On the first day of the Budget Session 2026-27, President Droupadi Murmu spoke to the Parliament in a joint sitting to define the Union government's intentions regarding social justice, inclusive growth, national security and building a developed India.
She delivered her statement to members of both Houses, assembled in the Lok Sabha Chamber, making the commencement of the Seventh session of the 270th Rajya Sabha and 18th session of the Lok Sabha.
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'Delighted to address Parliament'
In her address, the President said that she was "delighted to address the Parliament", asserting that last year was particularly significant because of India's fast-paced growth and amazing cultural legacy. She noted that 150 years of Vande Mataram were celebrated throughout the nation as citizens paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
'Journey towards Viksit Bharat'
The President highlighted how India celebrated and paid tribute to its heroes and reminisced their contributions for the nation.
"The country celebrated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bhadur Ji. During the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the entire country paid him tribute and remembered his tribute to the tribal community. The events related to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel further strengthened the sense of Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat. The entire country became witness to how Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika's birth anniversary celebrations of 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 was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Focus on social justice
The President reiterated the importance of social justice and stated that Babasaheb Ambedkar was a supporter of equality and social justice, the values stated in the Constitution of India. She said, "It is our duty to ensure that all citizens of this country are able to have their rights without discrimination. My government is committed to delivering true social justice," she said.
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She also noted how in the last 10 years, over 25 crore people have come out of poverty and how the government was continuing accelerating its efforts towards empowering those in poverty in its third term.
"My government is working for Dalits, the backwards, tribal community and everyone with complete sensitivenss. The vision of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' is becoming a positive impact on the lives of every citizen. At the beginning of 2014, social security schemes reached just 25 crore citizens. With the efforts of the Govt about 95 crore Indians have access to social security schemes now," she added.
On national security
President Murmu emphasised that India's approach to terrorist activities shall remain rigorous. "The response to all attacks on India will be strong and decisive," she said.
President Murmu referred to Operation Sindoor; demonstrating the strength and tactical soundness of India's forces while coordinating to eradicate terrorism in the region using solely an independent source base.
She also elaborated on a more comprehensive plan, to eliminate terrorism in all of its forms.
On the subject of internal security, President Murmu stated that while at one point Maoist violence was affecting 126 districts, today only eight remain affected, with approximately 2,000 criminally-affiliated individuals who were part of the Maoists have redefined their lives and wished to return to the fold of society over the past year.
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Corruption-free system
The President stated that her administration is succeeding at developing a corruption-free system with no frauds or fraudulent acts and promoting domestic expenditure.
"My government is becoming successful in building a system free of corruption and scams," she said while adding that more than Rs 6.75 lakh crore was transferred directly to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer in the last one year.
She addressed the need for investment in modern infrastructure and asserted that the government is taking bold steps toward meeting future needs by imposing a "Reform Express" to modify current policies.
