PM announces Chief of Defence Staff post, pushes for population control, 'one-nation one-election'

Signalling a decisive approach to vexed issues after securing a stronger mandate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced creation of the post of chief of defence staff, vowed to fulfil aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir, called for checking "population explosion" and renewed his push for 'one nation, one election'.

In his first Independence Day address to the nation in his second term from the ramparts of Red Fort, Modi pitched the abrogation of Article 370 as a step towards 'one nation, one Constitution', saying a new approach was needed as the provisions granting special status for Jammu and Kashmir failed to yield desired results in 70 years and that every possible effort will be made to develop the region.

As a slew of significant announcements like the promise to provide piped drinking water to every household across the country marked his nearly 95-minute speech, the prime minister said his government in the second term will work towards fulfilling the people's aspirations and dreams after meeting their needs in the last five years.

Modi said a massive Rs 100 lakh crore will be spent on developing infrastructure that will help in achieving the target of nearly doubling the size of the Indian economy to USD 5 trillion in the next five years.

In a major military reform, the prime minister said the country will now have a Chief of Defence Staff that will 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 India has 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.

In his sixth consecutive Independence Day address, Modi also touched upon a host of other issues including tackling cross-border terrorism, corruption, poverty, ensuring ease of living, banning single-use plastic, curbing use of fertilizers and water conservation.

With his government facing criticism for increasing taxes on the affluent class, Modi sought to assuage them, saying those creating wealth must be respected as wealth distribution can happen only when wealth is created.

Wearing a white kurta and a colourful safa, the prime minister referred to BJP's big win in the general election and said his government's return to power showed as to how despair had given way to hope with people believing that the country can change for the better after seeing his dispensation's first five years of work.

He unveiled the 'Jal Jivan' mission under which his government will spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore to provide piped drinking water to all households.

Modi said the BJP-led government worked to fulfil the common man's needs and especially targeted the welfare of rural India, farmers, backwards, Dalits and tribals.

He then added, "But time changes. If the 2014-19 period was about fulfilling people's needs, then the time after 2019 (polls) is about meeting their aspirations and dreams. We have prepared a blueprint keeping in mind how India should be in the 21st century... and are taking steps towards it."