The budget session of the Parliament has started today 31 January. The President of India Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint session of both the Houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Let us tell you that after the end of the President’s address, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025-26 tomorrow, 1 February.
At the beginning of her speech, President Murmu expressed her happiness in addressing the Parliament, noting that India’s Constitution has completed 75 years. The President mentioned the Mahakumbh and paid tribute to the people killed in the stampede there. She also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Key Highlights of President Droupadi Murmu’s Address
3 Crore Families to Receive Housing
The President said that today the country is seeing the decisions being implemented. In this, priority is being given to the poor, women, youth etc. It has been decided to provide houses to 3 crore families. The government has issued more than 2 crore svamitva card under the svamitva scheme for the population in the village. An amount of 41 thousand crores has been distributed under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. A provision of 80 thousand crores has also been made for tribal people. The President said that natural farming is being promoted and our livestock is getting stronger.
Ayushman Bharat & Rural Road Connectivity
The President said that under the Ayushman Yojana, a provision of Rs 5 lakh has been made every year for the treatment of elderly people above 70 years of age. The youth will get internships in 500 top companies, which will open avenues of employment for them. A provision of 70 thousand crores has been made to connect 25 thousand settlements under the PM Gram Sadak Yojana.
Vision for a Developed India
The President outlined the government’s ambitious vision for making India a developed nation, highlighting several achievements:
- 17 new Vande Bharat trains and one Namo Bharat train launched in the past six months.
- Steps taken towards One Nation, One Election to streamline governance.
- India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy soon.
- Major schemes like 12 crore toilets under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Ujjwala Yojana cylinders have empowered the underprivileged, helping 25 crore people rise above poverty.
- Formation of the 8th Pay Commission to revise salaries for government employees.
- Laws like RERA and affordable housing subsidies to help the middle class achieve home ownership.
- Udaan Yojana has enabled 1.5 crore Indians to fly for the first time.
Empowering Women through Reservation & Self-Help Groups
The President said that reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha under the Nari Shakti Vandan Act is a big step. Women have been strengthened under self-help groups. 10 crore women have been added to self-help groups. More than 1 crore lakhpati didis have been created in the country and the target is to take it to 3 crore. Drone Didi Yojana has also been started. Daughters are flying fighter planes and leading companies. Our daughters are bringing medals in the Olympics today and increasing the pride of the country.
Advancing Education & Youth Development
The President stated that over the past decade, our youth have brought honor to the nation, even in the field of space, and are actively contributing to nation-building. In the last two years, 2 lakh permanent jobs have been given. The government has approved a package of two lakh crores for the youth. One of which is the internship scheme. India is showing the way to the world in terms of AI and digital technology. The government is making arrangements for modern education for students. Education is being imparted in the mother tongue, and exams are being taken in the mother tongue. The number of higher education institutes has increased in the last decade.
Space & Scientific Innovation
The President said that an Indian would go to space through Gaganyaan built by India. India has made the way to its space station easy. ISRO has completed 100 launches and installed satellites. National Sports University has been established. India has also won the chess championship. Facilities for sports of the disabled have also been increased. An institute has been established under Rs 50,000 crore to promote research. India Mission AI has been started in the field of AI.
Strengthening the Economy & Digital Growth
The President said that the government has worked to strengthen the economy. The stability shown by the Indian economy after the COVID situation and war-like situations is an example of its strength. Under Make in India, Make in India logos are also visible on big brands. Small entrepreneurs are getting self-employment opportunities. MSME is being promoted. Under the Mudra scheme, the loan has been increased from 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs. Loans, insurance, credit cards, etc. are easily available to everyone. Street vendors are getting the benefit of the Swanidhi scheme. Small businesses in the country are getting equal opportunities to grow. Today India is a major global player in the field of technology. The launch of 5G is an example of this. Developed countries are also impressed by UPI. More than 50 percent of digital payments are happening in India. From big people to small shopkeepers, everyone is taking advantage of this.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Massive infrastructure investments have taken place, increasing the budget from ₹2 lakh crore to ₹11 lakh crore. Record investments have been made in highways, bridges, and metro expansion:
- Chenab Bridge completed—a key connectivity milestone.
- Delhi Metro expanded from 200 km (2014) to over 400 km.
- The number of airports has doubled, boosting air travel.
- Kashmir to Kanyakumari will soon be seamlessly connected through improved infrastructure.
Healthcare & Medical Advancements
The President said that it is the government’s goal to provide affordable and quality health facilities to every section of society. One lakh 75 thousand Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been built. Medicines for cancer patients have been exempted from customs. 9 crore women have been screened for cervical cancer. Cases of brain fever have reduced. The number of TB patients has reduced, let us all contribute to making India TB-free. 75 thousand new seats have been created in medical colleges.
Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
The President said that continuous work is being done to increase the income of farmers. 332 million tonnes of grain has been produced. India is the largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices. MSP of Rabi and Kharif crops has been increased. Biofertilizer has been promoted. Work has been done to strengthen agricultural infrastructure. Work has been done to promote oilseeds. Parks have been established to promote fisheries. India has started Mission Mausam which will benefit farmers. Following the mission of Baba Ambedkar, work is being done to provide water to the people. The people of MP-UP have benefited from the Ken-Betwa Link Yojana at 40 thousand crores. An additional amount of thousands of crores has been approved for the Polavaram irrigation project.
Empowering Tribal Communities
The President said that when we talk about the development of the nation, we are talking about the contribution of the citizens of the nation. The deprived and poor tribals of the country are getting benefits and they are the priority. Many schemes have been started for this. Lakhs of children are being educated in Eklavya model residential schools. 30 new medical colleges have opened in tribal areas. The 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda is being celebrated as Tribal Pride Day across the country.
Development of the Northeast & Andaman-Nicobar
The President said that the government has worked for the states of the North East and has ended the distance between their hearts. Many peace agreements have been signed and work has been done to connect people. Work has been started on the development plan for the eastern states. Many schemes have also been started in Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
After the removal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a new environment of development has been created. Lok Sabha and Assembly elections have been conducted peacefully in the state. People deserve congratulations on this. The President said that if we move forward together, our future generations will see a developed and prosperous India in 2047.