Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought the cooperation of all parties in Parliament in fulfilling the aspirations of the poorest of the poor.
Replying to discussion in both the houses on the motion of thanks on President's adress, Mr. Modi said criticism is strength of democracy and his government will take it as constructive suggestion.
He asserted that his government will not function merely on the basis of numerical strength but collectively. He said after a long time people have given mandate for a strong and stable government for good governance and development.
Mr. Modi emphasized that the government was pro-poor and was working towards eliminating of poverty in the country. He pointed out to the need for rural infrastructure and agriculture to eliminate poverty and control price rise in the country. The Prime Minister said that the country needs real-time data on agri products to deal with price rise.
The Prime Minister said that we have to convert development as a mass movement like Mahatma Gandhi's freedom struggle. Emphasising the need of skill development to address the issue of unemployment Mr. Modi said importance of labour should be understood and labourer should be honoured in the society.
He said there is need to focus on skill development. He said our image has become 'scam India', we have to convert it to 'skill India'. The Prime Minister said we have to do focussed activity to change lives of Muslims. He said they cannot be left behind in development.
The Prime Minister said the federal structure of country should be strengthened and interests of States protected.
He said a healthy competition for development and progress among States should be encouraged as same model of development can not be implemented at every place. He said North Eastern states should be developed as regions of organic agriculture and government assistance should be given to farmers to sell their products in the world markets.
Referring to recent incidents of crimes against women in different parts of country, the Prime Minister said tough decisions are required instead of psychological analysis by the political leaders. He said incidents of rapes have adversely affected the tourism in the country. Mr. Modi said women should be engaged into decision-making process.
The Prime Minister said Presidential address is not a ritual for the new government and it will try its level best to implement announcements outlined in the address.
Later both houses of Parliament adopted the motion of thanks on President’s address by voice vote after a two-day debate. All amendments moved by the opposition were either rejected or withdrawn by the members. Both Houses were adjourned sine die.
