New Delhi, August 15 (HS): In his 12th Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out an array of bold announcements, making it clear that India will chart its own course, shape its own destiny, and emerge as a developed nation by 2047.

Semiconductors — From Lost Decades to Mission Mode

Recalling how India’s semiconductor ambitions stalled over half a century ago while other nations surged ahead, the Prime Minister declared that India is now in mission mode — with the first ‘Made in India’ chip set to roll out by year-end.

Nuclear Power Capacity to Increase Tenfold by 2047

Under a long-term mission to expand nuclear energy output by ten times in the next two decades, ten new nuclear reactors are already under construction.

GST Overhaul — A Diwali Bonanza

Next-generation GST reforms will be implemented this Diwali, including reduced tax on essential goods and relief for MSMEs, local traders, and consumers.

Reform Task Force for a $10 Trillion India

The Prime Minister announced the creation of a ‘Reform Task Force’ to fast-track economic growth, dismantle red tape, modernize governance, and prepare the nation for a $10 trillion economy by 2047.

₹1 Lakh Crore PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana

A ₹1 trillion mega employment scheme will provide newly hired youth a monthly support of ₹15,000 — benefiting 30 million young Indians and acting as a bridge from an Independent India to a Prosperous India.

High-Powered Demography Mission

Warning against demographic imbalances caused by infiltration and illegal migration in border areas, the Prime Minister launched the ‘High-Powered Demography Mission’ to safeguard national unity, territorial integrity, and citizens’ rights.

Energy Self-Reliance — The Samudra Manthan Begins

Pointing out that a large share of the national budget is spent on importing petrol, diesel, and gas, PM Modi announced the ‘National Deepwater Exploration Mission.’ This ambitious drive will tap marine resources while rapidly expanding solar, hydrogen, hydro, and nuclear energy capacity.

Made-in-India Jet Engines — A National Challenge

Drawing parallels with India’s successful indigenous COVID-19 vaccine and the UPI digital payment revolution, the PM urged scientists and youth to accept the challenge of building India’s own jet engines as a matter of national pride.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra — Tradition Meets Defence Innovation

Announcing ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ to neutralize enemy defence systems and boost India’s offensive edge, the PM invoked Lord Krishna’s fabled weapon as a symbol of strategic self-reliance — combining cultural heritage with cutting-edge military innovation for rapid, precise, and decisive response to any threat.

A Call for Swadeshi

Under the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, PM Modi urged citizens and shopkeepers to prefer Indian-made goods — not out of compulsion, but pride. He suggested visible steps such as placing ‘Swadeshi’ boards outside shops to foster self-reliance, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen India’s industrial and economic foundation.

Reforms in Focus — Announcing the Next Generation of Changes

Opening his speech, the PM highlighted a wave of transformative reforms: over 40,000 redundant compliances scrapped, more than 1,500 obsolete laws repealed, and numerous legislative simplifications in Parliament — including the removal of over 280 provisions in the latest session to make governance straightforward and citizen-friendly.

Tax and Justice Reforms

He cited key achievements like income tax reforms, faceless assessment, zero tax for annual incomes up to ₹12 lakh, and replacing colonial-era criminal laws with the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — measures that have enhanced transparency, efficiency, and simplicity in legal and tax systems.

Boost for Entrepreneurs and MSMEs

The PM stressed his government’s commitment to reducing compliance costs for startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs while freeing them from the fear of outdated legal provisions. To this end, a ‘Next Generation Reforms Task Force’ will conduct time-bound reviews of all economic laws and processes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar