'AFFIRMATIVE ACTION MUST BE STRENGTHENED'

President Droupadi Murmu: Tendencies which stoke discord based on perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected.

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Asserting that social justice is the top priority of the government, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the spirit of inclusion pervades every aspect of social life in India and "affirmative action must be strengthened as an instrument of inclusion".

Addressing the nation on the eve of 78th Independence Day, the President said tendencies which stoke discord based upon perceived social hierarchies have to be rejected.

She said that India has been among the fastest growing major economies with an average growth rate of 8 percent annually from 2021 to 2024.

"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," she said.