Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
In her momentous address to a joint session of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu outlined a bold and ambitious vision for India's future. As the nation embarks on a new chapter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, President Murmu highlighted key initiatives and achievements that reflect India's growing global stature, domestic progress, and unwavering commitment to democracy.
Free treatment to all aged above 70 years
President Droupadi Murmu addresses the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 27, 2024. All citizens aged above 70 years will be provided free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, President Droupadi Murmu said. The opening of 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country is also progressing at a fast pace, she said while addressing the joint sitting of Parliament.
Citizenship Amendment Act
President Droupadi Murmu takes salute of her bodyguards at Rashtrapati Bhavan before leaving for the Parliament to address a joint sitting of both Houses, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 27, 2024. Highlighting the government's commitment to addressing the aftermath of the Partition, President Murmu praised the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) for providing Indian nationality to many families who had suffered for decades. This legislative measure, she noted, has granted these individuals the dignity and stability they long sought.
Remembering the Emergency
President Droupadi Murmu with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Parliament House complex before her address to the joint sitting of of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 27, 2024. Reflecting on the historical context, President Murmu labelled the 1975 Emergency as the "darkest chapter" in India's democratic journey. She lauded the nation's resilience in overcoming such unconstitutional challenges, emphasising the strength of India's democratic fabric.
Jammu and Kashmir
President Droupadi Murmu along with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar proceeds to address the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the high voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir in the Lok Sabha elections and said Kashmir has given a befitting reply to the enemies of India by breaking polling records of many decades. Murmu also said the Constitution has fully come into force in Jammu and Kashmir where things were different earlier due to Article 370.
Paper leaks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers J P Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and Jitan Ram Manjhi during President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 27, 2024. The government’s firm stance on recent examination paper leaks was also a point of emphasis. President Murmu assured that comprehensive investigations are underway and that those responsible will be held accountable, advocating for a united front against such malpractices beyond partisan politics.
Budget
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and others during President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of the Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 27, 2024. Looking ahead, President Murmu promised that the upcoming budget would include significant economic and social reforms aimed at accelerating India's growth. She highlighted the government's belief in fostering healthy competition among states to attract investment, signaling a dynamic approach to national development.
Bullet trains
Members stand for the national anthem after President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 27, 2024. The government’s ambitious plans for high-speed rail networks were also highlighted. President Murmu announced feasibility studies for new bullet train corridors across the north, south, and east of India. Progress on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor was described as rapid, signaling a significant leap forward in India's transportation infrastructure.
Call for constructive politics
Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah during President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 27, 2024. In a candid statement, President Murmu distinguished between opposing policies and obstructing Parliament. She urged all MPs to prioritize the nation's aspiration to become a developed country, stressing that partisan politics should not hinder the country's progress.
India’s leadership on the global stage
Congress MPs Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi during President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of the Parliament, in New Delhi, Thursday, June 27, 2024. Reflecting on India's growing global influence, President Murmu pointed to the nation's pivotal role in global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. She noted that India's tenure as G-20 president not only addressed numerous global issues but also welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G-20, showcasing India's inclusive approach to international relations.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
President Murmu underscored the transformative potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), calling it one of the 21st century's most significant initiatives. She emphasised that the shifting global order and India's proactive diplomacy are positioning the nation as a "Vishwa-Bandhu" or friend of the world, boosting global confidence in India's leadership.
