On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to the joint sitting of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session, highlighed the government’s commitment to economic growth, social justice, and technological advancements. While speaking from the Lok Sabha chamber, she emphasised the impact of various government initiatives, paying tribute to lives lost in the Mahakumbh festival stampede and former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
Welfare and Governance Initiatives
Talking about the government’s commitment to social welfare, President Murmu stated, “Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, it has been decided to provide health insurance to six crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above.” She also underscored the establishment of 1.75 lakh ‘Arogya Mandirs’ to ensure healthcare access nationwide.
To address rising cancer cases, she announced that the government has waived customs duties on several cancer medicines. She reiterated the government’s focus on governance reforms, saying, “Government has taken big decisions on issues such as Waqf boards and One Nation, One Election.”
Technological Advancements and Space Exploration
President Murmu underscored India’s growing prominence in the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors.
“Our aim is to make India a global innovation powerhouse. In the area of artificial intelligence, India AI Mission has been started.” She highlighted the nation’s advancements in digital transactions, saying, “Today, India is making its presence felt as a major global player in the field of digital technology. Developed nations of the world are also impressed with the success of India’s UPI transactions system.”
On space exploration, the President appreciated India’s ambitious human spaceflight mission, stating, “That day is not far when India will launch its own human space flight Gaganyaan.”
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Infrastructure development was a key theme in her address. She announced the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, saying, “Now the country will be connected by railway line from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”
Agriculture and Climate Resilience
Focusing on rural and agricultural development, President Murmu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to farmers. “My government is working dedicatedly to provide fair prices to the farmers for their crops and to increase their income.”
She introduced a climate resilience initiative, saying, “For a weather-ready and climate-smart India, my government has started ‘Mission Mausam’ at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore, which will also benefit our farmers.”
Regional Development and Security
President Murmu underscored the government’s focus on Northeast and Eastern India. She said, “In order to enable the entire country to see the potential of the eight States of the North East, the first Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav was organised”.
She further added, “Along with the development of the North-East, the government has started working on the action plan for ‘Purvodaya’ i.e. all-round development of the eastern States of the country, which will also provide new employment opportunities.”
Security and border development were also emphasised. The President said, “We have taken historic actions to protect the country’s borders and ensure internal security. We have moved from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Make for the World’. Due to this, new employment opportunities are also being created in the country.
She highlighted key infrastructure projects like the Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel, and Sonamarg Tunnel, which have bolstered both defence and tourism.
India’s Global Standing
President Murmu reflected on India’s diplomatic and economic rise amid global uncertainties. She said, “In a time of global instability, India is presenting an example to the world by becoming a pillar of economic, social and political stability. Be it G7 Summit, Quad, BRICS, SCO or G20, the whole world has expressed confidence in India’s capabilities, policies and intentions”.
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