Budget Session 2025: Key highlights from President Murmu's address to joint Parliament session

Key Highlights from President Droupadi Murmu’s Address

On January 31, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu delivered her speech in the joint session (Article 108) of Parliament, outlining the government’s achievements and key priorities ahead of the Economic Survey tabling and Union Budget 2025 presentation.

• India’s Growing Cultural Leadership:

  • Global Recognition: India has made significant strides in becoming a global leader in cultural diplomacy.
  • President Murmu acknowledged India’s increasing role in humanitarian efforts and disaster relief, positioning the country as a ‘Vishwabandhu’ (global friend).
  • Natural Calamities Assistance: India has been actively extending help to countries affected by natural calamities and continues to enhance its international presence.

• Technological Advancements:

  • Digital Technology: India has emerged as a major global player in the digital technology space.
  • Artificial Intelligence: The government has launched the India AI Mission, aiming to position India at the forefront of AI development and research globally.

Infrastructure Development: Transportation & Connectivity

President Murmu highlighted the country’s progress in various infrastructure sectors:

• Railway Network:

  • India’s railway network continues to expand, with a focus on connecting remote areas.
  • The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link is a significant project connecting Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.

• Metro Connectivity:

  • India’s metro network has crossed the 1,000 km milestone, expanded urban connectivity and eased public transportation in cities.

• Aviation:

  • India’s aviation sector has seen significant growth, with airlines placing orders for 1,700 new aircraft, indicating a booming demand for air travel and contributing to the aviation industry’s expansion.

Self-Reliance in Defense: Aatmanirbharta

President Murmu praised the government’s push for self-reliance in defense under the Aatmanirbharta initiative:

• Indigenous Defense Projects:

  • In January 2025, the Indian Navy commissioned three indigenously built defense platforms:
    • INS Nilgiri (a warship)
    • INS Surat (a warship)
    • INS Vaghsheer (a submarine)
  • This marks a significant step toward reducing defense imports and improving India’s defense capabilities.

Welfare Schemes for the Middle Class and Empowering Women

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):

  • The government’s focus remains on affordable housing, aiming to fulfill the middle class’ dream of homeownership through PMAY.
  • The program continues to provide financial assistance for constructing homes in urban and rural areas.

• Ayushman Bharat:

  • Aimed at providing health insurance to 6 crore senior citizens (aged 70 and above), Ayushman Bharat is a key initiative to ensure health security for the elderly, particularly for vulnerable populations.

• Women’s Empowerment:

  • Lakhpati Didi is a program focused on empowering women by providing them the opportunity to become entrepreneurs, with a target of creating 3 crore women entrepreneurs.
  • PM Ujwala Yojana: The government continues to provide LPG gas connections to women from economically weaker households, helping to reduce indoor air pollution and empowering women.

• Jal Jeevan Mission:

  • Aiming to provide safe drinking water to rural households, this mission continues to expand its coverage, improving public health and hygiene.

• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (KISAN):

  • The government provides direct income support to farmers, ensuring financial security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

India’s Growth Trajectory: Towards Becoming the 3rd Largest Economy

• India’s Economic Ambition:

  • President Murmu highlighted India’s journey to become the world’s third-largest economy, driven by a combination of domestic growth initiatives, foreign investments, and policy reforms aimed at fostering long-term economic sustainability.
• Economic Leadership: India's growing economic strength is also attributed to robust policy measures, government schemes, and a thriving manufacturing sector, which is bolstered by initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Government's Fast-Paced Work in Its Third Term

• Acceleration of Government Initiatives:

  • In her speech, President Murmu stated that the third term of the current government has seen a remarkable acceleration in governance.
  • She emphasized that the administration is working at three times the speed of previous governments, with policies and projects being implemented more efficiently.

Key Schemes and Initiatives for the Middle Class

In her speech, President Murmu highlighted the following government schemes aimed at supporting the middle class and economic growth:

1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – Affordable housing for all.
2. Ayushman Bharat – Health insurance for senior citizens (age 70+).
3. Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik (UDAAN) – Affordable air travel for the common man.
4. PM Ujwala Yojana – LPG gas connections for women from low-income households.
5. Jal Jeevan Mission – Providing clean drinking water to rural areas.
6. Lakhpati Didi – Empowering women through entrepreneurship programs.
7. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (KISAN) – Direct financial support for farmers.

 

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