New Delhi: In his farewell address to the 17th Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi praised the collective efforts of Members in shaping the nation’s trajectory over the past five years. Addressing the House, he emphasized the significance of the occasion for India’s democracy and expressed confidence in the people’s continued support for the Lok Sabha’s endeavors.
The Prime Minister lauded the resilience shown during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He thanked Members for their sacrifice, including the relinquishment of Saansad Nidhi and a 30 percent salary cut during the crisis. Additionally, he appreciated the Speaker’s decision to eliminate subsidized canteen facilities for Members.
Expressing gratitude towards the Speaker for spearheading the construction of the New Parliament Building, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the symbolic importance of Sengol, calling it a connection to India’s heritage and the moment of independence. He acknowledged the global recognition garnered through initiatives like the G20 Summit Presidency and the P20 summit, solidifying India’s standing as a democratic stronghold.
The Prime Minister touched upon various legislative achievements, including the historic passage of 30 bills in the first session, the abrogation of Article 370, and the abolition of Triple Talaq. He credited these milestones as significant steps towards realizing the vision of a 21st-century India.
Highlighting the importance of the next 25 years for the nation, the Prime Minister drew parallels with historical movements such as the Salt Satyagraha, expressing optimism that the collective resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047 will bear fruit.
He acknowledged legislative measures for the youth, including stringent laws against paper leaks and the National Research Foundation Act, which is expected to elevate India’s global status in research and innovation.
The passage of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act was emphasized as a crucial step to safeguard data in the age of information. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of security in emerging domains like marine, space, and cyber, emphasizing the forward-looking nature of space reforms.
Economic reforms took center stage, with the removal of thousands of compliances to ease the lives of citizens. Over 60 obsolete laws were scrapped to enhance the ease of doing business, aligning with the philosophy of ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance.’
The Prime Minister expressed sorrow for Members who lost their lives due to the pandemic, acknowledging its impact on the House’s proceedings for nearly two years.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi thanked all Members for their contributions and foresaw elections as a natural part of democracy. He highlighted the passage of the resolution for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple, noting its significance in preserving India’s cultural heritage for future generations.
As the 17th Lok Sabha concludes its term, the Prime Minister urged Members to continue the tradition of serving the nation and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.