New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Parliament on Wednesday, where she addressed the multiple ways the government is taking initiatives to make India a developed and secure nation, and a ‘global friend.’ In her address, Murmu said, “The Digital Personal Data Protection Act will make the digital space more secure.”
The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 seeks to strengthen digital space security by introducing regulations that specifically target Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDF), entities handling large volumes of sensitive personal data. The act imposes stringent obligations on SDFs, including the appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO), an independent data auditor, and the conduct of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA).
Empowering citizens, the act grants rights such as information access, data correction, erasure, and grievance redressal. It emphasises transparency and accountability by mandating clear communication on data processing practices and introducing measures for risk assessment.
The act’s broad impact on various organisational domains underscores the need for robust data privacy programs. Its global applicability ensures that entities providing goods or services to Indian citizens are subject to these regulations, collectively contributing to a more secure digital environment.
Murmu also praised the strength of a stable government during her address to Parliament on Wednesday. She stated that a strong government is crucial for India’s rapid development and positioning as a global friend amid global uncertainties.
The President expressed that the government’s focus on youth power, women power, farmers, and the economically disadvantaged would be the pillars for building a developed India. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘four-caste formula,’ emphasising the importance of these sections in government programs.
President Murmu also asserted that a strong and stable government has been India’s advantage during global upheavals. She cited India’s role as “Vishwa-Mitra” and its emergence as the voice of the Global South. The President mentioned the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir post the removal of Article 370, emphasising the prevailing peace and vibrancy in markets.
Economically, President Murmu highlighted India’s progress from being among the ‘fragile five’ to moving in the right direction. Reforms undertaken in the last decade resulted in significant poverty reduction, as per NITI Aayog. She underscored the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, ease of doing business, and support for MSMEs.
President Murmu concluded by expressing confidence in positive discussions during the Budget session and urged members to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. She emphasised the government’s focus on duties over rights, creating a sense of duty among citizens. The President arrived at Parliament House in a buggy and delivered her address with the ‘sengol’ (sceptre) carried in front of her .
