The President of India Droupadi Murmu The President of India Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint sitting of both houses of the Parliament on Friday, officially signalling the start of this year’s Budget session. Murmu, in her address, appreciated the union government’s efforts to end “policy paralysis” and lauded the use of digital technology as a tool for social justice and equality.
Murmu was welcomed to the Parliament premises by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, accompanied by an official carrying the ceremonial Sengol.
The president headlined the opening session by offering tributes to those who lost their lives at the Mahakumbh this week and paying homage to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024.
Expressing delight at the “speed” of the new term of government, President Murmu underlined the government’s decision to expand the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to provide new homes to 3 crore additional families.
(File) The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, attends the Navy Day celebration at Puri, Odisha on December 4, 2024 | Official source
Murmu also highlighted the Ayushman Bharat scheme (health insurance to senior citizens) and increased focus on education and employment. She said the Centre recognised the contribution of the middle class to the nation.
Speaking of the growth of technology in India, the president said that the government was working towards ensuring cyber security implementation in an efficient manner. Murmu stressed how digital fraud, cybercrime, and deepfake pose a challenge to social, economic and national security.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman | PTI
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman would table The Economic Survey 2024-2025 later on January 31, Friday, ahead of the Union Budget presentation on Saturday. Sensex and Nifty gained in morning trade on the buzz surrounding the budget, among other factors.
