Why in the News?
- PM Modi’s 2025 Independence Day speech announced sweeping reforms, including GST rationalisation, a Rs. 1 lakh crore jobs scheme, a Demography Mission, and a push for semiconductor and tech innovation.
What’s in Today’s Article?
- PM Modi’s Speech Highlights (Introduction, Key Announcements & Policy Reforms, National Security, Tech Innovations, etc.)
Introduction
- PM Modi delivered his 12th Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, marking his longest-ever speech at 103 minutes.
- The address outlined sweeping economic and governance reforms, highlighted security concerns, and underscored self-reliance as the foundation of a developed India by 2047.
- Central to his message were new initiatives, including the High-Powered Demography Mission, second-generation GST reforms, and a corpus for job creation.
- The speech combined political messaging, policy announcements, and appeals to youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs, setting the stage for India’s long-term growth trajectory.
Key Announcements and Policy Reforms
- Next-Generation Economic Reforms
- PM Modi announced the setting up of a high-powered task force to undertake next-generation reforms by reviewing outdated rules, laws, and policies.
- The task force will focus on reducing compliance burdens, especially for MSMEs, startups, and cottage industries, thereby boosting entrepreneurship and global competitiveness.
- Reforms in logistics and export systems are also expected to strengthen India’s trade performance.
- GST Rationalisation and Relief to Citizens
- After eight years of GST implementation, PM Modi declared that “second-generation GST reforms” would be rolled out.
- These reforms aim to simplify the tax regime, reduce compliance costs, and make essential goods cheaper.
- PM Modi linked the reforms to a “Diwali gift,” promising substantial tax relief for citizens, especially benefiting small businesses and everyday consumers.
- Employment and Economic Empowerment
- The Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, a 1 lakh crore corpus designed to boost job creation.
- Under this scheme, first-time private sector employees will receive a one-time grant of Rs. 15,000, while private employers will be incentivised to generate jobs.
- By supporting both employees and businesses, the government seeks to address youth unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship.
- Protecting Farmers, Fishermen, and Dairy Interests
- With trade negotiations with the US putting pressure on India to open its markets for agricultural and dairy imports, PM Modi firmly declared that India would not compromise the interests of farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen.
- Positioning himself as a “wall” safeguarding these communities, he assured citizens that their livelihoods would remain a top priority in policymaking.
National Security and Demographic Concerns
- High-Powered Demography Mission
- In one of the most politically significant announcements, PM Modi launched a High-Powered Demography Mission to address concerns about infiltration and demographic changes, especially in border regions.
- He warned of a “deliberate conspiracy” to alter India’s demographic balance, claiming that infiltrators were threatening livelihoods, targeting women, and misleading tribal communities.
- By framing demographic change as a national security issue, the government aims to implement time-bound measures under this mission.
- Internal Security and Counter-Terror Operations
- The Prime Minister praised anti-Naxal operations, particularly in Chhattisgarh, where “terror corridors have turned into green corridors.”
- He positioned these successes as evidence of India’s stronger internal security framework, while reiterating that unchecked demographic shifts could pose fresh threats to national unity and security.
Technology and Innovation Push
- PM Modi emphasised technology as the backbone of future growth.
- Key highlights included the announcement that Made-in-India semiconductor chips would enter the market by the end of 2025, with six plants already operational and four more in progress.
- He urged Indian youth to innovate in AI, cyber security, deep-tech, and operating systems, envisioning India as a global technology leader.
- The focus on indigenous chip manufacturing is particularly significant amid global supply chain disruptions and India’s ambition to reduce dependence on foreign technology.
