PM Modi urged parties to ensure the Parliament runs smoothly. He said that he welcomed debate and urged people to remember the motto 'SabkaSaath, Sabka Vikas'. The joint session of the Parliament was held in the Central Hall, where Kovind addressed the MPs, a day before the presentation of Budget by interim Finance Minister Piyush Goyal. President Kovind kicked off the Budget session of Parliament. Started on January 31, the Budget Session will conclude on February 13.
Addressing a joint sitting of both Upper and Lower house of Parliament, Kovind started his speech with a vote of thanks to all the MPs. In the initial phase of his speech, Kovind said that the country was going to a phase of uncertainty before the 2014 elections. "My government took up the initiative to form a New India. My government is committed to a corruption-free India."
"NDA government has been trying to pass the triple talaq bill to empower Muslim women so that they can live a life without fear," President Kovind said adding that the government has been working to fulfil hopes and aspirations of all sections of people. "The country was going through times of uncertainty before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and after the polls my government resolved to make a New India," the president said.
Highlighting the government's achievements and various welfare schemes, Kovind said 21 crore poor people were covered under the PM's life insurance scheme, while over 2 crore households got power connection as part of the PM's Saubhagya scheme.
The president also described 2019 as a significant year for democracy as the country is observing the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Be it cities or villages, the government has worked towards strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, he said