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Addressing the joint session of Parliament, Hon’ble President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all newly elected members of the 18th Lok Sabha on 27th June,
2024. Emphasising the privilege and responsibility entrusted by the electorate, the President expressed confidence in their dedication to serving the nation with a spirit of ‘Nation First’. The President highlighted the historic scale of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, noting the record voter turnout of 64 crore, particularly applauding the participation from Jammu and Kashmir.
The President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu said that election of 2024 has been an election of trust in policy, intention, dedication and decisions:
–Trust in a strong and decisive Government
–Trust in good governance, stability and continuity
–Trust in honesty and hard work
–Trust in security and prosperity
–Trust in Government’s guarantees and delivery
–Trust in India’s resolve to be Viksit Bharat
–The global significance of India’s stable government, elected with a clear majority for the third consecutive term, was underscored. She highlighted that this has happened after 6 decades. The President emphasised the resolve of Reform, Perform and Transform by the Government and outlined India’s economic achievements, citing its transformation into the world’s fastest-growing economy. She stated that in the last 10 years, India has risen to become 5th largest economy from 11th ranked economy in the world. From 2021 to 2024, India has grown at an average rate of 8% annually. She highlighted that India alone is contributing 15% of the global growth and the Government is striving to make India the 3rd largest economy in the world.
–The President also highlighted that the Government is giving equal importance to all the three pillars of the economy: Manufacturing, Services and Agriculture. PLI schemes and Ease of Doing Business have contributed to increasing investments and employment opportunities on a large scale.
To enable farmers
–To enable farmers to meet their small expenses, more than Rs 3,20,000 crore have been disbursed to them under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. In the initial days of its new term, the Government has transferred an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crore to farmers. The Government has also implemented a record increase in the MSP for Kharif crops. The Government is creating a large network of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperative organisations such as PACS.
–The President highlighted that the future is going to be the Harit Yug or Green Era and the Government strides in green industries, leading to an increase in Green Jobs.
To enable farmers to meet their small expenses, more than Rs 3,20,000 crore have been disbursed to them under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. In the initial days of its new term, the Government has transferred an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crore to farmers
–The President of India highlighted several significant achievements and initiatives undertaken by the Government. India has emerged as the world’s third largest domestic aviation market, marking a substantial growth from 209 airline routes in April 2014 to 605 routes by April 2024. This expansion has notably benefited Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across the country. In 10 years, the Metro has also reached 21 cities.
Under the PM Gram Sadak Yojana, the Government has successfully constructed over 3,80,000 kilometres of village roads in the past decade, enhancing rural
Rashtrapati Ji’s address to both Houses of Parliament presented a roadmap of progress and good governance: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 27 June 2024 remarked that the President’s address to both Houses of Parliament was comprehensive and presented a roadmap of progress and good governance. Shri Modi also shared a link to the text of the President’s address.The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Rashtrapati Ji’s address to both Houses of Parliament was comprehensive and presented a roadmap of progress and good governance. It covered the strides India has been making and also the potential that lies ahead. Her address also mentioned some of the major challenges we have to collectively overcome to ensure a qualitative change in the lives of our citizens.”
connectivity significantly. Additionally, there has been remarkable progress in the development of National Highways and Expressways, with the pace of construction more than doubling.
–In a major economic initiative, a semiconductor plant is underway in Assam, representing an investment of Rs. 27,000 crore. This initiative aims to establish the North-East as a hub for domestically manufactured semiconductors, aligning with the vision of promoting ‘Made in India’ products.
Women-led development
–The Hon’ble President of India highlighted the Government’s steadfast commitment to women-led development and empowerment, marking a new era in the nation’s progress. Recognizing the long-standing demand for increased representation, the enactment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has empowered women by ensuring greater participation in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.
–A comprehensive campaign aimed at transforming 3 crore women into ‘Lakhpati Didis’ has been initiated, supported by enhanced financial assistance to Self Help Groups. This initiative is designed not only to improve economic skills and opportunities but also to elevate the status and respect accorded to women in society.
–The NAMO Drone Didi Scheme stands out as a pivotal initiative contributing to this goal, where women from numerous Self Help Groups are being equipped with drones and trained as Drone Pilots. This innovative approach not only enhances their capabilities but also integrates them into technological advancements, furthering their economic independence. During the last 10 years, majority of the 4 crore PM Awas houses have been allotted to women beneficiaries.
–Additionally, the Government has launched the Krishi Sakhi Initiative to empower women in agriculture. To date, 30 thousand women from Self Help Groups have received Krishi Sakhi Certificates under this initiative, empowering them with essential agricultural skills and resources.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
–The President highlighted several transformative schemes aimed at enhancing living standards and economic opportunities across various segments of society. One of the flagship initiatives, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, seeks to reduce electricity bills to zero while generating income through the sale of surplus electricity. This initiative involves the installation of solar panels on household rooftops, with each family receiving support of up to Rs 78,000 from the Government.
–The President stated that it is because of the implementation of Government Schemes with the saturation approach over the last 10 years that 25 crore Indians have been brought out of poverty. In the difficult times of the Corona pandemic, the Government started PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana to provide free ration to 80 crore persons.
PM JANMAN
–The President stated that the PM JANMAN, with an allocation exceeding Rs 24,000 crore, is dedicated to the socio-economic development of the most underprivileged
tribal communities. It stands as a crucial tool for their upliftment and empowerment.
–The President highlighted that in order to empower disadvantaged groups economically, the Government has launched the PM-SURAJ portal, facilitating access to soft loans. This initiative aims to create livelihood opportunities and improve economic independence among vulnerable communities.
–A commendable effort towards inclusivity, the Government is focusing on developing affordable indigenous assistive devices for persons with disabilities (Divyang). This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and support for Divyang individuals across the country.
–The President also appreciated the Government’s effort in leveraging Digital India and Post Office networks to broaden the coverage of accident and life insurance, ensuring greater financial protection for citizens. The Government is also advancing plans to establish a Digital University, underscoring its commitment to advancing education and technology in the nation. The President stated that In the past 10 years 7 new IITs, 16 IIITs, 7 IIMs, 15 new AIIMS, 315 medical colleges and 390 universities have been established. Moreover, students can take up engineering courses in Indian languages and Programmes like Atal Tinkering Labs, Start-up India and Stand-up India, have helped improve the capacity of youth of the country.
PM SVANidhi-supports street vendors
–Additionally, the President stated that the scope of PM SVANidhi, which supports street vendors, will be extended to include rural and semi-urban areas, further bolstering economic opportunities in these regions.
–Talking of Government’s achievements in the healthcare sector, the President stated that the Government is providing free health services to 55 crore beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The scheme is now expected to cover all elderly above the age of 70 years. The opening of 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country is also progressing at a fast pace.
The scope of PM SVANidhi, which supports street vendors, will be extended to include rural and semi-urban areas, further bolstering economic opportunities in these regions
–Speaking of Public Sector Banks, the President stated that the PSBs have demonstrated robust profitability, surpassing Rs.1.4 lakh crore in profits for 2023-24, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. This financial strength has empowered them to expand credit access, thereby bolstering national economic development. Moreover, GST has become a medium to formalise India’s economy and is helping make business and trade easier than before. For the first time, in the month of April, GST collection has crossed Rs 2 lakh crore. This has also strengthened the states economically.
–Commending the Government’s efforts to enhance self-reliance in the defence sector, the President highlighted the major reform of transforming over 40 Ordnance factories into 7 Defence Sector Enterprises. These reforms have significantly boosted their capacity and efficiency, enabling India to manufacture defence equipment valued at over Rs 1 lakh crore. Moreover, the Government has always given priority to the needs of the personnel in the armed forces and as a result after 4 decades One Rank One Pension has been implemented. Under this, Rs 1,20,000 crore have been disbursed till date.
–Additionally, initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs, Start-up India, and Stand-up India have been instrumental in enhancing the skills and entrepreneurial capabilities of the country’s youth, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Third-largest start-up ecosystem
–The President highlighted that India has now become the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally. To enhance youth participation in nation-building, the Government has launched the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ campaign, with over 1.5 crore youth registered. This initiative aims to develop leadership skills and foster a spirit of service among the youth. The President praised her government’s efforts and highlighted the record number of medals won by young Indian players at global platforms. The President said that the Indian Olympic Association is also preparing to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
–The Government has also commenced granting citizenship to refugees under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), ensuring a dignified life for many families affected by Partition. The President expressed her hope for a better future for these families.
Grand campus of Nalanda University
–The President also stated that while building the future, the Government is re-establishing the splendour and heritage of Indian culture. Recently, a new chapter has been added to it, in the form of the grand campus of Nalanda University.
Nalanda was not just a university, but a testimony to India’s glorious past as a global knowledge hub. The President is confident that the new Nalanda University will help in making India a Global Knowledge Hub. The President also highlighted that her Government started celebrating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas. Moreover, the tradition of celebrating festivals like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ was also initiated by this Government.
The Mother of Democracy
–The President highlighted India’s revered position as the Mother of Democracy globally. She emphasised that the people of India consistently demonstrate trust in democracy and have unwavering faith in electoral institutions, stressing the need to uphold and safeguard this trust to ensure the resilience of India’s robust democratic framework.
The Government is also running a campaign to popularise our coarse grains ‘Shree Anna’ as a super food, across the world. On India’s initiative, the year 2023 was celebrated as the International Year of Millets across the world
–Addressing the rapid advancement of technology, the President acknowledged its potential for misuse, emphasising the critical importance of international cooperation to establish frameworks that prevent such misuse. India has actively voiced these concerns on global platforms, advocating for collective efforts to counteract these challenges and innovate new solutions.
Vishwa-Bandhu
–The President underscored India’s emerging role as a global friend (Vishwa-Bandhu), attributing this to its human-centric approach. India also brought the world together on various issues during her G-20 presidency. It was during India’s presidency that the African Union was made a permanent member of the G-20.
–The Government is also running a campaign to popularise our coarse grains ‘Shree Anna’ as a super food, across the world. On India’s initiative, the year 2023 was celebrated as the International Year of Millets across the world.
–India has gained international confidence as a proactive responder in crises, emerging as a stalwart voice for the Global South. Whether in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to natural disasters, or advocating for peace during conflicts, India has consistently led efforts to safeguard humanity and promote global welfare.
–The President also remembered that the imposition of Emergency on 25th June, 1975, was the biggest and darkest chapter of direct attack on the Constitution. The entire country felt outraged. But the country emerged victorious over such unconstitutional forces as the traditions of the republic lie at the core of India.
Profound regard for the Constitution of India
–The President emphasised her Government’s profound regard for the Constitution of India, stating that it is not merely a governance document but a cornerstone of national consciousness. To foster greater awareness, the Government initiated the celebration of 26th November as Constitution Day, aiming to embed the Constitution deeper into public consciousness. Additionally, the President noted the full integration of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir, previously governed under different conditions due to Article 370.
–Reflecting on the transformative reforms of the past decade and the newfound national confidence, the President spoke of a renewed momentum towards realising India’s vision of becoming a developed nation. She reiterated that this aspiration is shared by every citizen and stressed collective responsibility in overcoming obstacles on this path.
–Invoking India’s ancient wisdom, the President stated, “Samano Mantrah Samitih Samani” and urged the Parliamentarians to work together with a common idea and goal of making India a developed country by 2047.
–Asserting that the 21st century belongs to India, the President envisioned its impact resonating for centuries to come. Urging all citizens to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to their duties, she called for active participation in achieving national goals and fulfilling India’s destiny as a developed nation.