President Murmu addresses Parliament as Budget Session begins, sets tone for Viksit Bharat

New Delhi: Addressing Parliament at the start of the Budget Session on Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu said India has entered a decisive new phase of growth as the nation steps into the second stage of the 21st century, underlining that the foundations laid over the last decade will shape the country’s journey towards a developed India.

As the President started her address, there was an uproar from the Opposition benches.

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"My government is committed to true social justice," she said, adding that 25 crore Indians moved out of poverty in the last 10 years.

In the third term of the government, she said, work is being done to further empower the poor.

“With the year 2026, our nation has entered the second stage of this century. For India, the end of the first 25 years of this century has been filled with several successes, proud achievements and extraordinary experiences,” the President said in her address.

She noted that over the last 10–11 years, India has strengthened its base across sectors, adding that the current year would serve as a “major base” for the country’s onward journey towards Viksit Bharat.

She recalled that the country marked the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, while nationwide events commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda paid tribute to his contribution to the tribal community. Observations linked to Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, she said, further strengthened the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Referring to cultural milestones, President Murmu said the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika filled the country with music and a sense of unity.

“When the country remembers the contribution of its ancestors, the new generation gets inspiration, which further speeds up our journey towards Viksit Bharat,” she said.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS mission beginning of historic journey

President Droupadi Murmu said astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s visit to the International Space Station marked the beginning of a historic journey for India’s space ambitions. “Subhanshu Shukla reaching the International Space Station (ISS) is the beginning of a historic journey. In the coming years, India is moving towards building its own space station,” she said, adding that space tourism was now within reach of Indians and that the nation was working enthusiastically on the Gaganyaan mission, amid desk-thumping by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders in the Lok Sabha.

The President’s address formally marked the beginning of the Budget Session, which will see the presentation of the Union Budget and deliberations on key economic and legislative priorities.

Vande Bharat trains operates across the country, from J&K to Kerala: President Murmu

The recently launched Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Kamakhya in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal earned appreciation in President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.

She said the new-generation train is a significant achievement for Indian Railways.

Murmu said that the Railways, which serves the poor and the middle-class population, is close to achieving 100 per cent electrification. She appreciated the introduction of Vande Bharat trains and said that today, a network of more than 150 Vande Bharat trains operates across the country, from Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala.

Opposition protests in Parliament as President Murmu mentions VB-G RAM G Act

President Droupadi Murmu's reference to the VB-G RAM G Act in her address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament on Wednesday sparked protests from opposition parties which raised slogans demanding a roll back of the law.

In her address, the President said the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) would provide guarantee for 125 days of work, and would also stop corruption and leakages.

President Murmu paused during her address as the opposition raised slogans like "vapas lo" (roll back the Act).

The Act is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

2.5 crore people got free treatment last year under Ayushman Bharat health scheme: President Murmu

Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which was started for poor patients, more than 11 crore free medical treatments have been given in hospitals across the country till last year. During the last year alone, 2.5 crore poor patients have received free medical treatment under this scheme," the president said.

Murmu further said that today, with the help of 1,80,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs set up across the country, patients are assured of medical treatment closer to their homes.

Govt becoming successful in building system free from corruption, scams: President Murmu

"In the last one year, my government has provided benefits worth more than Rs 6.75 lakh crore directly to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer," Murmu said.

The President said the government is also moving forward on the path of 'Reforms Express'.

Govt on 'reforms express' path for poor, middle class; GST 2.0 saved Rs 1 lakh cr: President Murmu

In her address to both Houses of Parliament, Murmu also said the government has revamped the Income Tax law and taken a "historic decision" to exempt income of up to Rs 12 lakh from taxation.

Economic foundation has grown significantly, citizens' income increased: President Murmu

In her address to both Houses of Parliament, the President said that the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union will give impetus to India's manufacturing and service sectors and create new employment opportunities for the country's youth.

India's smartphone exports cross Rs 1 lakh crore in Apr-Aug FY26: President Murmu

In a joint address to Parliament, she said that over 25 lakh new jobs have been created in the electronics manufacturing sector alone during the last 11 years and more than one crore youth have also been employed in IT services, electronics manufacturing, and Global Capability Centres with efforts of the government.

"Over the past 11 years, electronics production has increased sixfold. Today, it has reached the mark of Rs 11 lakh crore. India has become the second-largest nation in the field of mobile manufacturing. In the first five months 2025-26, India's smartphone export crossed Rs 1 lakh crore," Murmu said.

The President’s address formally marked the beginning of the Budget Session, which will see the presentation of the Union Budget and deliberations on key economic and legislative priorities.

With inputs from PTI