President Ram Nath Kovind today endorsed the development efforts undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, saying that the massive mandate to the government will help it continue the "developmental journey that started in 2014".
He also outlined the government's goals over the next five years, mentioning not just welfare measures but also on women equality, fighting terror and the country's space programme. "Removing practices like triple talaq and "nikah halala" essential to give equality to women," said President Kovind in the traditional address to the joint session of parliament. "The people of India have waited for a very long time for even basic facilities to reach them, I am happy to say that my government has now made it a priority to reach out and uplift people from poverty and provide all the basic needs to live with dignity. Rural and urban India, both must progress," he said.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for all the members of the parliament. The dinner will take place at Ashoka Hotel in Delhi, news agency PTI reported.
It will be the first time that the Prime Minister will be meeting all the members of the parliament after the new government was formed last month.
The first session of the 17th Lok Sabha began on Monday in which the newly elected members took oath and election of the Speaker was held.
The Rajya Sabha will begin its proceedings from today after the address of the President.
The Parliament session will continue till July 26. The Economic Survey will be presented to Parliament on July 4 and the Union Budget for 2019-20 will be presented to Lok Sabha July 5.
Here are the Highlights from the President's address to joint session of parliament:
President's First Joint Address To Parliament After Elections: Top Quotes"Every possible effort is being made to take care of soldiers and their families. Efforts are underway to improve their lives by increasing the pension of ex-servicemen through 'One Rank One Pension' scheme": President Kovind
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 20, 2019
"Indian economy is one of the fastest growing in the world. Inflation and fiscal deficit are under control. Foreign Exchange Reserves are improving": President Kovind
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 20, 2019
"My government has set a target of 50,000 start-ups by 2024": President Kovind
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 20, 2019
- The mandate of the election asserts that the people of the country want unhindered and fast progress. They aspire the country to move forward at a fast pace, and hence the 2019 election result gave an even higher majority to the single-largest party compared to 2014.
- This also means that the government of the day will be a strong and steady government.
- People of India have waited for a very long time for even basic facilities to reach them, I am happy to say that my government has now made it a priority to reach out and uplift people from poverty and provide all the basic needs to live with dignity. Rural and urban India, both must progress.
- My government is also determined to secure the nation from all external and internal threats.
- In 2022, India completes 75 years of Independence, and my government is working at a fast pace to build a New India.
- Water conservation, help to farmers and families of soldiers are a priority of my government. Jal Shakti Ministry is a symbol of our priority.
Watch | "The people of India gave a clear mandate for 'sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas'": President Kovind pic.twitter.com/XlizYe78fs
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 20, 2019
"My government is focused on making life easy and comfortable for the people of India - sabka vikas, sabka vishwas - is the motto": President Kovind
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 20, 2019
- The mandate of the election asserts that the people of the country want unhindered and fast progress. They aspire the country to move forward at a fast pace, and hence the 2019 election result gave an even higher majority to the single-largest party compared to 2014.
- This also means that the government of the day will be a strong and steady government.
Watch | "Congratulate the Election Commission and elections officials for successfully conducting the general elections": President Kovind pic.twitter.com/xA3P1T7JVV
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 20, 2019
- I am happy to say that the elections were held peacefully and successfully. A record number of people voted and I am happy to inform you all that there has been a significant rise in women, both in terms of voter turnout as well as women elected to parliament.
- The number of women who voted in the 2019 Lok Sabha election were nearly as much as the number of men, and in a lot areas there were more women who voted compared to men.
