Fri Jan 31 07:04:50 UTC 2025: ## President Murmu’s Address Highlights Government’s Achievements in Joint Parliament Session

**New Delhi, January 31, 2025** – President Droupadi Murmu addressed a joint sitting of Parliament today, marking the commencement of the Budget Session. In her address, she highlighted the government’s achievements over its third term, emphasizing a significantly accelerated pace of work compared to previous administrations.

President Murmu lauded the government’s decisive actions on key policy matters, including Waqf boards and the “One Nation, One Election” initiative. She underscored the government’s commitment to tackling policy paralysis, stating that work is being done at “thrice the speed” of previous administrations.

Key initiatives mentioned included:

* **Economic Empowerment:** Focus on creating new employment opportunities, supporting the cooperative sector, and ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce to increase farmers’ income. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana housing scheme will be expanded to benefit an additional 30 million families. Ayushman Bharat will extend health insurance coverage to 60 million citizens aged 70 and above.
* **Youth and Education:** A special emphasis on youth education and job creation was highlighted.
* **Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast:** The President noted positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and efforts to address alienation in the Northeast.
* **Addressing Emerging Threats:** President Murmu acknowledged the challenges posed by digital fraud, cybercrime, and deepfakes to national security. She also mentioned the expansion of India’s metro network to over 1,000 km and the launch of the U-WIN portal for tracking child and maternal vaccination schedules.

Before delivering her address, President Murmu paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the victims of a recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh. Her arrival at Parliament was marked by a ceremonial welcome, including a six-horse carriage procession.

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