- Record Turn Out, A New Chapter In J&K: Prez
- NEET, Agnipath Scheme, Take Centre Stage
In an inspiring and pivotal joint address to the newly elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha in Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted significant achievements in Kashmir through the conduct of free and fair Lok Sabha elections. They outlined the future direction of the government, emphasizing democratic resilience, economic growth, social welfare, and international cooperation.
Historic Voter Turnout In Jammu And Kashmir: President Murmu began her speech by celebrating the unprecedented voter turnout in the Kashmir Valley, which shattered records that had stood for decades. She emphasized that this remarkable participation was a powerful response to the false propaganda propagated by India’s adversaries on international platforms. Despite the region’s history of low voter turnout due to shutdowns and strikes over the past four decades, this election saw an extraordinary level of engagement from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The President credited the introduction of the home voting facility in this election for facilitating greater voter participation and making the electoral process more accessible. President Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint sitting of Parliament, her first presidential address after the formation of the third National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. President Murmu congratulated all the newly-elected MPs and lauded the Election Commission for successfully conducting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Commendation Of Election Personnel: The President expressed her profound appreciation for the dedicated efforts of all personnel involved in conducting the Lok Sabha elections, extending her heartfelt congratulations to them. She noted that the global community is taking notice of India’s democratic strength, as evidenced by the country’s ability to elect a stable government with a clear majority for the third consecutive term—an achievement not seen in six decades. This consistent electoral success, according to President Murmu, reflects the people’s unwavering faith in the government and its ability to fulfill their aspirations.
Commitment To Public Welfare And Development: President Murmu articulated her confidence in the 18th Lok Sabha, which convenes during the early years of Amrit Kaal and will bear witness to the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. She emphasized that this Lok Sabha would be pivotal in making significant decisions for public welfare. Highlighting the historic nature of this parliamentary session, she expressed optimism that the members would script a new chapter focused on decisions that enhance public welfare. She also announced that the government would present its first budget in the forthcoming session, promising it would be an effective document outlining far-reaching policies and a futuristic vision. This budget, she asserted, would reflect the government’s commitment to economic and social reforms, aimed at accelerating the country’s development.
“The unprecedented voter turnout in the Kashmir Valley, shattered records that had stood for decades. This remarkable participation was a powerful response to the false propaganda propagated by India’s adversaries on international platforms. Despite the region’s history of low voter turnout due to shutdowns and strikes over the past four decades, this election saw an extraordinary level of engagement from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Education And Youth Development: Addressing past injustices in the education system, the government has enabled engineering courses to be offered in Indian languages and established numerous new educational institutions, including seven new IITs, 16 IIITs, seven IIMs, 15 new AIIMS, 315 medical colleges, and 390 universities. Initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs, Start-up India, and Stand-up India have positioned India as the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally. The Government is also working towards establishing a Digital University to further enhance educational opportunities. President Murmu emphasized that these initiatives have significantly improved the educational landscape, providing the youth with opportunities to excel and contribute to the nation’s growth.
Judicial Reforms And Citizenship Initiatives: President Murmu highlighted the upcoming implementation of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, marking a shift from the colonial-era punitive mindset to a justice-focused approach that aligns with the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
PM Modi’s On 18th Lok Sabha: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed the media before the commencement of the 1st session of the 18th Lok Sabha, marking a proud and historic day in our parliamentary democracy as we convene for the first time in the new Parliament building after independence. “I extend a warm welcome to all newly elected MPs and congratulate everyone,” he began.
Historic Moment And Welcome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the newly elected MPs to the 1st session of the 18th Lok Sabha in the new Parliament building, emphasizing the historic nature of the occasion in India’s parliamentary democracy after independence.
Mandate And Commitment: The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the electoral mandate, noting the record participation of over 65 crore voters and the rare achievement of a third consecutive term government post-independence. He underscored the commitment of the 18th Lok Sabha to realizing a developed India by 2047.
Consensus And Nation-Building: Modi stressed the importance of consensus alongside majority governance in nation-building efforts over the past decade. He expressed the intensified collective responsibility of the new Lok Sabha and pledged tripled efforts and results.
Youth Representation And Symbolism: The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant presence of young MPs taking oath, linking the number 18 in Indian traditions to duty, compassion, and perfection. He portrayed the 18th Lok Sabha as a symbol of hope and auspiciousness for India’s future.
Upholding Democracy: Reflecting on the upcoming 50th anniversary of emergency rule, Modi urged for the safeguarding of democratic traditions and vowed to prevent such incidents in the future, reaffirming commitment to vibrant democracy and constitutional values.
Expectations And Responsibilities: Modi emphasized the high expectations from citizens and called upon MPs to prioritize public welfare and interests. He urged the opposition to fulfill its role with dignity and substance, aiming to strengthen public trust and collectively build a developed India where every citizen’s aspirations are fulfilled.
Main Highlights During Parliament Session
New MP’s Take Oath: The swearing-in ceremony of new MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha showcased India’s linguistic diversity. MPs took their oaths in various Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, including Sanskrit, Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Assamese, Odia, and others. This display of linguistic plurality underscored the inclusive spirit of India’s parliamentary democracy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself took his oath in Hindi amidst chants of “Jai Shri Ram” from the treasury benches, emphasizing cultural and linguistic pride in the parliamentary proceedings.
Speaker Elected: BJP leader Om Birla was elected as the Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha after a voice vote. This decision came after the inability of the Centre and the opposition to reach a consensus on a candidate, leading to the first contested election for the Speaker in decades. Om Birla, a three-time MP from Rajasthan’s Kota and the former Speaker in the previous Lok Sabha, contested against Congress’s K Suresh, an eight-term MP from Kerala’s Mavelikara. The election considered the total number of MPs present and voting, with the NDA holding a clear majority of 293 MPs against the opposition INDIA bloc’s 234 MPs.
NEET Row, Agnipath Scheme Takes Center Stage: The session saw intense debates on several critical issues. Opposition voices called for postponing the enactment of new criminal laws scheduled for July 1, citing concerns over persisting violence in Manipur and recent militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The Agnipath scheme, a significant government initiative, also sparked considerable debate, alongside scrutiny over rising prices and unemployment rates. Discussions on incidents of rioting in states governed by the BJP were anticipated to be vigorously addressed during the session.
Parliamentary Proceedings And Challenges: Proceedings in both Houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, resumed after initial disruptions. The Opposition specifically demanded discussions on the ‘NEET issue’ and irregularities in exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which led to an adjournment of both Houses until noon. Subsequently, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned further until July 1 to allow for comprehensive deliberations on the pressing issues at hand.
“Key points included unprecedented voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir, educational reforms, and economic policies aimed at fostering growth and inclusivity. Prime Minister Modi emphasized consensus-building and the symbolic importance of the 18th Lok Sabha in upholding democratic values. The session witnessed diverse linguistic oaths during the MPs’ swearing-in, reflecting India’s cultural richness. Parliamentary discussions focused on critical issues like educational reforms and security challenges, underscoring India’s commitment to vibrant democracy and national development.”
Kashmir Horizon View: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a transformative joint address to the 18th Lok Sabha, highlighting significant achievements and outlining a visionary agenda for India’s future. Key points included unprecedented voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir, educational reforms, and economic policies aimed at fostering growth and inclusivity. Prime Minister Modi emphasized consensus-building and the symbolic importance of the 18th Lok Sabha in upholding democratic values. The session witnessed diverse linguistic oaths during the MPs’ swearing-in, reflecting India’s cultural richness. Parliamentary discussions focused on critical issues like educational reforms and security challenges, underscoring India’s commitment to vibrant democracy and national development.
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