NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu addressed both Houses of Parliament on Friday, marking the start of the Budget Session. The Union Budget will be presented tomorrow,  1st February 2025.

Her speech began at 11 AM before the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

President Droupadi Murmu, addressing the joint session of Parliament, said the government's commitment to building a modern and self-sufficient agricultural system in India. 

She highlighted the role of digital technology in improving medical services. She said the launch of the U-WIN portal, which helps track vaccination schedules for pregnant women.  So far, about 30 cr vaccine doses have been registered on this platform. She said, telemedicine services have also played a major role in expanding health-care access, with people are getting benefitted from over 30 crore E-tele-consultations.

The Budget Session will be on Live from January 31 to April 4 in multiple phase. The first phase will conclude on February 13, while the second phase will begin on March 10.

Key Highlights from President Murmu’s Speech so far:

• The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will be expanded to provide new homes to an additional three crore families.
• Major decisions have been taken regarding Waqf boards and the One Nation, One Election policy.
• The government is committed to helping the middle class achieve their dream of homeownership.
• Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, six crore senior citizens (aged 70 and above) will receive health insurance.
• The government aims to promote women-led development, with a target of creating three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (financially independent women).
• Young entrepreneurs are excelling in various fields, from startups and sports to space technology.
• Banking and digital payment sakhis are helping people in remote areas access financial services.
• Over 91 lakh self-help groups are being strengthened under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
• Special emphasis is being placed on creating new education and job opportunities for the youth.
• India is striving to become a global innovation hub, and the India AI Mission has been launched to boost artificial intelligence development.
• The government claims its third term has seen work being done three times faster than previous administrations.

President Murmu also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who recently passed away. She also honored those who lost their lives during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.