Indian President Ram Nath Kovind officially opened the parliamentary budget session on Monday, addressing a joint session of the lower and upper houses. On the first day of the budget meeting, the economic survey will be presented by Federal Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Union budget for 2022-23, due on Tuesday.
Addressing both chambers in the central hall, Kovind touched on a variety of topics, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in the country, as he continued to pay tribute to freedom fighters who fought for India’s freedom as it entered its 75th anniversary independent. The President also recalled the teachings of BR Ambedkar, who believed that his ideal society would be one based on independence, equality and harmony.
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“Democracy is not just a form of government, democracy is based on respect for the people. My government sees Babasaheb’s ideals as its guiding principle,” asserted Kovind.
Here are the top 10 points from Kovind’s address to Parliament:
In his speech, Kovind emphasized that more than 70% of beneficiaries were vaccinated against Covid-19, as he noted that the country’s citizens received 1.5 billion doses in record time.
He also mentioned that the Rs 64,000 crore PM Ayushman Bharat health infrastructure mandate will prepare the country for future health crises as the country battles the ongoing third wave of the pandemic.
India received $48 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first seven months of the fiscal year, Kovind said, saying it was a testament to investors’ confidence in the country.
“My administration’s tireless efforts have made India one of the fastest growing economies in the world,” said President Kovind.Since 2016, the country has established more than 60,000 start-ups in 56 different industries, creating 600,000 new jobs, the president said.
Talking about gender equality, Kovind highlighted Narendra Modi’s move to raise the marriage age for women to 21.
Complete News Source : Hindustan Times
