Jammu , Jan 31: Outlining a transformative vision for India’s growth and security, President Droupadi Murmu on Friday highlighted key achievements and initiatives during her address at the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament to mark the opening of the 2024-2025 Budget Session.
In her speech, President Murmu emphasized the numerous accomplishments of her government, noting historic steps taken to protect the country’s borders and ensure internal security. She stated, “There have been significant changes in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370,” and celebrated the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, which connects Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the country by rail—a crucial component of the government’s post-Article 370 agenda.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project has been completed, and now, the country will be connected by rail from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Under this ambitious initiative, the world’s highest railway bridge has been constructed over the Chenab River,” she said. The project, set for official inauguration in the first week of February 2025 after successful trial runs, marks a milestone in India’s infrastructure development.
President Murmu also highlighted the introduction of several Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains, noting that 17 new Vande Bharat trains and one Namo train have been launched in the last six months. “In the last decade, the government has injected new energy into India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat,” she added.
Kashmir continues to see accelerated infrastructure growth, including the upcoming Shinkun La Tunnel, which will be the world’s highest tunnel and provide year-round connectivity to Ladakh, further integrating the region with the rest of India.
On national security, President Murmu emphasized the government’s historic efforts to safeguard India’s borders and internal security while modernizing the defense sector. “The government has moved from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Make for the World’ in the defense sector,” she noted, reflecting on India’s growing defense capabilities.
Addressing emerging threats to national security, President Murmu acknowledged the challenges posed by digital fraud and deepfakes, stating, “My government is continuously working to ensure efficiency in cybersecurity. Digital fraud, cybercrime, and DeepFake are serious challenges to social, financial, and national security.”
The President also highlighted several policies designed to empower citizens, particularly the poor, middle class, youth, women, and farmers. These included the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, providing an additional 3 crore homes, and the launch of the “Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh” campaign, aimed at uplifting 5 crore tribal people through an ₹80,000 crore investment.
President Murmu, further, commended the government’s progress in providing health and financial inclusion, citing the extension of Ayushman Bharat for senior citizens and the implementation of the SVAMITVA scheme, which has issued 2.25 crore property cards to rural citizens.
Reflecting on India’s journey towards becoming a global leader, President Murmu articulated her vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India that will soon be the third-largest economy in the world. With a focus on technological innovation, infrastructure, and public participation, she outlined how the government is creating opportunities for all segments of society, including middle-class families, women, and the youth.
Further detailing initiatives like the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which guarantees women’s representation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, and the Lakhpati Didis program, which has empowered millions of women entrepreneurs, the President underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Closing her address, President Murmu turned to national security, highlighting advancements in defense infrastructure and the country’s emerging role in digital technology. She noted that India had attained Tier-1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index, affirming the government’s focus on securing the nation’s digital future.
With India continuing to make strides in space exploration, sports, and innovation, the President lauded the country’s growing global influence, from startups to its achievements in international sports. “Our nation is rapidly becoming a hub for innovation, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence and other technological sectors,” she said.
President Murmu concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to fulfilling the dreams of every Indian citizen: “Together, we will build a prosperous, developed nation by 2047.” She emphasized the importance of national unity, reiterating the government’s resolve to lead India toward its goal of becoming a leading global power.
