New Delhi: India has entered Amrit Kaal completing its 75 years of Independence and the next 25 years is a period for all citizens to focus on duty, President Droupadi Murmu said in the maiden address to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, ahead of the Budget Session, on Tuesday.
“The 25-year period culminating in the centenary of India’s Independence is the time to build an India which is ‘aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) and also fulfils its humanitarian obligations.”
She also dwelt on important decisions taken by the government, including abrogations of Article 370 in J&K and abolition of Triple Talaq. “From the surgical strikes to the tough crackdown on terrorism, from the LoC to the LAC, from the abrogation of Article 370 to the triple talaq, my government has been recognised as a decisive government.”
Referring to the renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path, the President said that the government striving to get rid of every sign of slavery.
Once known as ‘Kingsway’ during British rule, Rajpath referred to the ceremonial boulevard in Lutyens Delhi that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk and India Gate, National War Memorial to National Stadium, Delhi. In September last year, the government decided to change the name to ‘Kartvya Path’, meaning the ‘path of duty.’
Other quotes from her speech
“Today, the world understands the tough stand taken against terrorism by India. This is the reason why today India’s being heard seriously by the world on the issue of terrorism.”
“We started with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas’. With time, everyone’s development, trust and efforts were also added to it”
“Government has ensured there is no restriction for women in any field of work. Today we are seeing the success of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign; for the first time in India, the number of women is more than men.”
“India now has a government which is stable, fearless and decisive and which works to fulfil big dreams. It has a government which respects honesty and works to solve the poor’s problems and empower them permanently.”
“Indian Railways fast moving towards becoming world’s largest electric railway network.”
“The government is focussing on ‘green growth’. India’s solar energy capacity has seen a 20-fold rise since 2014. The green hydrogen policy will boost India’s energy security.”
“During this period two colleges have been established in the country every day, one university has been established every week.”
“Over the years, in the form of DBT, in the form of Digital India, the country has prepared a permanent and transparent system.”
“Earlier there was a long wait for a tax refund. Today, the refund is received within a few days of filing the ITR”
“Today, along with transparency, the dignity of the taxpayers is also being ensured through GST.”
“Priority of my govt is 11 crore small farmers who were for decades deprived of benefits of government.”
The Budget Session will be held in two parts with 27 sittings till April 6. The first part of the session will conclude on February 13. There will be a month-long recess to examine the budget papers and Parliament will reconvene on March 12.
