CAA, Paper Leaks, Emergency And More: Key Highlights Of President Droupadi Murmu's Speech In Parliament

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (27 June) addressed the first joint sitting of both the houses of the Parliament after the Lok Sabha elections.

Here are key highlights of the President's address:

India's Global Recognition and Economic Growth

President Murmu remarked on the global attention garnered by India's 2024 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting the stable and clear majority government formed for the third consecutive time.

She praised the government's commitment to economic reform, performance, and transformation, which has propelled India to the fifth-largest economy globally.

"At a time when the aspirations of the people of India are at their highest, the people have shown trust in my government for the third time in a row. The resolve to Reform, Perform, and Transform has made India the fastest-growing economy in the world. In the last ten years, India has risen from the 11th to the 5th largest economy. From 2021 to 2024, India has grown at an average rate of 8 percent," she said.

Balanced Economic Focus and Organic Farming

President Murmu highlighted the government's equal importance to manufacturing, services, and agriculture sectors, promoting investment and job opportunities through PLI schemes and Ease of Doing Business.

She also emphasised the government's efforts to strengthen the supply chain for natural farming, aiming to reduce farming costs and increase farmers' income.

"My government is giving equal importance to the three pillars of the economy - Manufacturing, Services, and Agriculture. PLI schemes and Ease of Doing Business are increasing large-scale investments and job opportunities. Along with traditional sectors, sunrise sectors are also being promoted in mission mode. There is a rapidly growing global demand for organic products. Indian farmers have ample capacity to meet this demand. Therefore, the government is strengthening the supply chain for natural farming and related products. These efforts will reduce the cost of farming and increase farmers' income," she said.

India's Role in Global Solutions and Green Initiatives

President Murmu said that India is being recognised for providing solutions to global challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture.

She underscored the government's commitment to a green era, investing in green industries and energy, creating green jobs, and promoting green mobility.

"The coming time is of the Green Era. My government is taking every necessary step for this. We are increasing investment in green industries, leading to an increase in Green Jobs. Whether it is Green Energy or Green Mobility, we are working with big goals on every front," she said.

Expansion of Infrastructure and Domestic Aviation Market

President Murmu emphasised the government's efforts in infrastructure development, noting the construction of over 380,000 km of rural roads under the PM Gram Sadak Yojana and significant improvements in national highways and expressways.

She also highlighted the expansion of India's domestic aviation market, which has become the third-largest in the world, benefiting tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

"India today has the world's third-largest domestic aviation market. In April 2014, India had only 209 airline routes. By April 2024, this number has increased to 605. The expansion in air travel is directly benefiting tier-2 and tier-3 cities," she added.

Development in North-East India

President Murmu also noted the enhanced connectivity and development in North-East India across various sectors, including education, healthcare, tourism, and employment, with a major semiconductor plant being established in Assam.

"Connectivity in the North-East is being enhanced in every way. Development works are progressing in every field, including education, healthcare, tourism, and employment. A semiconductor plant is being established in Assam at a cost of 27,000 crore rupees, making the North-East a center for Made in India chips," she said.

Women Empowerment and Self-Help Groups

The President also spoke about the government's initiatives for women-led development, including the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act to increase women's participation in Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies.

She also emphasised the comprehensive campaign to make 3 crore women 'Lakhpati Didis' by supporting self-help groups with financial aid to enhance their skills, income, and respect.

"My government has launched a comprehensive campaign to make 3 crore women 'Lakhpati Didis'. For this, financial assistance to self-help groups is being increased. The government's effort is to enhance women's skills, increase their income sources, and raise their respect," she said.

Solar Energy Initiatives

President Murmu also spoke about the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to install solar panels on rooftops, providing free electricity and enabling families to earn by selling surplus energy.

"My government has brought a plan to zero electricity bills and earn by selling electricity. Under the PM Suryaghar Mukt Bijli Yojana, solar panels are being installed on rooftops. For this, my government is providing up to 78,000 rupees per family," she said.

Upliftment of Tribal Communities

President Murmu highlighted the PM-Janman scheme and PM Suraj Portal, which are providing livelihood opportunities and easy loans to backward tribal communities, along with developing affordable assistive devices for the differently-abled.

"The PM-Janman scheme, with over 24,000 crore rupees, is uplifting highly backward tribal groups. Through the PM Suraj Portal, the government is making livelihood opportunities and easy loans available to deprived sections. My government is also developing affordable and indigenous assistive devices for our differently-abled brothers and sisters," she said.

Expansion of Insurance Coverage

The President also noted the expansion of accident and life insurance coverage through Digital India and the postal network, extending PM Swaminidhi to rural and semi-urban street vendors.

"Using the Digital India and postal network, the government is expanding accident and life insurance coverage. PM Swaminidhi will be extended, bringing rural and semi-urban street vendors under its scope," she said.

Emergency Was A Big Attack On Constitution

While addressing the joint sitting of the Parliament today, President Droupadi Murmu remembered the Emergency period and called it as a big attack on Constitution.

Paper Leaks and Fair Probe

In her address to a joint session of both Houses, President Droupadi Murmu emphasised the ongoing investigations into paper leaks and exam irregularities at a high level, urging a departure from partisan politics.

She underscored the importance of sanctity and transparency in government recruitments and examinations, stressing these points in Parliament.

“The Centre prioritises providing equal opportunities to all aspiring candidates. My government is dedicated to conducting fair investigations and ensuring that those responsible for paper leaks are duly punished,” she said.

Wish Better future for families receiving citizenship under CAA

The President also wished a better future for families who have received citizenship under the CAA.

“My Government has started giving citizenship to refugees under the CAA law. I wish a better future for the families who have received citizenship under CAA," she said.

Strengthening Public Sector Banks

President Murmu highlighted the strength and profitability of public sector banks, enabling them to expand their lending base and contribute to national economic growth.

"Our public sector banks are now strong and profitable. In 2023-24, the profit of public sector banks exceeded 1.4 lakh crore rupees, an increase of 35 percent compared to the previous year. The strength of our banks enables them to expand their loan base and contribute to the nation's economic growth," she said.

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