Budget 2024: President Murmu Addresses Parliament, Praises Govt For G20, Moon Mission, Ram Mandir

Budget 2024: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed the nation and members of the parliament ahead of the Budget session 2024. This was President Murmu's first speech at the newly-built Parliament.

In her address, the President praised India's achievements including reaching the moon's south pole, appointment of chief of defense staff, building ram mandir, and many others.

The President said, "This grand building has been built at the beginning of the Amrit Kaal. This has the fragrance of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat'...This also has the resolve to honour democratic and parliamentary traditions. Besides this, it also has the resolve to build new traditions of the new India of the 21st century. I am confident that there will be meaningful conversation on policies, in this new building."

President Murmu added that poverty has been eradicated and people are becoming wealthy now. She also lauded Government initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

President Murmu said defence production in India has crossed the mark of Rs 1 lakh crore.

President further added that in last 10 years, the world witnessed two major wars and faced a pandemic like Corona. Despite global crises, the Government of India kept inflation under control and did not let the burden on common Indians increase.

"Tourism is a sector that provides employment opportunities to the youth. A record number of tourists are reaching the northeast region. There is excitement among people about the Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep....Around 13 lakh devotees have taken darshan at Ayodhya Dham after 'Pran Pratishtha'," the President said.

President Murmu further added that the government is building modern infra on our borders. "Our Forces giving befitting reply to terrorism and expansionism. The meaningful results of my government's efforts for internal peace are in front of us. There is an atmosphere of security and safety in Jammu &Kashmir. There has been a huge drop in incidents of naxal violence," she added.

Ahead of the budget session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his message to the nation and fellow members of the Parliament from the stairs of Parliament. PM Narendra Modi said, "This time, Finance Minister of the country, Nirmala Sitharaman will present the budget with 'disha-nirdeshak baatein'. I am of the firm belief that the country is going ahead by crossing new heights of progress every day. All-round and inclusive development is taking place. This journey will continue with the blessings of people..."

The budget session is slated for January 31 to February 9, 2024.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamn will present the budget for the sixth time and it is going to be an interim budget (for three months) as it is an election year. The full budget will be presented post elections for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

The budget session will commence with the a speech by President of India Droupadi Murmu.

(Developing story...details awaited.)