New Delhi, Aug 20 : The Congress on Saturday commemorated Rajiv Gandhi on the 78th anniversary of his birth and highlighted the achievements of the nation during his tenure as Prime Minister.The former Prime Minister was described as a visionary, Party General Secretary Jairam Rameshsaid “His single term as the Prime Minister will be remembered by a variety of important and significant achievements of which, six stand out due to his drive and personal dedication and leadership.”
He claimed that Rajiv Gandhi was the one who shaped the foundations of the IT revolution that has changed India.He introduced in the nation into the telecom, computer and software development time.”He initiated technology-related missions to address societal issues which, for instance the fact that it has made India a world leader in the production of vaccines and has made the country free of polio,” Ramesh said in an announcement.
The second reason is that he took the lead personally in making sure that Panchayats as well as Nagarpalikas received the status of constitutional institutions with one-third of reservation for women and were able to function as viable structures of self-government.
The fact that today there are 14 lakh women who are elected to these institutions is a testament to his dedication the veteran leader stated.
Additionally, he crafted accords that brought development and peace to areas that were in turmoil of the country such as Assam, Punjab, Mizoram and Darjeeling.
Fourth, he ensured that 18-year olds are eligible to vote, and opened up a new future for youth by creating the Navodaya Vidyalaya network of Navodaya Vidyalayas in all districts and having Swami Vivekananda’s birthday declared a National Youth Day.
Rajiv Gandhi, he said, will also be remembered for the launch of the Project Clean Ganga and the national program to develop the wasteland, and was the one who drafted the creation of a comprehensive legislation to safeguard the environment.In parallel the process of liberalisation was initiated , which led to the economic reforms of 1991 which were enshrined in the Congress manifesto bearing his signature.
Sixth former prime minister also took major steps to settle our long-standing disputes with China and Pakistan and presented to the UN an action plan to achieve total and universal nuclear disarmament.
“The Indian National Congress salutes this brave son of India and commits its efforts to the ideals he stood for, the ideals he stood for as well as the values he loved as well as the cause he advocated for.” the statement reads.
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