New Delhi: The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on Friday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses. She began by expressing sorrow over the stampede incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and extended condolences to the victims’ families. She also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away recently.
Speaking on the nation’s progress, President Murmu stated that India is on the path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. She emphasized the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation, highlighting that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty through various welfare schemes. Special focus has been placed on the farmers, women, youth, and the poor, with initiatives aimed at improving their lives.
She noted the expansion of the PM Awas Yojana, aiming to build houses for three crore families, and the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, which now provides health insurance for six crore senior citizens above 70 years. The government is also prioritizing the education sector, offering modern learning systems and new employment opportunities for youth.
Other key highlights included the One Nation-One Election reform, expansion of the India AI Mission, MSME credit guarantee schemes, and India’s upcoming Gaganyaan space mission.
