SRINAGAR: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government was undertaking comprehensive reforms in the public examination system to curb paper leaks and unfair practices, stressing that students must be protected from any threat to their future opportunities.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Murmu said public examinations serve as gateways to opportunities for young people and therefore their credibility and security must be ensured.
“Public examinations become gateways to opportunities for our students. The government is undertaking comprehensive steps to reform these examinations,” she said.
She said the reforms were aimed at completely eliminating the use of unfair means and making examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy.
The President’s remarks come amid concerns over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations, which have triggered demands from students for stronger safeguards, speedy investigations and strict action against those involved.
Murmu said the responsibility of securing the future of students could not rest with the government alone, calling for collective efforts by society to protect the interests of the country’s youth.
Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, she said around 65 per cent of the country’s population was below the age of 35 and described young people as India’s “most valuable asset”.
The President also highlighted the growing entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, saying many were increasingly choosing self-employment and job creation.
She said India’s startup ecosystem had received a major boost from young entrepreneurs, while Indian youth were also earning recognition globally for their talent and leadership abilities.
Murmu further underlined the importance of sports in the overall development of young people, saying the government was building a sports ecosystem under the Khelo India programme from the grassroots level to national platforms.
She said increased investment in sports had contributed to improved performances by Indian athletes in international competitions.
On national security, the President praised the armed forces and said Operation Sindoor had demonstrated India’s capability to conduct precision counter-terror operations.
Referring to Kargil Vijay Diwas and Operation Sindoor, she said the actions had conveyed a clear message that terrorists and those supporting them would have to face consequences irrespective of where they hid.
She also described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a decisive step taken in the national interest, particularly for farmers.
On internal security, Murmu described the progress towards making India Naxal-free as a major achievement after decades of challenges. She said development and increased participation of local communities had brought renewed enthusiasm to areas previously affected by Naxalism.
The President also highlighted India’s cultural heritage, noting the inclusion of Sarnath in the UNESCO World Heritage List this year.
On foreign policy, she said India continued to support peace, dialogue, cooperation and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, while advocating a rules-based international order and greater representation for developing countries in global institutions.
Turning to the economy, Murmu said India was progressing towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 despite global conflicts and economic uncertainties.
She said India remained the world’s fastest-growing major economy and that economic projections indicated its growth rate would remain more than twice the global average.
The President highlighted welfare initiatives, saying more than 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty over the past decade. She also said nearly 59 crore people had joined the formal banking system under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, including more than 32 crore women.
She said free foodgrains were being provided to more than 80 crore people, while India’s digital infrastructure had expanded rapidly, with the country accounting for more than half of global real-time digital transactions.
Murmu also placed strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, saying the initial target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis had been achieved and that the government was now working towards creating three crore more.
She highlighted women’s achievements in sectors ranging from agriculture and education to defence and sports, and said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam would further strengthen women’s participation in Indian democracy.
On environmental protection, the President said India had achieved several Sustainable Development Goals ahead of the 2030 deadline and urged citizens to contribute towards protecting nature.
She also paid tribute to freedom fighters, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B R Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, besides remembering those who lost their lives or were displaced during Partition.
Invoking the words of Telugu writer Gurajada Apparao, Murmu said a nation was not merely its land but its people, and called upon citizens to contribute towards building a developed India by 2047.
