Page 30 - NIS English 1-15 September 24

78th Independence Day
Cover Story

Constitution-Good

Governance: No more

Communal Civil Code,

now Secular Civil Code

This is the golden period of India. Viksit Bharat
of the year 2047 is waiting for us. This country is
committed to overcome all obstacles, hurdles and
challenges and move ahead with a firm resolve.
In the new India, good governance has become a
symbol, where 140 crore citizens will realize the
dream of a Viksit Bharat…

n As we mark the 75th anniversary of our Constitution,
it is important to reflect on its pivotal role in uniting
and strengthening our nation. Over these 75 years, the
Constitution has been instrumental in fortifying Bharat's
democracy and safeguarding the rights of our dalits, the
oppressed, the exploited and the deprived sections of the
society.
n As we celebrate 75 years of the Indian Constitution, it is
crucial for citizens to focus on the duties enshrined in the
Constitution, and when I talk about duty, I do not just want
to put a burden on the citizens. This responsibility extends We want fresh blood, one lakh such talented
beyond have duties as well.
young people, whether they come into
n Improvement in good governance, for our dream of Viksit
the panchayat, municipal corporations,
Bharat @ 2047, we will have to push it forward with full
force so that only opportunities are created in the life of the district councils, state assemblies, or the
common man, obstacles keep on getting eliminated.
Lok Sabha. We want new young people with
n Citizens should experience dignity in their lives, and no one
no previous political history in their families
should ever have to say, "This was my right, and I did not
get it. People should not have to look for what they deserve.
to enter politics so that we can be freed
Therefore, the delivery system in governance needs to be
strengthened further. from casteism and dynastic politics thereby
n When we talk about reforms in the country. Today, there enriching democracy. It is not necessary
are approximately 3 lakh institutions operating across
that they join a particular party; they
the country. Whether it’s Panchayats, Nagar Panchayats,
Nagar Palikas, Mahanagar Palikas, Union Territories, States, should join whichever party they prefer and
Districts, or the Centre, these 3 lakh small units are active.
become representatives.
n I appeal to these units today: If each of you undertake just two
reforms per year at your level, reforms that directly benefit the
common man, I am not asking for much, my friends. Whether
of the framers of our Constitution. We should welcome
it’s a Panchayat, a State Government, or any department,
diverse opinions and perspectives. Laws that divide our
simply implement two reforms a year and put them into
nation based on religion and foster discrimination have
practice. Imagine the impact—this could result in around 25-
no place in modern society. Therefore, I assert that it is
30 lakh reforms annually. When 25-30 lakh reforms are made,
time for the country to demand a Secular Civil Code. After
the confidence of the common man will soar.
75 years of a Communal Civil Code, it is crucial to move
n And it is our collective responsibility to realize the vision towards a Secular Civil Code. Once this shift takes place,
28 New India Samachar September 1-15, 2024