Govt taking comprehensive steps for exam reforms, says President Murmu in address to nation

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on Friday evening on the eve of Independence Day, highlighting India’s development journey, the government’s reform agenda and the role of citizens in building a developed India. In her address, the President said every citizen had a role to play in the country’s progress and development as India prepares to mark 80 years of Independence.

A key focus of Murmu’s speech was the need to strengthen India’s examination system. She said the government was taking comprehensive measures to reform public examinations and curb the use of unfair means. The reforms, she said, were aimed at making examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy, particularly for students and young people who depend on competitive and public examinations for their education and careers.

Murmu also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and future of students, saying that collective support was needed to protect young people and provide them with better opportunities.

The President spoke about India’s economic and technological progress, saying the country was expected to grow at more than twice the global rate despite continuing instability around the world. She highlighted India’s digital transformation and said the country’s digital infrastructure had emerged as one of its major strengths.

Murmu also praised India’s rapid growth in digital payments and said the country had established itself as a global leader in real-time digital transactions. She highlighted the expansion of financial inclusion through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, noting that 59 crore account holders had joined the initiative.

The President said more than 25 crore Indians had been lifted out of poverty, while development and welfare programmes were being directed towards ensuring that progress reached every section of society. She said the government was prioritising the upliftment of deprived and disadvantaged sections.

Women’s empowerment was another important theme in the address. Murmu referred to initiatives such as the Lakhpati Didi campaign and underlined the growing role of women in India’s economic and social development. She also called on citizens to participate in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and contribute towards environmental protection.

The President described India’s youth as the country’s biggest strength and said sports were also playing an increasingly important role in national development. She highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young Indians to contribute to the country’s future.

On national security, Murmu said terrorists would have to pay for their crimes, underlining India’s resolve to respond firmly to terrorism. She also spoke about Pakistan, while emphasising the country’s determination to protect national interests and security.

Murmu paid tribute to freedom fighters and remembered the sacrifices made during India’s struggle for independence. She invoked the significance of ‘Vande Mataram’, describing it as a song that had become deeply associated with the nation and its people.

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, marking the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The President’s address comes a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort.

India became independent at midnight between August 14 and 15, 1947, following the passage of the Indian Independence Act by the British Parliament. Jawaharlal Nehru, independent India’s first prime minister, addressed the nation at the historic moment with his celebrated ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech.

The Independence Day celebrations each year serve as both a remembrance of the freedom struggle and an opportunity to assess India’s progress and future priorities. In her latest address, Murmu linked that journey to the broader vision of a developed India, calling for collective participation in nation-building and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen.