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The budget session of Parliament formally began with President Draupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of both the Houses. In his address, the President described the past year as a year of India’s rapid progress and celebration of cultural heritage (Budget Session). He said that he is happy to address this session of Parliament and the last year was full of many historic achievements for the country.

President Murmu said in his address that 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ is being celebrated across the country. Citizens are paying tribute to the composer of the national anthem, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, for this great inspiration. He congratulated the MPs for the special discussion on this topic in Parliament.

He said that the country celebrated the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, and 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with full respect and national spirit. These events further strengthened the spirit of ‘One India, Best India’. Referring to the birth anniversary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, the President said that it bound the entire country in the thread of music and unity.

President Murmu said that the government has brought ‘Developed India-Village Law’ to give impetus to rural employment and development. Under this law, a provision has been made to guarantee 125 days of employment in rural areas. As soon as this announcement was mentioned, the ruling party MPs thumped the table in support, while the opposition MPs stood up in protest and demanded withdrawal of the law.

Speaking on social justice, the President said that the government is working with full sensitivity for the Dalits, backward classes, tribals and all sections of the society. The effect of the policy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is now visible in the lives of every citizen of the country. He said that in the year 2014, while the benefits of social security schemes were limited to only 25 crore people, today about 95 crore Indians are benefiting from these schemes.

The President said that with the year 2026, India has entered the second phase of this century. The country has made many achievements in the last 25 years and a strong foundation has been laid in every sector in the last 10–11 years. This time is an important stage to move towards a developed India.

Speaking on internal security, President Draupadi Murmu said that due to the policies of the government, decisive action has been taken against Maoist terrorism. He said that where once 126 districts were affected by Maoist violence, today the problem has been limited to only 8 districts. In the last one year, about 2000 Maoists have surrendered and peace has returned to the lives of lakhs of citizens. He expressed confidence that the day is not far when Maoist terrorism will be completely eliminated from the country.

It is noteworthy that when the President reached Parliament, he was welcomed by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The President was also given a guard of honor in the Parliament complex.