yesterday evening (28 August 2016) with Opening Ceremony organized at Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of Air Staff & Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee along with Gen Dalbir Singh, the Chief of the Army Staff other senior civil & military dignitaries. The stadium was packed to full capacity to witness the cultural programmes as well as inaugural match between SC De Goa & DSK Shivajians.

The proceedings commenced with all participating teams marching to the Durand Song. The other cultural programmes included Mass band display, traditional Maratha gymnastics Malkhamb, Kerala’s Karalipayattu martial art display and North - East Warrior show. School children of APS Dhaula kuan & APS Delhi Cantt also mesmerized the crowd with their song & dance routine.

The Chief Guest addressed the gathering and declared the tournament open. DSK Shivajians won the inaugural match.

  This Edition will see eight premier Football teams and four Services teams battling it out to win the coveted Durand Cup. The eight teams are the SC De Goa, Aizawl FC, DSK Shivajians, Dempo SC, Minerva FA, Neroca FC, Gangtok Himalayan & Real Kashmir FC. The Services teams comprise of Army Red & Green Teams, Indian Navy & Air Force teams.

The teams have been divided into two pools as per their latest rankings and matches will be played on League cum knock out basis. The matches are scheduled to be played at both Ambedkar & Harbaksh Stadium, Delhi Cantonment from 28 Aug to 11 Sep 2016.

The Prize money for this Edition is kept at Rs 75 lacs. The Durand Football Tournament Society has taken painstaking efforts in putting up the show with its traditional & historic charm.

Col Rohan Anand, SM PRO (Army)

Army Chief Visits Northern Command

Chief of The Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh alongwith Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Planning & System) visited Headquarters Northern Command at Udhampur today. The General was briefed by Lieutenant General DS Hooda, on the overall security situation in the Command theatre. The Army Chief interacted with the Corps Commanders and took a first hand assessment of the prevailing security situation & operational preparedness.

The Army Chief also interacted with the troops who participated in the Surgical Strike Operation & conveyed his appreciation and best wishes to them.

Col Rohan Anand, SM

Draft text of the english rendering of PM Shri Narendra Modi’s address to the Nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 70th Independence Day

My beloved countrymen,
on this auspicious occasion of our festival of freedom; I extend lots of greetings to the one hundred and twenty five crores fellow nationals and also to entire Indian diaspora spread all over the world, from this rampart of the Red Fort. This festival of our freedom, this 70 years of our Independence, is the festival for our resolution to take the nation to new heights with a new resolve and a new fervour and new energy. We are able to breathe in a free air as the result of the sacrifices, renunciation and penance of our millions of great forefathers. We are also reminded of the youths who kissed the gallows. We also remember Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Pandit Nehru and countless great persons, who fought ceaselessly for the freedom of our nation. It is the result of their struggles that we are now fortunate enough to breathe as a free citizen. India is a very ancient nation. We have a history of thousands of years and our cultural heritage is also millennia old. Right from the Vedas to Vivekananda, from the Upanishads to the satellites, the Sudarshan Chakradhari Mohan to Charkhadhari Mohan, from the Bhim of Mahabharat to the Bhimrao; we have a long historical journey and heritage. Our land has seen many historical ups and downs and our generations have waged many struggles and observed penance to bequeath great values to the humanity. India's age is not just seventy years. But having won freedom after a period of subjugation; we have made efforts to take the nation forward in this journey of seventy years. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel united the nation. Now, it is the responsibility of all of us to take make this nation better. We all have to work ceaselessly for the realization of the dream of ' One India, Supreme India'. (Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat).

Brothers and Sisters, We have not attained freedom for free of cost. Innumerable were the atrocities, but undeterred were our resolves also. Every Indian was a soldier in the battle for freedom. Each one of them dreamt of an independent India. May be every one of them was not fortunate enough to sacrifice, may be each of them was not fortunate enough to go to prison; but every Indian had a resolve and the leadership of Mahatma ji and also the inspiration of countless revolutionaries who had sacrificed every thing. All these movements contributed to our attainment of Independence. But, now we have to convert this freedom into 'the real freedom'. Now, this is the resolve of the one hundred and twenty five crores of Indians. So, just as we did not attain our freedom without sacrifices; we would not be able to attain ' the real freedom' without renunciation, without human endeavour (Purusharth), without bravery, without dedication and discipline. So, in order to take ahead this resolution of one hundred and twenty five crore Indians; all of us will have to move ahead with our specific responsibilities in a most committed manner. Be it a Panchayat or the Parliament, be it a village headman or the Prime minister; every one of us as well as every democratic institution will have to shoulder their responsibilities completely and perfectly. Only then we will be able to realize the dream of our the real freedom as soon as possible.This is correct to say that our nation is beset with many problems now- a- days. But, we should never forget that if we have the problems, then we also have all the capacities to solve them. So, if we move ahead with all our capabilities, we will find the ways and mean to solve all these problems. So, brothers and Sisters, if we have lakhs of problems, then we also have one hundred and twenty five crore brains also which are all capable to solve these problems.

Dear Brothers & Sisters, there was a time when Government used to be surrounded by aspersions. But now time has changed. At present, no aspersions are being leveled on the Government. Rather, people have great expectations from it. When the Government is engulfed in expectations then it signifies hope and trust, which in turn generates those expectations. Expectations give pace towards good governance, invigorates and so the pledges are implemented ad continum. My Brothers & Sisters, today when I am addressing you from the rampart of the Red Fort, it is,therefore, but natural that we should discuss the journey of good governance, the work done by the Government and work being done and should be done for the country. I can present before you a very detailed account of work done and also multiple issues regarding the performance of the Government. During the tenure of two years, the Government has taken innumerable initiatives and multiple tasks have been done. If I start giving details about them, I am afraid I will have to talk about it for a week from this very rampart of the Red Fort. So instead of that temptation, I would like to draw your attention towards the work culture of the Government. Sometimes, it is easier to present the account of work done. But, it is not easy for a common man to comprehend, understand and identify the work culture without dwelling deep into the work culture. My Brothers & Sisters, My Countrymen, I would not talk solely about the policy, but also the intention and decisions of the Government.

Dear Brothers & Sisters, it is just not an issue of direction and outline, rather it is about holistic approach and a resolve for transformation. It is confluence of trinity of expectation of people, democracy and support of people. It is both wisdom and consent. It is also pace and realisation of progress. Therefore, My Countrymen, when I talk about the Good Governance, it does implies bringing in transformation in the life of common man of my country. Good governance means that the government should be sensitive, responsive and dedicated to the common man. Then only good governance gets the emphasis. Responsibility and accountability should be at the root of it and it should draw its vital energy from there only for the government to be sensitive, dear Brothers and Sisters. We remember the days when there used to be a very long wait to go to any big hospital. People used to come to AIIMS, spend two three days and then only it would be decided what diagnostic tests were to be done. Now we have been able to change this system. Registration is done online and the doctor’s appointment is also given online. The processes start on arrival of the patient at the appointed hour itself. Not only this but all his medical records are also available online. And we wish to develop it as a countywide culture in the field of medical treatment. Today this system has been put in place in 40 big hospitals of the country. Its basic premise is that the government has to be sensitive.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, the government should be accountable. If it be not so then the problems of the common man are kept pending for solutions. How does the change come? Now technology is there, but there was a time when the railway ticket in the railways, concerning the common man and the poor was available only two thousand tickets per minute. Those who might have seen it, would know how the buffering used to be there, nobody knew when the website would be operational again, but today I have to say with satisfaction that now it is possible to have fifteen thousand tickets per minute.The government should be accountable, it should take steps according to the necessities and expectations of the people. There is a class across the country, particularly the middle class, higher middle class whom you see troubled more at the hands of the income tax officials rather than the police at times. I have to change the situation and I am trying and I will certainly change it.

There was a time when a common and honest citizen used to give two rupees extra as a measure of caution at the time of paying his income tax. He used to think that he might not be harassed, but once the money was deposited to the government exchequer, he had to run from pillar to post and seek recommendations for getting the refund. It took months together before the rightful money of the citizen was returned to him from the government exchequer. Today, we have made a system of issuing online refund. Today, refunds are given in one, two say or three weeks. Those who are hearing me today on TV, they would also be realising that they had not given any application, yet they had got refund directly into their account. So, this responsibility and accountability are the results of these efforts.

It is equally important to lay emphasis on the transparency for good governance. You know that a global relationship has already started to become a common thing in the society today. A middle class man wants to have his passport- there was a time when about 40 lakh, 50lakh applications were received for getting passport. Today, approximately 2 crore people apply for the passport. Brothers and Sisters, earlier 4-6 months were taken for scrutiny of applications if one did not have recommendations. We changed that situation and today, I can say with pride that passports are issued to the citizens with all genuine details, in about one or two weeks and there is transparency no recommendation is required and there is no dilly-dallying. Today, I can say, we have issued 1.75 crores passports (in 2015-16 itself.)

In Surajya there must be efficiency in governance and therefore, earlier, if a company had to set up a factory or desiring to do business in our country, applications were submitted. There was a task of registration only, one wanted to do something for the country, but almost 6 months passed in normal course. Brothers and Sisters, if efficiency is brought, then the same government, same rules, same officials have got geared up to perform the same task of company registration within 24 hours and they are virtually doing it. In the last July itself, they performed the task of more than 900 such registrations.

Brothers and Sisters, good governance is also necessary for Surajya and the steps we have taken towards this good governance are that, as I had said last year from the Red Fort that we would exempt group 'C' and group 'D' posts from interviews, they might get job on the basis of merit. We have detected almost 9,000 posts for which thousands and lakhs of people need to be recruited. Now, there would not be any interview process for these 9,000 posts, my young men would not need to spend any money for interviews. Recommendations would not be needed, roads for corruption and agents will be shut and this work has been implemented.

Brothers and Sisters, there was a time when a common man got satisfied if the government announced any plan or merely announced that this would be done, he used to think that something concrete would happen now. Then, a time came when people asked for the plan unless the drawing of the plan came. Then, there was a time when people asked for the budget. Today, the mood of the country has changed in 70 years. It does not get satisfied with the announcement, it is not satisfied by seeing the plan, if a budget provision is made, it is not ready to accept this. It is accepted when things get implemented on ground and we cannot bring things on ground with the old pace. We have to speed up our work, increase the pace further and then we can say that we have done something.

Rural roads are a perpetual issue in our country. Each rural citizen craves for pakka roads. Its a huge task. Atal Behari Vajpayi Ji took this task specifically .Even succeding governments continued this and the work continued. We have made efforts to fast track it. Earlier 70-75 Km of rural roads were completed in a day. Now we have increased that pace up to 100Km a day. This pace will fulfil the aspirations of common man in the days to come.

We have aid emphasis on energy, specifically renewable energy in our country. That was a time, when after so many years of independence, we started working on wind energy. Within a period of last one year we have increased it up to 40%.So this is the scale of up acceleration. Whole world is focussing on Solar energy. We have increased it approximately 116%-118%.This is not only a substantial incremental change, it’s a huge leap forward. We intend to enhance the things in quantum way.

In our country, even before forming of our government, we had the power production. But to reach the power, you need transmission lines and the good transmission infrastructure. Two years preceding the formation of our government,30-35 thousand kilometres of transmission lines were being laid annually. Today I wish to submit this with satisfaction that we have raised this to 50,000 Kilometres. So we have increased the pace here. If we take the commissioning of railway lines in previous 10 years, where commissioning means capacity to ply the trains and to finish all the trials, so earlier it was at the rate of 1500 kilometre in 10 years . But we have made it up to 3500 kilometre in last 2 years. We are to increase this pace even further.

Brothers and Sisters, Now we are connecting government schemes to Adhaar Card, focussing on stopping the leakages through direct benefit transfer. Previous government had connected four crore people to government schemes via Adhaar Card. Today I can say this with satisfaction that in place of that work of four crore, we have completed the task of connecting 70 crore people to government schemes via Adhaar card. The remaining will also be taken into the fold.

Today, for middle class or for common people the ownership of a car is a matter of pride. There was a time when gas stove at home was deemed as a standard and as a symbol of social status. During the last 60 years of independence, 14 crore LPG gas connections were given. Brothers and Sisters, it is a great satisfaction to me that on one side, 14 crore gas connections were given in 60 years, while on the other side, we have given 4 crore gas connections in just 60 weeks. Please compare the two figures - 14 crore in 60 years and 4 crore in 60 weeks. This is the speed, by which a change has become possible in the quality of life of common men. We have also started the task of eradicating obsolete laws. The burden of unnecessary laws has been creating hindrance in the functioning of the government, the judiciary and the public. We have identified 1700 such laws, out of which 1175 laws have already been repealed by the Parliament and several other such laws are in the process of repealing.

Brothers and Sisters, it had become a tendency among the people to say that certain work can be done and certain other work cannot be done, certain work cannot be done now and certain work cannot be done ever. A kind of negativity was prevalent in the minds of people. Now, a clear break through is visible in the mindset, a new synergy is seen in the functioning of the government. When an accomplishment is achieved, it stimulates dynamism, which sharpens our determination and then, the end result is not far away.

Brothers and Sisters, when we had launched "Prime Minister Jan-Dhan Yojana", it was almost an impossible task. There were banks and the governments, nationalisation had already taken place, but the common man of the country was not able to be a part of the mainstream of national economy.

Brothers and Sisters, we have attained this impossible task through inclusion of 21 crore persons under "Jan-Dhan Yojana". This is not a matter of taking credit by the Government, it is really an achievement of 125 crore countrymen of the country, for which I salute them. The campaign for women pride in villages of the country is an important issue of today. The practice of open defecation should be stopped; toilets should be built in villages. When I had got the first opportunity to address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I had expressed my feelings about it. Now, I can claim that more than 2 crore toilets have already been built in villages of the country within such a short period. More than 70 thousand villages are now free from the practice of open defecation. We are working towards bringing change in the lives of common man.

I had earlier announced from the ramparts of the Red Fort that we would electrify those 18 thousand villages, which are still without electricity.We are going to complete 70 years of independence, but they had not seen electricity. They were forced to live in the 18th century. We undertook this task of making possible the impossible and today I am glad to say that, though we have not been able to complete even half the task within a thousand days, we are still away from the half-mark, out of the 18 thousand, electricity has reached ten thousand villages. I have been told that there are many among those villages who are watching Independence Day celebrations for the first time today on television in their homes. Today, from here I extend special greetings to those villages.

Brothers and Sisters, you will be surprised to know that at merely three hours journey from Delhi, there is a village called Nagla Fatela in Hathras region. It takes only three hours to reach this Nagla Fatela. But it took 70 years for electricity to reach there. 70 years, my brothers and Sisters! And therefore, I am introducing you to the work culture that we are following.

Brothers and Sisters, the LED bulbs were developed by the science and the researchers for welfare of every citizen. But in India it used to cost 350 Rupees. Who would buy it? And even the government would think, “It’s alright. The work is done. Someone must be using it.” But this should not be the attitude. If LED bulbs can bring about a change in the life of a common man, if it can ameliorate the environment, if it can improve India’s economy, then the government must make efforts in this direction. It is the nature of the government that it intervenes where it is not required and shies away from intervening where it is needed. We tried to change this situation, this work culture. And therefore, the bulb which used to be sold at 350 Rupees, it is now being sold at 50 Rupees because of governmental intervention. See the difference! 350 Rupees on one hand and 50 Rupees on the other. I do not want to ask where all this money used to go, however, thirteen crore bulbs have been distributed till date.

The politics of our country has become populist; the economic policies have become populist. If three hundred Rupees subsidy for each bulb had been given from public exchequer, the Prime Minister would have been applauded for doling out five hundred crore to the people. But we have ensured that they save thousands of crores by providing bulbs at only fifty Rupees. We have already distributed thirteen crore bulbs and we have resolved to distribute 77 crores and I would like to appeal to my countrymen to use LED bulbs in their homes and save 200, 300, 500 Rupees in a year and save energy and save our environment. The day we achieve the target of 77 crore bulbs, we would be saving 20 thousand Mega Watt of electricity. When we save 20000 Megawatt electricity, it means we save around 125000 crores rupees. Brothers and Sisters, you can save 125000 crore rupees of the country by using a LED bulb at your home. We can fight against global warming by saving 20000 Megawatt electricity and contribute a lot towards the efforts aimed at the protection of environment and a common man can also contribute to it. So, brothers and Sisters, we have worked in that direction-making the impossible possible.

You know that we depend on other countries of the world for energy and petroleum products and for that we have signed long term agreements with them so that we could get these products at fixed prices for a long period. We have entered into an agreement with Quatar for buying gas till 2024 but the prices are so high that it is costly for our economy. It was a result of our foreign policy relationship that we were able to renegotiate with Quatar, and the agreement which was the right of Quatar, and we were bound to buy gas from it till 2024, we negotiated with them and today, I can say with satisfaction that we made an impossible task possible, they renegotiated their prices and it will save 2000 crore rupees of the exchequer of India. They were entitled to get these 20000 crore rupees but the nature of relationship that we have with them and our policies have made it possible. The negotiations have been going on during the tenure of all the Governments and efforts were also made for Chabahar Port, which is an important link for connecting us with Central Asia, but today I feel satisfied to see an impossible task becoming possible. When Iran, Afganistan and India collectively march ahead in a planned way for the construction of Chabahar Port, an impossible task becomes possible.

My brothers and Sisters, one thing, I want to talk about and which concerns the common man is inflation. It is true that the inflation rate had crossed 10% mark during the tenure of previous government. Due to our sustained efforts we were able to keep it below 6 percent. Not only this, we have, recently, made an agreement with the Reserve Bank of India that the RBI should take steps to control the inflation at the level of 4 percent with allowance of plus minus 2. We should leave behind the talks of balance between inflation and growth and work for moving ahead. But the country witnessed drought during last two years and the effect of drought are readily seen on the prices of vegetables and the outcomes of sluggishness of market have resulted in some problems. The decline in the production of pulses due to drought during last two years was also a cause of concern. But, Brothers and Sisters, if the inflation would have increased at the same pace as it had previously increased, I don’t know how the poor of my country would have survived? We have tried our best to keep it under check, but still people have lot of expectations from this government and dear countrymen your expectations are natural and I will not leave no stone unturned in achieving them. Whatever best I can do, I shall do that and keep the price of poor man’s meal under check.

My dear Brothers and Sisters, country is going to celebrate the 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singhji. How can the country forget the saga of sacrifice which has been the tradition of Sikh Gurus? Today, when we are celebrating the 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singhji, I recall one best thought expressed by Guruji. Guru Gobind Singhji use to say, how can I consider those hands pure which have not done any service, hands which have not strengthened by labour and have not developed any blisters by toiling hard? Guru Gobind Singhji use to say this. Today, when we are celebrating the 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singhji I remember our farmers. Whose hands are more pure than theirs? Whose hearts are more pious than their? Whose intentions can be more pure than theirs? I thanks our farmers that despite two years of drought, they consistently endeavored to fill our granaries, I greet them for this. Drought situation has changed and this time we are witnessing good monsoon. Heavy rains have also created problems at some places. Government of India stood with those states and citizen who suffered due to heavy rains. Today, I specially want to thank our farmers, because, when we are facing shortage of pulses and our farmers have shifted to other crops, and rise in demand of pulses by common man, I have to say this with content that this time our farmers have increased the sowing by one and half times. I want to thank our farmers because they have come forward to solve the problem of the crisis of pulses and find its solution. We have decided the MSP for pulses and declared a bonus on it. We have streamlined the process of purchase of pulses and promoting the farmers for cultivation of pulses. This will benefit us in a big way.

Brothers and Sisters, when I was talking about work culture, one thing was clear that I do not look at the issues in isolation but as a whole. Let us see it as integrated and just take agriculture under integrated things, we have developed such work culture with lot of hard work, the complete chain of which can produce a great result. First of all we focussed upon- the wellness of this soil, wellness of this land, soil health card, macro-nutrition, concern for micro-nutrition and made the farmers understand that this is lacuna in your soil, these are the good qualities, your soil is good for this crop, this is not suitable for this crop and gradually the farmers started their planning according to this soil health card. The people, who have planned, tell me, sir our expenditure has been reduced up to 25 percent and 30 percent increase is being visible n our production. This number is less at present, but in future as soon as this may pass on, this concept will gain momentum. The farmers have land and if they get water, then the farmer of my country has the power to produce gold out of the soil. The famer of my country has this power and that is why we have emphasized upon water-management, emphasized upon water-irrigation, emphasized upon water-conservation. We are emphasizing upon how every drop of water may be utilised by the farmer, how to increase the importance of water, and get per drop more crop, micro irrigation. More than 90 percent irrigation projects were lying incomplete and stalled. We have taken up the responsibility to complete those projects first of all and will work in the direction that lakh of hectares of land may get the benefit of irrigation. We have taken a big leap towards solar pump so that the input cost of the farmers may be lessened because nowadays the farmers require electricity also, they require water, they need electricity, and electricity costs dearer. On account of it, the input cost of the farmer is going to be less, the recurring expenditure is going to be less and due to owning solar pump at home will result in owning electricity, owning the sun, owning the field, owing the barn and thus our farmer would be happy. We have succeeded in distributing 77 thousands solar pumps till now.

Brothers and Sisters, I would like to congratulate the scientists of our country. Good quality seeds are also required along with soil, water and solar pumps. The scientists of our country have developed more than 131 new farmable seeds compatible to the climate and nature of India, which have the capacity to enhance our per hectare production. The values they retain are also being increased. I heartly congratulate these scientists also. The farmers require urea as well as fertilisers. There was time when black marketing was in practice to get the fertilisers, there was time when the police had to lathi-charge for fertilisers. There was time when the farmer used to watch his crop being damaged in the absence of fertilisers before his very eyes. Brothers and Sisters, the lack of fertilisers has become a matter of past, it has become history now. Today, we have succeeded in utmost production of fertiliser by overcoming the shortage of the fertiliser.

Brothers and Sisters, because of this production, the fertilizers are now available to the farmers in time as per their needs. Similarly, We conceptualized “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana”. It’s insurance cover includes maximum protection to farmer’s land and his agro-produce at a comparatively much lower premium, and that too with a guaranteed cover. We have constructed new warehouses to preserve 15 lakhs tons of food grains. Our country’s farmers will benefit only when we move towards value addition, and for this We have laid special emphasis on food processing for the first time. We have encouraged cent percent Foreign Direct Investment which would augment agro-based industries, and Consequentially, my brothers and Sisters, I believe it would help me and our farmers realize our dream of doubling latter’s income by 2022. These efforts would make it possible and for realizing the same, We have taken steps one after another.

Brothers and Sisters, Our country has a fancy for a trend. And the Governments, with an aim to leave an impression, have done a lot, and to fill the bill in this country, People go for some populist things and empty the exchequer. Governments have a trend of establishing an identity. Brothers and Sisters, I have tried my best to stay away from this allurement, and While doing so, I have tried to do several things in every range with the mantra of Total transformation, Transformation with transparency, Reform, Perform and Transform.

Brothers and Sisters, We are far more committed to build the image of Hindustan than that of our Government. Regardless of party’s identity, the Country’s identity holds primacy. For, If the Country moves on, it will yield dividends for the coming generations, for centuries, and exactly, for this reason, We have accorded primacy to the country’s identity and not to our party. Now a days, You must have observed the scope of our work in Railways. While we are talking about having Bio-toilets in train, we also cherish the dream of Bullet train. While We talk about “Soil Health Card” for farmers, we also want to march ahead in the direction of satellite and space technology. While talking about “Stand-Up India”, we are also taking steps towards “Start-Up India”. We are laying emphasis on Substance than on Symbolism. We are stressing on integrated development than on isolated development. Leaving aside entitlement, we are focused and emphatic on Empowerment because an empowering country, my brothers and Sisters, provides an identity to the Government through the prism of the newly declared schemes. But sometimes the old schemes just tumble down. Nevertheless, the Govts. is a continuity. If the earlier govts. have done some work; then it is in the national interest that the next Government rectifies their shortcomings and gives a go ahead to these schemes. The arrogance that this was the work of your Government and this is my Govt; hence we would not do this work; is not in the fitness of the things in a democracy. This is why, with all humility, we have given similar importance to the schemes of the previous governments. This is the hallmark of our work culture as our nation is a continuous and a ceaseless system and we wish to retain that system. This is why, I have a project called Progress. Under this project, every month, I myself sit and review all the on going projects. You would be amazed to know that almost 119 projects worth Rs. seven and a half lakh crores. started by various previous Govts. were lying pending. I got all of them going. I said, so much of money have been spent on them, so, all these projects should be completed. Now they are all on the way to completion. We created a project monitoring group. I asked them to look into all such projects and find out as to when were they started. I came to know that some of them were started 20 years ago, the other were started somewhere between twenty five to thirty to fifteen years earlier. The people living in the areas of these projects know all. We identified such two hundred and seventy projects worth Rs. 10 Lakhs crores which were inaugurated by some earlier govts. and some crores of rupees were spent on all of them; but all that money was going down the drain. We started all such stuck up projects once again. Brothers and Sisters, such helding up and delaying of the schemes after having spent crores of rupees on them is a criminal negligence and we have tried to tide over such things.

Brothers and Sisters, earlier railway projects took at least two years in getting sanctions. A train is passing from somewhere, road have also been made on the both side; a rail over bridge is to be constructed. But the approval took two years. We have speeded up the approval process and have been able to shorten the approval time to three or four months, or maximum to six months.

Brothers and Sisters, however fast we may work, whatsoever may be the number of the schemes started by us; the touchstone of good administration of any Government lies in the last man delivery or the benefits accrued to that person. So, this has to be taken care off. Brothers and Sisters, when policies are clear, intentions are clear; then the sentiments behind the decisions are also a class part and the decisions can be taken unhesitantly. So, due to the correct policies and the correct intentions our Government is taking unhesitant decisions and giving emphasis on the last man delivery.

We have seen and if you also go through the newspapers of Uttar Pradesh, every year there were stories about the outstanding balance of Sugar Cane farmers. Every year, there was news that this is not being done by the sugar mill owners, that was not being done by the state Govt, that sugar cane farmers are in distress. Thousands of crores of the rupees was outstanding. So, we made schemes in this regard and tired to ensure the last man delivery and also ensured that the amount should reach to the farmers. Brothers and Sisters, out of the total old outstanding balance of the thousands of crores of rupees, I would like to inform you with a lot of satisfaction that almost 99.5% has been settled. It has happened for the first time after many years. I can point out in solace that all the sugarcane which was procured and which came for marketing this time for that almost 95 per cent of farmers have got the price of sugarcane produced and I am sure and I believe that the remaining 5 percent of farmers will also be paid in the coming days.

Brothers & Sisters, We have initiated a mission to provide LPG Connections to the poor families. We have launched a dynamic mission under "Ujjavala" scheme to get rid of smokes emanating from chulha for my poor mothers. A target has been laid down to provide gas connections to 5 crores poor families within 3 years. Efforts are in progress and we have already provided gas connections to around 50 lakhs and that also have been done merely within the last hundred days - you can imagine - that it may be possible to achieve the said target even before three years. We intend to emphasis upon Last Mile Delivery in this mission.

Post has steadily become irrelevant due to onlining of our Post Offices, Information Technology, Whatsapp, messages, e-mail. Our country is known as the chains of Post Offices and we have revamped these post offices. Post Offices are linked with poor and marginalised people. Postman is the only representative of the Government who is linked with the feelings and affections of the common man. We have never safeguarded the interests of the Post Man who has always got the affections of everyone and the postman always cares for common people. We have taken measures to convert our post office into a Payment Bank. By setting of these Payment Banks, a network of Banks will be set up across the villages in the country. Pepole will get the benefits of Jana-Dhana account. The funds of MANREGA for the common man is now being transferred into their respective accounts through 'AADHAR', the cases of corruption are decreasing. Everyone will be benefitted through the mission of converting the Post Office into a Payment Bank.

Brothers & Sisters, PSUs in our country are merely set up for loss-making units or for turning into sick units slowly and steadily or for disinvestment. This has been the common practice in the past. We have strived to launch a new work-culture. Today, I can point out in satisfaction that we have succeeded to turn the operation of so called notorious Air India into an operational profit-making undertaking during the last year. It is a fact that which all the Telcom companies of the world are profit-making units, the BSNL was turning into a heavy loss-making undertaking. We have succeeded in bringing BSNL to operational profit for the first time. Nobody believed that the Shipping Corporation of India could also rake in profit, now it is bringing profit. There was a time when it was apprehended that how would a power factory last for a week. Whether we would be able to get coal for them or not. It also used to be reported that power factories have been shut down for want of coal. Now, we have sufficient stock of coal at the threshold of the power factories. It could be used for months by them. Dear Brothers & Sisters, we have achieved it.

Often, you must have seen that there is huge talk of corruption in our country. I have observed it myself that how corruption has looked the poor people from the lowest strata of the society and how huge amount of money is being wasted. We have linked AADHAR Card and AADHAR Number with the Government Policies. Dear Brothers & Sisters, earlier there was a system under which funds used to be released from public exchequer for widow pension, scholarship, persons with disabilities and minorities and also we used to receive list of beneficiaries. We looked into it deeply and found that even unborn children are also listed in it and getting benefit out of such schemes. These middlemen used to siphon off billions of rupees from it and nobody even took notice of it. But under the AADHAR System, we have removed all these middlemen from the list of beneficiaries and directly transferred the amount to the beneficiaries and found that these are millions of such ghost beneficiaries who do not exist at all and used to receive billions of rupees from it. Now that has been checked. We saved lot of amount. We decided to find out the needy persons who were excluded from that list so that the amount of money saved from it should invariably be deposited into the accounts of those persons who want to fight for their rights. We have worked in that direction to deliver it to the last man delivery and we have made it to reach it to them.

All of us are aware of the Coal Scam. Today there is no accusation on the coal auction. No stigma is attached to it. The states which excavate coal in India, will continuously earn millions of rupees in the near future. There was a time when the auction of spectrum was surrounded by allegations. We auctioned it online and that has filled the coffers of the country, bringing about healthy competition and also fetching benefits for the nation.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, today the world is passing through an era of global economy. Every country today is inter-connected and inter-dependent. Economically, the whole world is somehow inter-connected in one way or other. However much we may progress in our country, we’ll have to keep the global economy, global arena in view; come up to the global standards, match it also to stay relevant, and contribute, and also lead the global economy when the time comes. Therefore, we’ll have to be alert all the time. We’ll have to comply with the global standards to make ourselves up to date. Recently, you must have seen how the World Bank, I.M.F., World Economic Forum, credit rating agencies and such other agencies in the world have all appreciated the progress of India. The world is constantly watching these things due to the decisions taken one after another by India in respect of legal reforms, improvement in system and changes in approach. We have very speedily improved our ranking in `ease of doing business’ ratings. In terms of foreign investment, with regard to foreign direct investment our country happens to be the most favourite destination in the world today. We have left behind even the big economies of the world in matters of growth rate and GDP.

Dear brothers and Sisters, do you know what an U.N. institute has estimated about India for the next two years ? They have estimated that in two years India will come up to the third spot in the economic sphere in place of its present level at number ten. Brothers and Sisters, logistic support, infrastructure, all these things are taken into account in global standards, comparisons are made with rich countries of the world. Brothers and Sisters, while making analysis regarding this logistic support and infrastructure of India, the World Economic Forum has said that India has reached above 19 ranks as compared to earlier positions and India is moving up and marching ahead rapidly. Brothers and Sisters, the way we are marching ahead with a dynamic and predictable economy in our country and also in global reference- the recently passed GST law, is also an empowering step towards it and all those parties deserve appreciations for this.

Brothers and Sisters, I had talked about a campaign from the same place- "Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao". We do not do any work in piecemeal. We have an integrated approach and I still need the cooperation of the society in the initiatives which we have taken in "Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao". Every single parent need to be aware. We should honour the daughters, protect them and give them the benefit of government's schemes. We have covered millions of families under "Sukanya Samridhi Yojna" which guarantees benefits for the daughters when she grows up. We given greatest importance to the insurance schemes in which women are benefitted. They are going to reap its benefits. We have "Indradhanush Tikakaran Yojna"-because if we ensure two things for our mothers and Sisters i.e. economic empowerment and empowerment against health problems and we educate them, you can take it as an assurance that if even a single woman is educated in the family, if she is strong physically and independent economically, she has power to pull the poorest of the poor family out of poverty and therefore we are working with emphasis on empowerment of women, health of women, economic prosperity of women, physical empowerment of women in our fight against poverty.

Therefore, my brothers and Sisters, "Mudra Yojna"- I am happy that more than three and half crore families reaped the benefits of MudraYojna. In it, most of the people who reached to the door of banks were first timers. Even out of these almost 80 percent people were from SC/ST/OBC. Out of these too, 80 percent are women who took loans from banks, Mudra bank. This is to be considered that how will these womenfolk will contribute in economic development. Brothers and Sisters! last week we decided that our mothers and Sisters who have become the participants in the growth story, need leave after child birth. Earlier that leave was shorter but now we have increased this to 26 weeks, enabling the new mother to take care of her infant. Our weavers and the people working in textile, who make yarn and yarn rolls, used to get Rs.100.We have increased that to Rs.190 so as to strengthen the hands of my yarn producing mothers and Sisters. Our mothers, Sisters and weavers who are engaged in silk production will now receive Rs.50 more per meter of production. This has also been decided that this Rs.50 per meter will not go either to the trader or to the middleman or to the dealer. Instead this Rs.50 per meter will go via Adhaar directly to the account of the weaver who has produced it. This will empower the weavers. We have started schemes with this intention and effect is now visible.

My dear countrymen! When we visualize railway and post office then we are able to see the unity of India. More we increase the institutions connecting India, our setup will change and that will enforce the unity of the country. So in the same tune we have started a new market scheme for farmers with the name ‘E-NAM”. Today farmers can sell their produce online in any of the markets of the country. Now he is not constrained to compulsively sell his produce in the market which is 10 Kilometers from his field .Neither to sell at low prices which is not remunerative for his hard work. Now a uniform sort of market network is establishing throughout the country with ‘E- NAM’.GST is soon to result in uniform taxation system and a unitary arrangement thus achieved will unite India as well. You will be amazed to know that earlier a zone was to have surplus energy and there were no takers. Another zone used to be in dire need of electricity, had to remain in dark and factories used to be shut. To effect a change in this scenario, we earned a great success with the ‘One nation, One grid, One price’ .Earlier it used to be Rs.10 per unit in summers but I went to Telangana few days back to find it to be one rupee ten paise per unit instead of that age old Rs. 10. This is the result of one-price system, which can connect the whole country.

A worker of our county has to change his place of work after every one or two years. But, his amount, deducted under EPF, is not transferred. You will be surprised to know that when I took the charge of the Government, Rs. 27,000 crore were lying under EPF, which belonged to the workers. Workers were not able to claim their amount, as they were ignorant of the relevant process. To solve this problem, we have issued a universal account number to each worker, which would enable easy transfer of fund to his new place of work. Now, the worker would get his amount after retirement and it would no more be lying dormant in a government treasury.

We have strengthened various initiatives such as Bharat-Mala, Setu-Bharatam, and Bharat-Net etc. We are working towards connecting the whole country and towards economic development of the country through all these initiatives.

Brothers and Sisters, this year is important due to various reasons. The country is celebrating 1000th birth anniversary of Saint Sri Ramanuja Acharyaji. The country is celebrating 150th birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandra Ji, the Guru of Mahatma Gandhi. The country is celebrating 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh ji. The country is also celebrating centenary birth celebrations of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya ji. While remembering Sri Ramanuja Acharya ji today, I wish to underline his message to the country. He used to say that we should serve all the devotees of the Lord, irrespective of their caste and class. He had said that we should never humiliate anyone and should give respect to all, without any discrimination on the basis of age and caste. The issue that was given importance by Gandhi, Ambedkar, Ramanujacharya, Lord Buddha, our scriptures and by our all spiritual gurus too is the issue of 'our social unity'.

If the society disintegrates, the empire straggles, gets divided into the highs and the lows, the touchables and the untouchables, then brothers and Sisters, that society cannot sustain. There are social evils, centuries old social evils, but if the social evils have become chronic, they need a bit harsh and yet sensitive treatment. The lackadaisical attitude will not solve the social problems and this is the responsibility of 125 crore citizens. The government and the society together will have to steer through the social conflicts. Brothers and Sisters, all of us will have to fight against the social evils. We all will have to rise above social evils in our own behavior. Each and every citizen will have to rise above them and then only we can build a strong India. Without empowering our society, we cannot make India strong. Mere economic progress does not guarantee a strong India, the guarantee of a strong India lies in a strong society. And a strong society is built at the edifice of social justice. A strong society is built only on the edifice of social justice. Therefore, it is our duty to lay emphasis on social justice. Whether they be Dalits, the downtrodden, the exploited, the deprived, my Adivasi brothers, the rural population, the urban population, the literate or the illiterate, the small or the big- the 125 crore of our fellow countrymen constitute our family. We together have to take forward our country and we all have to work in the same direction.

Brothers and Sisters, today the entire world acknowledges the fact that India is a country of youths. What cannot be achieved by a country through its youth power whose 65 percent population, about 800 Million people, is below the age of 35 years? Therefore, my brothers and Sisters, it is the need of the hour that the youth get opportunity and employment. Today we are heading towards the birth centenary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya spoke of welfare of the last human being which was even the view of Mahatma Gandhi. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya believed in the philosophy of ‘Antyodaya’. Welfare of the poorest and the weakest was the central theme of the political philosophy of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyayji. He used to say that every youth should get education, every youth should be skilled and every youth should get the opportunity to realise his dreams. We have taken many initiatives to realise those dreams of Pt. Deendayalji and to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of 800 million youths of the country. The way the road network in the country is expanding, the largest number of vehicles are being manufactured in the country, the country is becoming the largest exporter of softwares, more than 50 new mobile factories have been set up in the country, all these things have created opportunities for the youths. If two crore door toilets have been constructed, it has provided employment to someone, cement has been procured from somewhere, iron has been purchased from some other person, and the wooden work has been got done from somewhere else. As the scope of work expands, the possibilities of employment generation also increase. Today, we have stressed in that direction.

Similarly, we are working on 'skill development' as a mission so that crores of youth could acquire skills. We have changed a law, though it seems very small, and this law is 'Model Shop and Establishment Act'. We have sent an advisory to states to give reasons why the big malls are allowed to open 365 days and upto 12 in the night but a small shopkeeper in the village has to shut his shop after sunset. Even a poor should get the opportunity to keep his shop open for 365 days. Why should our Sisters not get the opportunity to work in night? We have made legal provisions so that our Sisters could go to work in night also. There should be arrangements for their safety and other requirements but they must get the opportunity to work. These are the things which increase employment. Brothers and Sisters, we are working in that direction and we are ready to do it.

Brothers and Sisters, this is the government, we are the persons who don't believe in delaying the things, we know how to fight not how to delay, so unless we deal with the problems head-on, it is not going to happen. Today when we are celebrating our freedom in the country, some one among the army jawans, who live and die for the country, would be ready for taking the bullets on the border, someone will be sitting in bunker and some other one would not be fortunate enough to meet his sister on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. How many jawans are working in armed forces? More than 33000 police personnel have got martyrdom since we got our independence. Why should we forget them and how can we? These are the people due to whom we can live a life of peace and happiness. The issue of “One Rank One Pension” was pending for many years. We do not keep the issues pending but we face them. We have fulfilled our promise of “One Rank One Pension” and have spread happiness in the home of every Indian soldier. We did this work.

It was the feeling of our countrymen that the files pertaining to Netaji Subhash Babu should be declassified. Today, I bow my head and say that without caring for the result we have decided to declassify these files; a task which was impossible and kept pending since long. We invited Netaji’s family members and shown them the files and this process of declassifying will continue. I requested the other countries of the world to declassify the files held by them and hand them over to India because Indians have full right to know about Subhash Babu and history of India. We have worked in that direction.

Bangladesh -- When partition of India took place, a boundary dispute existed since then. A boundary dispute prevailed since the formation of Bangladesh. Many decades passed. Brothers and Sisters, all parties have together solved the Indo-Bangladesh border dispute and we have amended the constitution also.

Brothers and Sisters, a middle class person wants to construct his own house, wants to buy a flat. Builders lobby shows him a beautifully printed booklet and the helpless soul falls prey to it. He is not having any technical knowledge, he pays the installments but he is not getting the promised house in time. A middle class makes one house in his whole life and in it he invests all his capital. Brothers and Sisters, we have put a check by passing the “Real Estate Bill”, so that a middle class should not face any problem if he wishes to own a house. We have worked for this.

Brothers and Sisters, I have already said that this year is the 150th anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandra Ji, the guru of Mahatma Gandhi. When Gandhiji was staying at South Africa, then also he was having correspondence with Shrimad Rajchandra Ji. In one of his letter Shrimad Rajchandra Ji discussed violence and non-violence. In that letter Rajchandra Ji writes, when violence came in to existence from same time the principle of non-violence also born. The important thing in both is that which we prefer or which is being used in the interest of mankind.

Brothers and Sisters, the discussion of violence and non-violence is very inherent in our country. Humanity is in our blood. We are the people of a great, colossal culture. This country is full of diversity, colours and beauty. This is such a bouquet of mother India wherein all type of fragrances, all type of colours and all type of dreams exist. Brothers and Sisters, the unity of diversity is our biggest strength. The mantra of unity is connected to our roots.

Brothers and Sisters, a country having more than hundred languages, hundreds of dialects, innumerable attires, innumerable life styles, despite that this country remained united- its main reason is our cultural heritage. We know how to respect, we know hospitality, we know how to assimilate, we have carried this great tradition and that is why there is no room for violence and atrocity in our country. If the democracy of India is to be strengthened, the dreams of India are to be fulfilled then the path of violence would never bring success for us. Nowadays a game of killing the innocents is being played on the pretext of Maoism in forests, on the pretext of extremism at border, on the pretext of terrorism at hilly areas by carrying guns on shoulders. Forty years have passed, this mother soil has grown blood stained but the persons on the path of terrorism have not achieved anything. I would like to remind those youth that this country will never tolerate violence nor would it ever put up with terrorism. Nor would it bow down to terrorism. It will never succumb to Maoism. But I exhort them and say that you still have time-return to the mainstream. Just think about your parents' dream; just reflect on the hopes and expectations of your parents; return back to the mainstream; live a happy and peaceful life, for, the path of violence never fetches benefit to anybody.

Brothers and sister, we talk about foreign policy. I don't want to go into details. We had invited the leaders of SAARC Countries on the day we took oath at the Centre. Our message was clear that we all, neighbouring countries, have a common problem, and that common challenge is poverty. Let us fight this poverty together, by fighting one-another, we are left shattered but if we fight this poverty, we will walk towards prosperity. So, I exhort all neighbouring countries to join us in this fight against poverty. No freedom can be much bigger than the freedom of our citizens from poverty; freedom of our country's citizen from poverty. No liberation is more liberating than the freedom from poverty. Whenever a citizen from the neighbouring countries would get freedom from poverty, we will feel elated regardless of the fact whether the poor belongs to us or our neighbouring country.

 Brothers and Sisters, what kind of people are those who got drive from humanity and, what is the kind of those who reward terrorism? I want to place two pictures before this world, and I say to the world, I say to those who believe in humanity that just weigh out the attack, when terrorists brutally killed innocent children in a school at Peshawar. The attack take place in Peshawar, and was a terrorist incident. The innocent children became victim of the bloodbath; the temple of learning had blood stream all around; innocent children were slaughtered. Hindustan, the Parliament had tears in it's eyes; Every Indian school was in tears; every child of India felt the trauma of the deaths of children in Peshawar. His tears had become unstoppable. Every child, who was killed in Peshawar in the terrorist attack, ached our heart too. This is the drive of our nurtured culture of humanity; this is our humanity, but if you look around, you will find a more to glorify terrorists.

Where innocent people are killed in terrorist attack, and they celebrate, what type of terrorism inspired life it is, what type of these creations of the terrorism inspired governments are? The world will understand these two differences properly, this is sufficient for me. Today I want to specially honour and thank to some people from the ramparts of Red Fort. For the past few days the people of Baluchistan, the people of Gilgit, the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the way their citizens have heartily thanked me, the way they have acknowledged me, the goodwill they have shown towards me, the people settled far across, the land which I have not seen, the people I have not met ever, but people settled at far across acknowledge the Prime Minister of India, they honour him, so it is an honour of my 125 crores countrymen, it is respect of my 125 crores countrymen and that is why owing to the feeling of this honour, I want to heartily thank the people of Baluchistan, the people of Gilgit, the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir for having an expression of thankfulness.

Brothers and Sisters, today when we are celebrating the seventy years of Independence, then there is a big contribution of freedom soldiers for the country. When there is a contribution of these freedom soldiers, then the Government is deciding to increase 20 percent in the honouring amount being received, pension being received by the all these honourable freedom soldiers family members. The freedom fighters who earlier used to get 25000 rupees, will now get 30000 rupees. It is my small effort to pay my respects to the sacrifice and oblation of our freedom fighters.

Brothers and Sisters, when we talk about the history of freedom struggle of our country, some persons are talked about a lot, some are excessively mentioned but the contribution made by the people living in jungles, the tribals, in the freedom struggle was unmatched. They used to live in jungles. We hear the name of Birsa Munda but perhaps there would be no tribal dominated district where the tribals would not have fought and given sacrifice since 1857 to the time we got freedom. They proved through their sacrifice what is freedom, what is struggle against servitude. But our forthcoming generations are not much aware of this history. The government desires and plans that in the coming days, in the states where these freedom fighters, who were tribals, who lived in jungles, fought against britishers, who were not ready to succumb. The Government would work towards building permanent museums in various states dedicated to tribal brave freedom fighters, wherever land would be available for the purpose, where their contributions and memoirs would be displayed, so that coming generations could be able to know about their sacrifices for the country.

Brothers and Sisters, in the midst of the debate on inflation, we are realising one fact that the entire economy of a poor household is affected if somebody falls ill. The wedding of their daughters gets stalled, the education of children gets stalled and sometimes even food is not available in the evening. Healthcare is getting costlier and that is why, I am announcing an important scheme from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the healthcare of BPL families. Government are faking an important for such families. Under this scheme, in the coming days, if such poor families have to take medical facilities, the government will bear expenditure upto Rs.1 lakh per year, so that my poor brothers are not deprived of healthcare facilities and their dreams are not shattered.

My dear Brothers and Sisters, let us proceed forward with a new determination, new energy, new enthusiasm by getting inspiration from those great persons who scarified their lives for our freedom. We did not get an opportunity to die for the country but we have the opportunity to live for the country. We should dedicate our life to the nation. We should achieve something of substance for the nation. We should fulfill our responsibilities and also inspire others to accomplish their responsibilities. We should stride forward for building of one society, one dream, one resolution, one direction and one destination. With this very pious feeling, I once again bow my head before the great personalities of the country, the soldiers who risk their lives for our security on water, land and air fields and also those 33 thousands martyrs who sacrificed their lives for us. So,I, hereby, dedicate myself to dream about the future of the country and call on all of you from the rampart of the Red Fort to speak with your full might : Bharat Mata Ki Jay! Let the voice reach to every corner of the world.

Bharat Mata Ki Jay! Bharat Mata Ki Jay! Bharat Mata Ki Jay!

Vandematram! Vandematram! Vandematram !

Jay Hind! Jay Hind! Jay Hind!

Thanks you.

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KSD/AKT/NT