New Criminal Laws A Tribute To Freedom Fighters, Says President Murmu

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday hailed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the new Indian legal system, as a tribute to the freedom fighters.

“In adopting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita from July this year, we have removed one more relic of the colonial era. The new code is oriented towards ensuring justice for the victims of crime instead of focusing on punishment alone. I see this change as a tribute to the freedom fighters,” Murmu said in her address to the nation on the eve of the 78th Independence Day.

Hailing India for being among the fastest-growing economies, Murmu said that India’s average growth rate from 2021 to 2024 has been 8 per cent annually.

“This has not only put more money in the hands of people, it has also drastically reduced the number of people living below the poverty line. As for those who continue to suffer from poverty, all efforts are being made not only to provide a helping hand to them, but also to bring them out of it. For example, the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, launched in the initial phase of COVID-19, continues to provide free ration to about 80 crore people, which also ensures that those who have recently come out of poverty are not forced back into it,” the President stated.

“It is a matter of pride for all that India has become the fifth-largest economy in the world, and we are also poised to become one of the top three economies soon. This has been made possible only by tireless hard work of farmers and workers, by the farsightedness of planners and wealth-creators, and by the visionary leadership,” Murmu added.

She also hailed the progress of sportspersons in the last decade.

“The Government has rightly prioritised the development of sports infrastructure, and it is showing results. The Indian contingent put up its best efforts in the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games. I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the players. They have inspired the youth. In cricket, India won the T-20 World Cup, to the great joy of a large number of fans. In chess, our prodigies have made the country proud. This is said to be the beginning of an Indian era in chess. In badminton, tennis and other sports, our youngsters are making a mark on the world stage. Their achievements have inspired the next generation too,” Murmu said.

The President earlier in the day met the India’s Paris Olympics contingent at Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and congratulated them for their excellent efforts and performances.

India won a silver and 5 bronze medals in Paris.