As the budget Session of the Parliament began today with President Draupadi Murmu’s speech in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, here are the top ten quotes from the president’s address in the parliament.
The president listed out the achievements of the government in the past year which included maintaining an economic growth rate of over 7.5 per cent for two consecutive quarters, India’s first hoisting of flag on the southern pole of the Moon, launching of the Aditya Mission, G-20 Summit, winning of 100 medals in Asian Games, arrival of the Atal Setu as largest sea-bridge, Namo Bharat train and the first Amrit Bharat train, 5G rollout and the giving government jobs to lacks.
The president then talked about the key legislation undertaken in the past 10 years. Replacing the old criminal justice system, the nation has got a new Nyaya Sanhita based on the principle of ‘Justice First’, the president said. The president went on to say the abrogation of Article 370, enactment of a law against triple talaq, the law to grant citizenship to persecuted minorities from our neighbouring countries, implementation of One Rank One Pension and so on.
Talking about economic growth, the president said that India’s exports have increased from about $450 billion to more than $775 billion. Sales of Khadi and Village Industries products have increased by more than 4 times and the Income Tax Return has increased from about 3.25 crores to about 8.25 crores, she said
Talking that the government believes in the contribution of wealth creators and believes in the capabilities of India’s private sector, the president said that there has been improvement in Ease of Doing Business.
The president said that along with the creation of digital India, there have been record investments in the physical infrastructure. Nearly 3.75 lakh kilometres of new roads have been built in the villages. She also spoke about Vande Bharat trains, Metro facilities and so on.
The president further said that the government’s edifice of developed Bharat will be based on four pillars: youth power, women power, farmers and poor, adding some schemes taken to address these pillars” concerns.
The president also spoke about the government’s efforts to strengthen the Nari Shakti, with schemes such as Self-help groups, Lakhpati Didis, NAMO Drone Didi, and maternity leave. The president added the schemes taken by the government for the farmers such as PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and the Grain Storage plan.
Talking about the result of the government measures to counter-terrorism, the president noted that there is a sense of security in Jammu and Kashmir, reduced separatism in the North East and a decline in Naxal violence.
Talking about the adoption of a green economy, the president said that In 10 years, non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity has increased from 81 Gigawatt to 188 Gigawatt. The president also talked about the growth of tourism in the country.
The president concluded her first speech at the new parliament saying that she has faith that this new Parliament House will continue to give strength to India’s aspirational journey and create new and healthy traditions.