By: Aditya Ahuja
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday addressed the joint sitting of Parliament, her first presidential address after the formation of the third National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. She assured the nation of significant socio-economic and historic decisions in the upcoming budget session.
“A stable government with a complete majority has been formed in the country after six decades. People have shown trust in this government for the third time. They are aware that only this government can fulfill their aspirations. The 18th Lok Sabha is historic in many ways. This Lok Sabha was formed in the early years of the Amrit Kaal and will also witness the 56th year of the adoption of the Constitution of the country,” the President said.
“In the upcoming sessions, this government will present the first budget of this term. This budget will be an effective document of the government’s far-reaching policies and futuristic vision. Along with major economic and social decisions, many historic steps will also be seen in this budget.”
Focus on Peace and Development in the Northeast
The President emphasized the government’s commitment to lasting peace in the North East, noting that several long-standing issues have been addressed over the past decade.
She mentioned that every kind of connectivity is being enhanced in the North East, with development work being carried forward in every sector, including education, health, tourism, and employment. She highlighted that a semiconductor plant is being built in Assam at a cost of Rs 27 thousand crores, positioning the North East as a center for Made in India chips.
Socio-economic measures and Women’s Empowerment
In her address to Parliament, President Murmu highlighted the government’s efforts towards making India the third-largest economy in the world.
“Despite a pandemic and conflicts in different parts of the world, India has been able to achieve this growth rate. This became possible due to the reforms and decisions taken in the national interest over the last decade. Today, India contributes to 15 percent of global growth. My government is working towards making India the third-largest economy in the world,” she said.
Women’s Reservation Bill
Highlighting the Women’s Reservation Bill, President Murmu said, “The women’s power of the country has been demanding more participation in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha for a long time. Today, they have the power of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. My government, dedicated to development, has ushered in a new era of women’s empowerment.”
NEET-UG Examination Irregularities
Referring to the irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, President Murmu assured that the government is committed to a fair investigation of recent paper leaks and stringent punishment for those found guilty.
CAA
The President highlighted the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the government’s efforts to restore India’s heritage and culture.
“My government has started granting citizenship to refugees under the CAA. I wish a better future for the families who have received citizenship under this law. My government is re-establishing the heritage and culture of India while building for the future,” she said.
“Recently, a new chapter has been added in the form of the Vocational Campus of Nalanda University. Nalanda was not just a university; it was proof of India’s glorious past as a center of basic knowledge. I am confident that the new Nalanda University will prove helpful in making India a global knowledge hub.”
Looking back at 1975 Emergency
Criticizing the implementation of the Emergency under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, President Murmu said, “The Emergency was the darkest chapter of the direct attack on the Constitution. The entire country plunged into chaos during the Emergency, but the nation emerged victorious against such unconstitutional powers.”
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Highlighting the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, President Murmu said that this campaign has improved the dignity and health of the poor, making these issues a national priority.
“My government is developing affordable and indigenous assistive devices for our differently-abled brothers and sisters. My government is integrating social security schemes for workers. Efforts are underway to increase the coverage of accident and life insurance using Digital India and the network of post offices”, the President said.
“Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the dignity of the poor and their health have been made a matter of national importance. For the first time, toilets have been built for millions of poor people in the country. These efforts reflect that the country is truly following Mahatma Gandhi’s vision.”