PM Modi Calls for Curbing Population Explosion, Simultaneous LS & assembly elections

DONNING  a colorful  turban and after  integrating  India  with one  flag and one  Constitution, Prime Minister  Narendra Modi in his  Independence  Day Address  ,announced creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff  for better coordination among the three services, called for checking  ‘population explosion’ and resolves  to make  fresh  effort for ‘one nation, one poll”. He stressed the need for simultaneous holding of assembly and Lok Sabha poll across the nation. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort which was India’s last capital before the British took over the country, Modi said abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu & Kashmir is a step towards ‘one nation, one Constitution’. If we can take steps against ‘Sati’ custom, female foeticide, child marriage and dowry, then why not against obnoxious Triple Talaq,” he added. On revoking provisions of Article 370 and Article 35(A) in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “We neither nurse problems nor let them fester. ”Why didn’t those who are supporting Article 370 make it a permanent provision for Jammu and Kashmir? Why did they keep it as a temporary measure?” he asked. Raising the issue of simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and assemblies, he said discussions should now be held on ‘one-nation one-election’ as it is imperative to make the country “great”. On Goods and Services Tax, he said it brought to life the dream of ‘one nation, one tax’. Expressing concern over “population explosion”, the Prime Minister said it led to many difficulties and there was need for the Centre as well as state governments to launch schemes to tackle it.A new approach was needed as the special provision for Jammu and Kashmir failed to yield the desired results in 70 years. His 95-minute-long address was marked by a host of significant announcements as the Prime Minister said his government in the second term would work towards fulfilling the people’s aspirations and dreams after meeting their needs in the last five years.Modi also spoke about of  other issues, including tackling terrorism, corruption, poverty, environment and ease of living. With his government facing criticism for increasing taxes for the affluent class, Modi said those who are creating wealth must be respected as wealth distribution could happen only when wealth is created. PM Modi also announced roll out of ‘Jal Jivan’ mission to provide piped drinking water to all households and said his government would spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore for it a prioritize infrastructure development .He referred to the BJP’s massive    win in the general election saying his government’s return to power showed as to how despair had given way to hope with people believing that the country could change for the better after seeing his dispensation’s first five years of work. “The period from 2014-19 was about fulfilling people’s needs. Now is the time to meet their aspirations and dreams,” he said. Appointment of Chief of Defence Staff, a recommendation made after the Kargil war, would ensure synergy among the three services and provide effective leadership to them. “Our government has decided to have a Chief of Defence Staff–CDS. It will help all three services to walk together as the country can no longer afford to work in silos,” Modi said, adding that India had to keep pace with the changing world. A high-level committee set up to examine the gaps in the country’s security system in the wake of the Kargil war in 1999 had called for appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff as a single-point military adviser to the Defence Minister (with inputs  from NDTV, Republic TV & agencies)