PM Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech: Key points

Scrapping of Article 370
- The new govt has not completed even 10 weeks, but in this short span of time in every sector we have taken important steps. Article 370 and 35A being revoked is a step towards realizing the dream of Sardar Patel.
- One Nation, One Constitution — this spirit has become a reality and India is proud of that.
- Those who supported Article 370, India is questioning them, If this was so important then why was this Article not made permanent? After all, those people had huge mandates and could have easily removed its temporary status.
- We do not believe in creating problems or prolonging them. In less than 70 days of the new Government, Article 370 has become history, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this step. We want to serve Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh.
- The old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities. The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept such a situation
Floods & Water Conservation
- Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the country. We stand in solidarity with those who are affected by the floods.
- The country fully understands the importance of water conservation and that is why a ministry for Jal Shakti has been formed. Steps have been taken to make the medical sector even more people-friendly.
- It is unfortunate, however, that so many people lack access to water even 70 years after Independence. Work on the Jal Jeevan Mission will progress with great vigour in the years to come.
Triple Talaq
- If we can take steps against 'Sati' custom, female foeticide and dowry, then why not against instant triple talaq.
- Scrapping of triple talaq will help Muslim women live a better life. The decision should not be seen through political prism.
- We have to think about solutions to the problems people face. Yes, there will be obstacles on the way but we have to work to overcome them. Remember how scared the Muslim women were, who suffered due to Triple Talaq but we ended the practice.
- Our forces are India's pride. To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision from the Red Fort: India will have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS. This is going to make the forces even more effective.
- Can we free India from single use plastic? The time for implementing such an idea has come. May teams be mobilised to work in this direction. Let a significant step be made on 2nd October
- From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom.
- Rs 100 trillion will be invested towards infrastructure in the next five years.
- Our aim is to reach among first 50 nations in ease of doing business.
- India is strongly fighting against those supporting terrorism. India is not the only target of terrorism in the region. Countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have also been affected.
- There is one issue I want to highlight today- population explosion. We have to think- can we do justice to the aspirations of our children. There is a need to have greater discussion and awareness on population explosion
- Five years ago, people always thought - "Can the country change?" or Can there be a change?"
Now, the people say - "Yes, my country can change."
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