PM Modi's 1st Independence Day speech of second term: Key points

NEW DELHI: Delivering his sixth Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched upon a range of subjects, beginning from the scrapping of Article 370 and triple talaq practices to advocating for population control and encouraging travel. One of the most monumental announcement was the formation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) - the topmost defence officer of the country - to whom all the three service chiefs will report. 

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Here's a quick look at the key pointers of PM Modi's 92-minute speech on 73rd Independence Day:

1. Chief of Defence Staff 

The Prime Minister announced the creation of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post to lead the three defence services. CDS will be the senior-most military-officer of the country who will the point-person for all defence-related matters to the Prime Minister of India. He also stressed that defence forces were the pride of the nation and must be equipped with the best weapon systems to ensure that they are ever-ready for all the challenges.

2. One Nation, One Election

The Prime Minister called for the one nation one election goal. "After one nation, one constitution, we're working towards fulfilling Sardar Vallabhai Patel's dream towards the nation. With GST, we've been working towards one-nation-one-tax. And now, there are talks of one-nation-one-election," PM Modi said from the Red Fort.

3. Article 370 and 35 A

PM Modi referred to the repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status quite a few times in his speech. "We do not believe in creating problems or dragging them. In less than 70 days of our new Government, Article 370 was revoked, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this move. The old system in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh led to corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities," he said. 

4. Triple Talaq

Rights of Muslim women was another topic the Prime Minister touched on a few times during his speech. "Several Islamic countries did away with the obsolete Triple Talaq law long ago. Then why did it take us so long to repeal this? When we can do away with Sati, child marriages, then why not Triple Talaq. We guarantee the safety of our mothers and sister," said the PM.

5. Nuclear families, population control

Advocating for nuclear families and population control, PM said that those who follow "the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation, it is also a form of patriotism."

"Population explosion can create a lot of troubles for our future generations. But we have to admit that there's a certain section of people who think before the birth of the child. Will we be able to provide for the child, will be able to take care of them? Others should look at them for inspiration. There's a need for social awakening on this issue," he added

6. Plastic use

Prime Minister asked every citizen to stop using single-use plastic and adopt to cloth bags and other environment-friendly measures. "By October 2, let us work we try to abolish single-use plastic across the nation," said PM Modi.

7. Jal Jeevan Mission

PM Modi announced that his government will spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore on its the `Jal Jeevan Mission` to give access to piped potable water to every rural household by 2024. He also stressed on the need to intensify efforts for water conservation

8. Rs 100 lakh crore Infrastructure

The Prime Minister announced a whopping Rs 100 lakh crore (Rs 100,00,000 crore) for developing infrastructure across the country.

9. Tourism goals

Addressing the upper-middle class, the Prime Minister asked them to travel more and visit at least 15 destinations across India by 2022.

10. Protecting Mother Earth

The Prime Minister appealed to the farmers, asking them to cut down on the use of chemicals on soil. "Protect our mother earth by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and products. I want to appeal to all my farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers by 30-40%," said PM Modi.