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New Delhi, February 10, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the last sitting of the 17th Lok Sabha and lauded the efforts of all Members of the 17th Lok Sabha in making important decisions and giving direction to the country.
Today marks a special occasion to dedicate to the nation the ideological journey and time for its betterment. “Reform, Perform and Transform have been the mantra for the past 5 years,” Modi said.
Noting that it can be experienced by the entire nation today, he expressed confidence that the people of India will continue to bless the 17th Lok Sabha for its efforts. Underlining the contributions of all members of the House, Modi expressed gratitude towards them, especially the Speaker of the House. He thanked the Speaker and complimented him for his ever-smiling, balanced and impartial handling of the House.
The Prime Minister mentioned the biggest calamity of the century that befell on humanity during the period that is Corona pandemic. He said arrangements were made in Parliament and the nation’s work was not allowed to stop in the House.
He also thanked the Members for relinquishing Sansad Nidhi and a 30 per cent cut in their salary by the Members during the pandemic.
He also thanked the Speaker for removing subsidized canteen facilities for the Members that were the cause of people’s adverse comments.
Speaking about Sengol established in the New Parliament Building, the Prime Minister underlined that it is a symbol of the reclamation of India’s heritage and remembrance of the first moment of independence. He also hailed the Speaker’s decision to make the Sengol a part of the annual ceremony and said that it will connect future generations with the moment when India achieved independence while being a source of inspiration.
Modi noted the global recognition that the G20 Summit Presidency brought and for which every state showcased its national capabilities. Similarly, the P20 summit bolstered India’s credentials as the mother of democracy.
He touched upon the concept of paperless Parliament and the implementation of digital technology introduced by the Speaker and thanked him for the initiative.
Modi credited the combined effort of the members and skills of the Speaker and the awareness of the Members for taking the productivity of the 17th Lok Sabha to about 97 per cent. Even though it is a remarkable number, he urged the Members to take the resolve and increase productivity to 100 per cent at the onset of the 18th Lok Sabha. He informed the House that 7 sessions had been more than 100 per cent productive when the House presided till midnight and allowed all Members to speak their minds. The Prime Minister informed that in the first session of the 17th Lok Sabha, 30 bills were passed which is a record.
He said that with the abrogation of Article 370, full splendour of the Constitution was manifested. This must have pleased the framers of the Constitution, he said. “Today our commitment to social justice is reaching the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
“We can proudly say that this country might have lived under the Penal Code for 75 years but now we live under Nyay Samhita”, the Prime Minister said, referring to the adoption of new codes of laws.
Pointing out the initiative and laws for the youth, the Prime Minister noted the strong law against the problem of paper leak. He stressed the importance of research and acknowledged the far-reaching importance of the National Research Foundation Act. He expressed the confidence that this Act will help in making India a global hub of research and innovation.
The Prime Minister said more than 60 obsolete laws were removed. This was needed to improve the ease of doing business, he said and emphasized the need for trusting the citizens. He informed that Jan Vishwas Act decriminalized 180 activities. The Mediation Act has helped in breaking unnecessary litigation-related issues.
Referring to upcoming elections, the Prime Minister said elections are a natural and essential dimension of democracy. “I am confident that the elections will be in accordance with the glory of our democracy,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister thanked all Members of the House for their contributions to the functioning of the 17th Lok Sabha. Referring to the resolution passed today about the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple, the Prime Minister said that it will give constitutional powers to the future generations of the country to take pride in its heritage. He said that the resolution comprises ‘Samvedna’, ‘Sankalp’ and ‘Sahanubhuti’ along with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’.
Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said that Parliament will continue to inspire its members to leave behind a legacy for future generations and work to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of future generations with the collective effort of all its Members.
