Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday flagged national security as one of highest priorities of the Narendra Modi government, saying all possible steps will be taken to ensure the country's security as it was done after the terror attack in Pulwama.
He also said illegal infiltrators pose a major threat to India's internal security, leading to social imbalance in many parts of the country.
"India has amply demonstrated both her intent and capabilities, first through surgical strikes and then through air strikes on terrorist hideouts across the border after the Pulwama attack.
"In the future too, all possible steps will be taken to ensure our security," he said addressing the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament after the formation of the new 17th Lok Sabha.
The President said New India will be sensitive and also, economically prosperous but for this to happen, "nation's security is of utmost importance".
"My government accords top most priority to national security. Therefore, effective steps are being taken to tackle terrorism and naxalism," he said.
Kovind said illegal infiltrators pose a major threat to internal security. "This is leading to social imbalance in many parts of the country, as well as putting a huge pressure on limited livelihood opportunities," he said.
The President said the government has decided to implement the process of National Register of Citizens on a priority basis in areas affected by infiltration. "Security along the border will be further strengthened to prevent infiltration," he said.
Kovind said while on the one hand, the government is working to identify infiltrators, on the other, it is also fully committed to protecting victims of persecution due to their faith. In this regard, he said, efforts will be made to amend the Citizenship Act while protecting linguistic, cultural and social identities, he added.
The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had returned to power for a second consecutive term in parliamentary elections recently, had made NRC and Citizenship Amendment Bill among its major poll planks particularly in West Bengal and north eastern Indian states.
Kovind said the people of India have given a mandate in recent national elections to continue with the country's development journey that started in 2014.
He pointed out that over 61 crore people voted in the Lok Sabha polls, creating a record. Women came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise and a record 78 women have been elected as members of the Lok Sabha -- the highest ever and almost half of the elected members are first timers.
"In this election, the people of the country gave a clear mandate. After the assessment of the government's first tenure, the people have given it a bigger mandate this time," he said. Kovind said that by doing so, the people have given a mandate to accelerate the development process initiated in 2014.
The President said the Modi government in its second term has started working towards building a New India which will move forward towards that ideal state envisioned by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, where the mind of the people is without fear and the head is held high with self-esteem. In Gurudev’s words:"Chitto Jetha Bhay-Shunno, Uchcho Jetha Shir.”
He said only on the foundation of a strong rural economy, it is possible to build a strong national economy. "Our farmers are the pillars of rural economy and all possible efforts are being made by the government to provide adequate assistance to the States for agricultural development," he said.
Kovind said large-scale investments have been made to strengthen rural India and in order to enhance agriculture productivity, an investment of Rs. 25 lakh crore will be made in the coming years.
He said a decision has been taken to increase the income support to farmers and introduce a pension scheme for them.
