Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget session, the President listed out achievements of the Modi government, saying India has jumped 12 places on the ease of doing ranking of the World Bank while foreign investment inflow has risen 39%.
Describing India as 'a haven of stability' in a turbulent global economy, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the government has simplified procedures for approvals, repealed obsolete laws and put in place a non-adversarial tax regime to attract investments.
Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the Budget session, the President listed out achievements of the Modi government, saying India has jumped 12 places on the ease of doing ranking of the World Bank while foreign investment inflow has risen 39%.
Expressing the government's commitment to firmly deal with "all challenges concerning the security of the country," he said terrorism was a global threat and "strong counter- terrorism measures are necessary worldwide to eradicate it completely."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed hope that there would be extensive discussions on issues of the people during the Parliament's Budget Session.
"Let there be strong criticism of the government and its shortcomings be highlighted. It will strengthen democracy," Modi said.
11:58 AM
President Pranab Mukherjee addresses both houses of Parliament
* Defence procurement procedure has been streamlined with a focus on indigenously designed, developed & manufactured weapon systems. We are working to ensure that our Armed Forces will be equipped with the most capable and sophisticated armaments in the world
* My Government has continued to pursue a bold and proactive foreign policy.
* Government committed to mutually respectful ties with Pakistan.
* We reached out to the world, both on land and sea.
* My Government is focused on Sabka Vikas, beyond just the economic advancements that dominate headlines.
* We must ensure that the poor and deprived are truly empowered to take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives.
* Sabka Vikas means that backward sections of society are equally valued and are genuine stakeholders in the country’s progress.
* Parliament reflects the supreme will of people. Democratic temper calls for debate & discussion & not disruption or obstruction.
* Government will constantly strive for smooth & constructive conduct of Parliamentary business.
11:07 AM
We need to be partners in growth and progress of India, says Pranab Mukherjee at the beginning of Budget Session
11:07 AM
President Pranab mukherjee addresses both houses of Parliament
* My government in particular is focused on the welfare of poor, farmers and jobs for the youth.
* My government is placed in making this goal possible through financial inclusion and social security.
* Development philosophy is captured in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'
* My government in particular is focussed on 'Garibon Ki Unnati', 'Kisano Ki Samridhi' and 'Yuvaon Ka Rozgar'.
* My Government has launched 3 new social security and pension schemes.
* Government is committed to provide 'Housing for All'.
* Well being of farmers is vital to the nation's prosperity.
* Government is committed to the philosophy of 'per drop, more crop'.
* Rural development is one of our top priorities. My government's mission of skilling India has gained momentum.
* Happy to inform we have successfully eliminated Maternal & Neonatal Tetanus well before global targeted timeline of December 2015.
* Government has been unsparing in punishing those who are found guilty of corruption.
* Government has envisaged increasing the renewable energy capacity manifold to 175 GW by 2022.
* In the year 2015 India witnessed the highest ever generation of electricity.
* My Government has initiated several ambitious measures for improving sanitation standards at Railway Stations & Trains.
* By March 2019, under PMGSY, one lakh seventy-eight thousand rural habitations will be connected with all weather roads.
* Building upon the success over the past year, my Government's endeavour is to scale new heights in Space.
* GDP growth has increased making India the world’s fastest-growing economy among large economies.
11:01 AM
President of India, Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Parliament
10:51 AM
Hopeful of a fruitful Budget session and constructive debate:PM
Speaking to media, PM Modi said, "Hope there will be extensive discussion on issues of people during Parliament's Budget Session. Let there be strong criticism of government and its shortcoming be highlighted. It will strengthen democracy."
"I wish that the Parliament session will be fruitful and there is constructive criticism as well", he added.
10:50 AM
PM Narendra Modi reaches the Parliament
09:28 AM
Meenakshi Lekhi gives notice on JNU Row & Ishrat Jahan in the Lok Sabha.
09:28 AM
Venkaiah Naidu speaks ahead of session
As far as the government is concerned, we are ready to discuss all issues, whether it is JNU, Hyderabad University, Pathankot or JatReservation.
All parties promised that they will help Parliament function.
