New Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday highlighted the Government’s schemes, works, achievements, goals and missions, and emphasized its commitment to achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) through a “saturation approach” to ensure inclusive development.
The budget session of the Parliament commenced with President Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
“When we discuss the nation’s development and achievements, we are essentially highlighting the capabilities and accomplishments of its citizens. Today, there is collective participation of all in the development of the nation and that is why we are able to realize its true potential,” the President said.
“The greatest beneficiaries of my government’s efforts have been the Dalit, backward, and tribal communities. For decades after Independence, our tribal communities faced neglect. My government has prioritized their welfare. The ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ and the ‘PM-JANMAN Yojana’ are direct examples of this initiative,” she outlined. The “Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh” campaign has been launched for the upliftment of five crore people from tribal communities, with an allocation of 80,000 crore rupees for this initiative, she pointed out.
“Nearly 1.25 lakh tribal children are receiving quality education through more than 470 Eklavya Model Residential Schools. In the last 10 years, 30 new medical colleges have been established in tribal-dominated areas. A special National Mission is addressing health issues related to sickle cell within tribal communities, with screening of around 5 crore individuals already completed. My government has undertaken several initiatives to preserve tribal heritage. This year, the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda is being celebrated across the country as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh,” President Murmu said.
This apart, in her lengthy address, the President spoke about how the Government is infusing new energy through unprecedented achievements in this Amrit Kaal of India’s development journey. “The pace of work has tripled in this third term. Today, the nation is witnessing major decisions and policies being implemented at an extraordinary speed, with the highest priority given to the poor, the middle class, the youth, women, and farmers,” she said.
She showcased the Government’s “Housing for All” plan, SWAMITVA scheme, National Education Policy, MUDRA scheme, PM Vidyalakshmi scheme, infrastructure development, digital revolution, Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, “One Nation-One Election”, “Waqf Act Amendment” , Eight Pay Commission, UDAN scheme, reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Drone Didi Yojana, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, Stand-Up India, Space programmes, Khelo India Scheme, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), National Sports University , and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs among a host of others.
Sonia Gandhi’s Remark On President Stirs Controversy
New Delhi
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s remarks on President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the Joint Session of Parliament on Friday triggered a political controversy. Speaking to reporters, Sonia commented that the President “could hardly speak, poor thing,” drawing sharp reactions from various quarters. “The President was getting very tired by the end… She could hardly speak, poor thing,” she said, referring to President Murmu’s speech that marked the commencement of the Budget Session.
However, her remarks drew criticism from political leaders, with many accusing her of being disrespectful. BJP leaders condemned the statement, calling it an insult to the country’s first tribal woman President.
“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. While the President was highlighting the government’s achievements, the opposition – driven by its feudal mindset – chose instead to mock the empowerment of backward classes and women, a transformation brought about under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,” said BJP president JP Nadda.
The deliberate usage of such words – “poor thing” – shows the elitist, anti-poor, and anti-tribal nature of the Congress Party, he said, demanding that the opposition party issued an unconditional apology.
Former Union Minister Smriti Irani responded sharply, saying, “This is an unfortunate and condescending remark that undermines the dignity of the highest constitutional office.”
The Congress defended Sonia stating that her remark was taken out of context. Party spokespersons claimed that she was merely expressing concern over the President’s health and delivery of the speech. Sonia’s statement is expected to fuel face-offs between the two sides.
