Last 5 years defined by 'reform, perform, transform': PM Modi in Lok Sabha

PM Modi speaking on the final day of the final session of the 17th Lok Sabha

The governance period of the last five years was defined by "reform, perform and transform", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on February 10, on the final day of the final session of the 17th Lok Sabha.

"These five years were about reform, perform and transform in the country. It is very rare that both reform and perform take place and we can see transformation right in front of our eyes," Modi said, on a day when the Budget session's proceedings was set to conclude.

The prime minister's comments came after the Lok Sabha began discussing the 'Motion of Thanks' for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Reforms for women

The legislation to reserve 33 percent seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies was passed during the tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha, Modi pointed out, adding that this was also the first Bill to be passed in the new Parliament complex.

This was one of the most important decisions taken by the House, and it reflects our core principles that women should be accorded their rights, Modi said.

The Parliament should also be respected for abolishing the triple talaq. This was required to "safeguard our Muslim sisters", he added. The lawmakers, irrespective of their ideologies, will one day agree that this was a crucial decision taken by the 17th Lok Sabha.

Social justice in J&K

Modi, whose government abolished Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and bifurcated the undivided state into two Union territories of J&K and Ladakh, said a lethal blow has been dealt on the forces who have been spreading terrorism in the region.

"Terrorism had become like a thorn, shooting bullets into the chest of the country. We formed strict laws against terrorism. I am of the firm belief that people who suffer through issues like this will receive strength like this," he said.

The measures taken by the government has brought "social justice" in J&K, Modi noted, in an apparent reference to the Centre's decision to extend reservation benefits to marginalised groups in the region.

"People of Jammu & Kashmir were devoid of social justice. Today, we are satisfied that we have brought social justice to the people of Jammu & Kashmir in line with our commitment to social justice," he said.

Criminal laws revamp

For more than seven decades after Independence, the country was following the criminal laws that were enacted by the erstwhile British regime, Modi said, adding that the Parliament should be lauded for finally replacing them with the three new laws - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

The three laws were passed and enacted last month, and replaced the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidences Act and the Criminal Procedure Code.

"For 75 years, we lived with Penal Code given by the British. To the new generation, we can say with pride that the country might have lived under Penal Code for 75 years but the next generation will live with Nyaya Sanhita. This is true democracy," Modi said.

Next 25 years...

Modi, while concluding his address in the Lok Sabha, said the the next 25 years is a "very important" phase for the country.

"Political activities have their place but the aspirations, expectations, dreams and resolve of the country is that these 25 years are something in which country will achieve the desired results," he said.