President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday, marking her first address to the 18th Lok Sabha since its formation. Her speech highlighted key priorities and achievements of the government, encapsulating critical issues ranging from the upcoming budget to national security and social welfare.
In her address, President Murmu emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people, particularly through the forthcoming Union Budget, which she described as a “futuristic document” aimed at fast-tracking reforms. She underscored the budget’s significance in documenting far-reaching policies and a forward-looking vision, promising significant economic and social decisions.
Addressing concerns over the NEET UG exam paper leak and irregularities in examinations, President Murmu called for bipartisan support in ensuring transparency and integrity in government recruitments and examinations. She condemned divisive forces aiming to undermine democracy, referencing historical challenges like the Emergency as direct assaults on constitutional values.
Turning to agricultural reforms, the President highlighted the government’s support for farmers, citing substantial financial aid under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme and increased Minimum Support Prices for Kharif crops. She also praised India’s capability to meet global demand for organic products and emphasized efforts to integrate natural farming into the supply chain.
Regarding national security, President Murmu stressed the ongoing reform efforts within the Armed Forces to maintain readiness. She highlighted initiatives leveraging Digital India and the postal network to expand accident and life insurance coverage, alongside measures to strengthen banks and enhance their role in economic growth.
On the socio-political front, the President noted advancements under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the empowerment of women through legislation on reservation in legislative bodies. She reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, aiming to extend the benefits of government schemes to every citizen.
In addressing regional disparities, President Murmu outlined significant increases in budget allocations for the northeast over the past decade, emphasizing connectivity improvements under the Act East Policy. She highlighted efforts to resolve longstanding issues and gradually repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in areas experiencing unrest.
While the President’s address received attention and support from many quarters of Parliament, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chose to boycott the session, citing concerns over governmental actions and judicial processes affecting its leadership. Despite this, President Murmu’s address set the tone for legislative priorities and governmental commitments in the current parliamentary session. Overall, President Droupadi Murmu’s speech underscored a comprehensive agenda aimed at advancing economic growth, ensuring national security, and promoting social inclusivity, setting the stage for parliamentary deliberations and policy actions in the coming months.
