The Budget session of Parliament, marking the culmination of the current tenure of the Modi government, commenced today with the President's address to a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
President Droupadi Murmu delivered her speech in the newly inaugurated Parliament building, highlighting the achievements and milestones of the Indian government over the past year.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the vote on accounts on Thursday, setting the tone for deliberations on the country's financial roadmap. The Budget session, spanning eight sittings, is slated to conclude on February 9.
In her address, President Murmu reflected upon India's significant accomplishments, including the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, the nation's ascent to the fifth largest economy globally, the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, and India's hosting of the G20 Summit.
"India's achievements over the past year have been nothing short of remarkable. From becoming the fastest-growing economy to reaching the southern pole of the Moon, our nation has left an indelible mark on the global stage. The successful hosting of the G20 Summit further solidified India's position as a key player in international affairs. Additionally, our athletes' outstanding performance in the Asian Games, securing over 100 medals, showcased our country's sporting prowess. Let's not forget the monumental feat of constructing the Atal Tunnel, a demonstration of our nation's engineering skills and determination," President Murmu proudly declared.
She emphasized the transformative initiatives of 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' asserting their pivotal role in reinforcing India's strengths.
President Murmu lauded the defence sector for surpassing the Rs 1 trillion mark in production.
Acknowledging the strides made, the President attributed the success of the past year to the sustained efforts and practices of the preceding decade.
She remarked, "The achievements that we see today are the extension of the practices of the last 10 years. We have heard the slogan of 'Gareebi Hatao' since our childhood. Today, for the first time in our lives, we see poverty being alleviated on a large scale."
Reflecting on the significance of the new Parliament building, President Murmu expressed confidence in its ability to foster meaningful policy discussions and uphold democratic traditions.
She remarked, "This grand building was built at the beginning of the Amrit Kaal. This has the fragrance of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat', this also has the resolve to honour democratic and parliamentary traditions. Besides this, it also has the resolve to build new traditions of the new India of the 21st century."
The ceremonial Sengol, symbolizing auspicious beginnings, was carried into the Parliament with the President's arrival and installed in her presence.
President Murmu also emphasized the government's commitment to promoting sports and empowering youth, citing initiatives such as "Mera Bharat Yuva Sanghathan."
She highlighted India's evolving role on the global stage, portraying the government as a proactive and inclusive participant in international affairs. She noted India's emergence as a voice for the Global South and its proactive engagement in forums like the G20, showcasing a broadening scope of diplomacy that involves public participation.
President Murmu not only outlined the achievements of the past year but also emphasized the importance of carrying forward the government's vision of "Viksit Bharat".
She brought to the fore the need for collective action to ensure that the legacy and vision of a developed India are realized, even if those in the present may not be around to witness it firsthand.
In her concluding remarks, she asserted "We won't be here in 2047 to witness the legacy and vision of our India. But our legacy should be that the future generations remember us," President Murmu remarked, elevating the responsibility of the current generation to lay the foundation for a prosperous and developed India for future generations.
Follow us
