6 hours Ago By TOI News Desk
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said that the "third term of the current administration is operating at three times the speed of previous governments," while addressing a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, marking the beginning of the 2025 Budget session. "The third term of the government is witnessing work at thrice the speed of previous administrations. The government has taken big decisions on issues such as Waqf boards and One Nation, One Election," President Murmu said.
"Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the government decided to provide health insurance to six crore citizens aged 70 years and above. The government has placed special focus on education of youth and creating new employment opportunities for them," she added. Prior to her address, President Murmu offered condolences for former prime minister Manmohan Singh 's recent passing.
"A few days earlier we lost former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He served the nation as prime minister for ten years and was also a part of the parliament for a long time. I pay respect to Dr.
Singh," she said. "Today the country is witnessing big decisions being taken in a swift manner. In these decisions, women, youths, middle class and farmers are getting primary attention," she added.
The President also offered tributes to those who died at the Maha Kumbh, stating that, "The historic Maha Kumbh is also going on in the country. Mahakumbh is a festival of India's cultural identity and social enlightment. Crores of devotees have already taken the holy dip in Mahakumbh.
I express grief over the incident that happened in the Mouni Amavaasya. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured." Arriving at Parliament in a traditional six-horse ceremonial buggy, she was escorted by the Presidential bodyguard.
Upon arrival, she began her address following the national anthem. The President was welcomed at the Parliament premises by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, with an official also present carrying the ‘Sengol’, a cultural symbol adopted by the government. During her address at the start of the Budget session, President Murmu emphasised the government's commitment to enhancing youth education and creating new employment opportunities.
She said that her government's guiding principle is "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas." "Two months ago, we celebrated the 75 years of adopting our constitution and a few days ago, we completed our journey of 75 years..
. On behalf of all Indians, I bow down to Babasaheb Ambedkar and all others in the Constitution Committee," the president said. "My government has taken strong steps to provide Awaas through Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojna.
The government has also decided to provide 3 crores more houses under this scheme. My government is committed to fulfilling the dream of the middle class of having their own house," she continued. "Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, it has been decided to provide health insurance to six crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
Every year they will get a health cover of 5 lakh rupees," she added. Following the President's address, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey ahead of the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha at 12 noon and in the Rajya Sabha at 2 PM. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.
Prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, under the supervision of the Chief Economic Adviser, the Economic Survey offers insights into the current state of the economy, key indicators for 2024-25, and an outlook for the next fiscal year..
