New Delhi, Jan 25 (Reporter) Referring to the passage of Women’s Reservation Bill as historic, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that India progressed further towards the ideal of “gender equality”. Addressing the nation on the eve of Republic Day 2024, the President said, “We also progressed further towards the ideal of gender equality, when the Parliament passed the historic Women’s Reservation Bill.” “I believe the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will prove to be a revolutionary tool for women’s empowerment. It will also go a long way in improving the processes of our governance,” she said. Murmu further asserted, “When more women will be involved in matters of collective importance, our administrative priorities will be more in tune with the needs of the masses.” Commending India's efforts in addressing climate change, the President said, “I am glad to see India at the forefront of promoting renewable sources of energy and taking a leadership position in global climate action.” “India’s ancient wisdom can also help the world find a way out of the global environmental crisis,” she said. “India has launched the ‘LiFE Movement’ for the adoption of an environment-conscious lifestyle. The global community has appreciated our country’s emphasis on individual behaviour change for dealing with the issues of climate change,” the President said. She further urged citizens to contribute by bringing their lifestyle in tune with Mother Nature. That will not only help save the planet for generations to come but will also enhance the quality of life, Murmu said. In her speech, the President also noted that there have been a number of mission-mode schemes to increase the ease of living for all citizens. From the availability of safe and adequate drinking water at home to the security of having one’s own home, these are basic minimum requirements, not privileges. “These matters are beyond any political or economic ideology and must be seen from a humanitarian perspective. The government has not only expanded and enhanced the welfare schemes, but it has also redefined the idea of welfare itself. It will be a proud day for us all when India becomes one of those few countries where homelessness is a rarity,” she said. Similarly, the National Education Policy (NEP) gives adequate thrust to bridge the digital divide and create a uniform educational structure for the benefit of underprivileged students. The expanding insurance cover of the Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to bring together all beneficiaries under its umbrella and provides great reassurance to the poor and the vulnerable, the President added. Extending greetings to the citizens on the eve of the 75th Republic Day, Murmu said, “The 75th year of the Republic is truly a historic milestone in the journey of the nation in many ways.” This is an especially festive occasion, just as we celebrated the unique greatness and diverse culture of our nation during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav when we completed 75 years of Independence, she said...////...