Blitz Bureau
IN her Independence Day eve address to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu has said that social justice is a top priority of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Social justice is a top priority for the Narendra Modi government, which has initiated unprecedented measures for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised communities,” the President said.
She emphasised the need to strengthen affirmative action as a tool for inclusion while urging the rejection of divisive tendencies rooted in perceived social hierarchies. She highlighted the steady progress of political democracy in India, asserting that it reflects advancements towards social democracy. She said that political democracy cannot last without social democracy.
“We must remember the words of B.R. Ambedkar who had rightly said, and I quote, ‘We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well. Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy.’ The steady progress of political democracy testifies to the progress made towards the consolidation of social democracy,” she added.
The President noted that the nation thrives on its diversity and plurality, moving forward as a cohesive entity. “We move together as a cohesive nation with our diversity and plurality.
Affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion. I firmly believe that in a vast country like ours, tendencies that stoke discord based upon perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected,” she said. The President also said that in Indian society, women are considered not only equal, but even more than equal.
However, they have also suffered from traditional prejudices, she added. “I am glad to note that the government has given equal importance to women’s welfare and empowerment.
The Budget allocation for this purpose has more than tripled in the last decade. Their participation in the labour force has increased,” the President said.
She added that the most heartening development on this front has been the significant improvement in sex ratio at birth. “A variety of special government schemes have also been designed keeping the women at the centre. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is aimed at ensuring real empowerment of women,” President Murmu said. Recognising farmers as “Annadata” (providers of food), she praised their contributions to India’s agricultural self-reliance.
Murmu also noted substantial improvements in infrastructure, including roads, railways, and ports, driven by strategic planning and effective institutions.
