Addressing a joint session of Parliament on Wednesday, President Draupadi Murmu outlined the Union government’s vision for social justice, inclusive growth and a developed India on the first day of the Budget Session 2026-27. The President addressed the members of both the Houses in the Lok Sabha Chamber, present together on the inaugural day of the seventh session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 270th session of the Rajya Sabha.
In his address, President Murmu said that he is very happy to address the Parliament. He reminded that the last year was a memorable one to celebrate India’s rapid progress and rich heritage. He mentioned that 150 years of Vande Mataram was celebrated across the country in which citizens paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
He said, “The nation celebrated the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. On the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the entire nation paid tribute to him and remembered his contribution towards the tribal community. The programs related to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel further strengthened the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. The entire nation saw that the birth anniversary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika filled the nation with a feeling of music and unity. When the nation remembered the contributions of its ancestors, If we remember, the new generation gets inspiration, due to which our journey towards ‘Developed India’ becomes even faster.”
Emphasizing on social justice, the President emphasized that Babasaheb Ambedkar consistently emphasized on equality and social justice, which are values enshrined in the Constitution.
He said, “Every citizen of the country should get his full rights without any discrimination. My government is committed to true social justice.” He further said that as a result, about 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade and efforts to empower the poor are being further intensified in the third term of the government.
He further said, “My government is working with full sensitivity for the Dalits, backward classes, tribal community and all. The approach of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is making a positive impact on the life of every citizen. In the beginning of 2014, social security schemes had reached only 25 crore citizens. Due to the efforts of the government, now about 95 crore Indians are getting the benefits of social security schemes.”
The President also highlighted the new Act VB-G RAM G to be implemented in place of MNREGA. Praising the provisions of the Act, the ruling party MPs expressed their appreciation by clapping, while the opposition MPs stood up and started protesting and demanding withdrawal of the law.
The President said, “The Bharat-Village Development Act has been created for employment and development in rural areas. With this new reform, there will be a guarantee of 125 days of employment in villages.”
President Murmu also said that with 2026, India has entered the second phase of the 21st century, and the achievements of the last 25 years have laid a strong foundation in all sectors, and described this year as an important foundation in the journey of a developed India.
Earlier, the President was given a Guard of Honor when he reached the Parliament of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge were present during his address.
The budget session will last for 30 meetings over 65 days and will end on April 2. During this period, there will be a holiday from 13 February to 9 March for scrutiny of grant demands by the standing committees.
