Budget Session 2025: President Murmu lists govt's achievements in address to Parliament

The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on Friday with President Droupadi Murmu's address to a joint sitting of both Houses, in which she outlined the government's achievements and priorities.

"I am elated to address this sitting of Parliament. A couple of months ago we celebrated 75 years of adoption of our Constitution, and a few days ago the Republic of India completed a journey of 75 years. On behalf of all the people, I pay my respects to Babasaheb Ambedkar and all those involved in making of the Constitution," President Murmu said.

Before starting her address, Murmu paid homage to former prime minister Manmohan Singh who passed away recently. She also offered tributes to those who died at the Maha Kumbh.

The President asserted that the government has placed a special focus on the education of youth and creating new employment opportunities for them, adding that efforts are being made towards ‘One Nation, One Election’ and the Waqf Amendment Bill.

Murmu noted that under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the government has decided to provide health insurance to six crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the middle class by promoting home ownership and women-led development.

"My government believes in women-led development in the country...The government aims to have 3 crore 'Lakhpati didi'," she said.

Highlighting the rising participation of women in various sectors, she said, “It is a matter of great pride that today women in large numbers are flying fighter aircraft, joining the police force, and leading corporates. Our daughters are making the country proud by winning Olympic medals.”

She also lauded India’s progress in technology, saying, “Today, our youth is bringing glory to the country in every field—from startups to sports to space. India is showing the way to the world in Artificial Intelligence and the adoption of technology. The India AI Mission has been launched to make the country a global innovation powerhouse.”

Announcing the completion of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project, the President said the NDA government has made record investment in future infrastructure.

"Today, several Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains are being operated. In the last six months, 17 new Vande Bharat trains and one Namo train have been introduced," she said.

Murmu said the government is working towards modernisation and self-reliance in the agriculture sector while focusing on boosting farmers' income.

"Our aim is to achieve modernisation and self-reliance in the agriculture sector," she said, adding that the government is dedicated to ensuring better returns for farmers.

The President noted that last month, Rs 41,000 crore was distributed to millions of farmers under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

She also mentioned the approval of Tribuvan Sahakai University to promote prosperity through cooperatives.

Among key initiatives, Murmu highlighted the approval of a National Mission on Oilseeds to boost production and achieve self-reliance in edible oils.

The Budget Session will be conducted in two phases, from January 31 to April 4. The first part will conclude on February 13, while the second phase will begin on March 10. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.