‘Delighted to address Parliament’: President Murmu sets tone for Budget Session; stresses social justice, security & Viksit Bharat | India News
New Delhi: President Draupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed a joint session of Parliament on the opening day of the 2026-27 budget session, outlining the Union government’s vision for social justice, inclusive growth, national security and the goal of a developed India.The President delivered his address to the members of both the Houses assembled in the Lok Sabha Chamber to mark the opening of the Seventh Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 270th Session of the Rajya Sabha. He said he was “delighted to address Parliament”, recalling that the previous year had been memorable for celebrating India’s rapid progress and rich heritage.
Focus on social justice and inclusion
Emphasizing on social justice, President Murmu said, Babasaheb Ambedkar consistently highlighted the values and equality and social justice enshrined in the Constitution. “Every citizen of the country should get their full rights without any discrimination. My government is committed to true social justice,” he said.He noted that nearly 25 crore people have come out of poverty in the last decade and social security schemes now cover about 95 crore citizens, up from 25 crore in 2014. The President said the government was working “with full sensitivity” for Dalits, backward classes and tribal communities. All together, all development Making a positive impact on the lives of citizens.
National Security and Decisive Response to Terrorism
Regarding national security, President Murmu said India’s response against terrorism will be strong. “The response to all attacks on India will be strong and decisive,” he said. Referring to Operation Sindur, he said, the world has witnessed the valor and operational capability of Sindur. Indian Armed ForcesAdding that India has destroyed terror havens using its own resources.He also said that the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty was part of a larger strategy to fight terrorism and highlighted initiatives like Mission Sudarshan Chakra to strengthen the security architecture. On internal security, he said Maoist violence had come down to just eight out of 126 districts, with nearly 2,000 people belonging to Maoist groups surrendering in the past year.
Economy, reform and development push
The President said the government is succeeding in building a system free from corruption and scams and ensuring proper utilization of public funds. “My government is succeeding in building a system free from corruption and scams,” he said, adding that Rs 6.75 lakh crore was transferred directly to beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer in the last one year.He highlighted the unprecedented investment in modern infrastructure and said the government was moving on a “reforms express”, updating old rules to meet future needs.President Murmu also talked about space achievements, terming astronaut Subhanshu Shukla’s visit to the International Space Station as “the beginning of a historic journey” and said India is working on it with enthusiasm. Gaganyan missionAccording to ANI.Earlier, the President was welcomed and given a guard of honor by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament premises. The budget session will last 65 days in 30 meetings and will end on April 2, with standing committees having a recess from February 13 to March 9 to scrutinize grant demands.
