From 'Women-Led Development' To 'India's AI Mission' — What President Murmu Said In Her Pre-Budget Speech

President Murmu addressed Parliament, highlighting the Modi government's development efforts, focus on women's empowerment, technology, and inclusive economic growth.

President Droupadi Murmu addresses the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on the first day of the Budget Session, in New Delhi on January 31, 2025.

Source : PTI

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday addressed joint session of Parliament ahead of the Budget 2025. In her speech, she highlighted the development work of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. She also spoke how the Modi government was focused on women-led, tech-oriented development to achieve the idea of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Earlier, PM Modi in his pre-Budget session said, "Ours is a young nation, and today 20-25-year-olds will be the greatest beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat by the time they will be 50 years old...They will be at the helm of policymaking... The efforts to fulfil our vision of Viksit Bharat will be a huge gift for our young generation."

He added, "In the third term, we will; focus on India's all-round development. We are moving ahead on mission mode...Innovation, inclusion and investment form the base of our economic activity. In this session of Parliament, many historic bills and amendments will be discussed. After due and detailed discussions, these will be formed into laws. Especially Nari Shakti and women empowerment will be the centre of focus. Reform, perform, and transform will be our second area of focus..."

After PM Modi, President Murmu addressed the joint session of the Parliament. Here are the top quotes from her speech:

• "My government has placed special focus on education for the youth and creating new employment opportunities for them. The PM Vidyalakshmi scheme has been introduced to provide financial assistance to meritorious students for higher education."
  
  
• "The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, is a significant step in this direction."
  
  
• "Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, more than 91 lakh self-help groups are being empowered, connecting over 10 crore women across the country. These groups have received over 9 lakh crore rupees through bank linkages."
  
  
• "Today, our youths are making the country proud in every field, from start-ups and sports to space exploration. Lakhs of young people are actively participating in nation-building efforts through the MY Bharat Portal."
  
  
• "India's contribution in the field of Artificial Intelligence is being elevated through the launch of the India AI Mission.The National Quantum Mission aims to position India among the leading nations in the field of frontier technology."
  
  
• "My government has utilized digital technology as a tool for social justice and equality. Digital payments are no longer confined to select individuals or classes. Today, even the smallest shopkeepers in India benefit from this facility."
  
  
• "To showcase the potential of the eight states of the North East to the entire country, the first-ever Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav was organised. Along with the development of the North East, the government has initiated a comprehensive development plan for the 'Purvodaya' or the eastern states, which will also create new employment opportunities."
  
  
• "For India's development, my government has eatablished three strong pillars of Reform, Perform and Transform."
  
  
• "For decades after independence, our tribal communities faced neglect. My government has prioritised their welfare. The 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan' and the 'PM-JANMAN Yojana' are direct examples of this initiative."
  
  
• "A modern and self-reliant agricultural system in India is our goal. My government is working with dedication to ensure fair prices of crops to farmers and to increase their income."