President Droupadi Murmu on Friday addressed both Houses of Parliament, marking the beginning of the Budget Session. The president began her speech at 11 am and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will now soon present the Economic Survey. The Budget Session, which commenced today, will go on till April 4 in two phases. The first part of the Session will end on February 13 and the second phase will begin on March 10.
During her address, President Murmu highlighted the government’s various initiatives that propelled India’s growing leadership in key sectors, particularly technology and AI. She also emphasised the government’s success in lifting millions out of poverty through various welfare schemes. While acknowledging the significant reforms like introduction of ONOE (One Nation, One Election) and Waqf Bills, introduced by the government, the president asserted that India is on track to become the third-largest economy in the near future.
Further, President Murmu also expressed sorrow over the Maha Kumbh stampede. “I express my sorrow over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Mauni Amavasya and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured,” she said.
Here are key takeaways from President Murmu’s speech:
Priority to the poor, the middle class, the youth, women, and farmers
President Murmu said that the government is infusing new energy through unprecedented achievements in this Amrit Kaal of India’s development journey, with highest priority given to the poor, the middle class, the youth, women, and farmers. The pace of work has tripled in this third term, she said. Droupadi Murmu added, “Extending the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, we have decided to provide new homes to an additional three crore families. A budget of Rs 5,36,000 crore has been allocated for this purpose.” She said that the government has issued 2.25 crore property cards so far under the SVAMITVA scheme, of which approximately 70 lakh property cards have been distributed in the last six months alone. She also talked about the “Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh” campaign, launched for the upliftment of five crore people from tribal communities, with an allocation of Rs 80,000 crore for this initiative.
Dignified life for poor people
President Murmu said talked about government initiatives like the construction of 12 crore toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, 10 crore free LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, ration for 80 crore needy citizens, the Saubhagya Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission. “Due to such efforts, 25 crore people have overcome poverty and are moving forward in life. They have formed a Neo Middle Class, a group that is infusing new energy into India’s growth journey,” she said.
Initiatives for middle class
The president talked about the government’s decision to constitute the Eighth Pay Commission for the welfare of government employees, which laid the foundation for substantial salary increases for government employees in the coming years. Additionally, the central government has decided to provide a 50 per cent assured pension to lakhs of employees under the Unified Pension Scheme. Further, she also talked about laws like RERA that shows the government’s commitment to fulfilling the middle class’ dream of owning a home.
Acknowledging the role of taxpayers in nation-building, Droupadi Murmu said, “my government has simplified tax-related processes. The introduction of faceless assessments has enhanced transparency and reduced tax disputes”.
Women empowerment
The president also hailed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, which provides reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. She also emphasised the success of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which has connected over 10 crore women across the country. These groups have received over Rs 9 lakh crore through bank linkages. “My government has set a goal of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis. Today, over 1.15 crore Lakhpati Didis are leading dignified lives, with about 50 lakh becoming Lakhpati Didis in just the past six months. These women are contributing to their family incomes as entrepreneurs,” she said.
“With the spirit of “Insurance for All,” the Bima Sakhi campaign was launched a few months ago. Our Banking and Digi-Payment Sakhis are playing a crucial role in connecting remote areas with the financial system. Meanwhile, Krishi Sakhis are promoting natural farming, and Pashu Sakhis are strengthening our livestock resources,” the president added.
Employment generation
Lakhs of young people are actively participating in nation-building efforts through the MY Bharat Portal, President Murmu said, while adding that initiatives like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, Stand-Up India, and Digital India have created numerous employment opportunities for the youth. “In the past two years, the government has provided a record 10 lakh permanent government jobs,” she said while highlighting that the government has approved a Rs 2 lakh crore package to enhance skills and create new opportunities for the youth.
Tech focus
Droupadi Murmu also applauded the government’s work towards India’s digital revolution. “Today, India has emerged as a major global player in the field of digital technology. The launch of 5G services in India, alongside other leading nations, stands as a significant milestone in this journey,” she said, while also highlighting India’s success in adopting the UPI technology.