Picture : Twitter / ANI
President Ram Nath Kovind while addressing the joint session of both the houses of the parliament stated that the people of India have given a mandate to continue with the country’s development journey that started in 2014.
Kovind said government is moving ahead to create a strong, secure and inclusive India.
Recalling his previous address in the Central hall of Parliament, just before the commencement of the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha, the president said that the government had worked hard to help people out of their hardships arising from years of misrule. He also said that the Modi government was further committed to take the country forward on path of development.
In his customary address after formation of the 17th Lok Sabha, the President also said that government has started a pension scheme to help farmers and small traders live a life of dignity.
Congratulating the Election Commission and crores of officials and security personnel involved in holding the general elections, he pointed out that over 61 crore people voted in the Lok Sabha polls, creating a record.
He said women came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
He said a record 78 women have been elected as members of the Lok Sabha — the highest ever and almost half of the elected members are first timers.
“In this election, the people of the country gave a clear mandate. After the assessment of the government’s first tenure, the people have given it a bigger mandate this time,” he said.
He said, by doing so, the people have given a mandate to accelerate the development process initiated in 2014.
Emphasising that it ‘One nation, one election’ is the need of the time, President called on every member to support the efforts in that direction.
The President also raises the contentious issues of the National Register for Citizens. “Foreigners entering India illegally are a great threat to internal security. My government has decided that the process of the NRC will be implemented on a priority basis in areas facing the infiltration problem.”
He also said that for women empowerment, it is important to rid India of practices like triple talaq and nikah halala.
He mentioned India’s efforts in getting Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar getting listed as a global terrorist by the United Nations.
Amid prolonged thumping of desks mainly by the Treasury Benches, the President also mentions 2016 surgical strikes and Balakot air strikes.
Expressing concern over illegal migration across the border, the President mentions the ‘efforts of the government in implementing the National Register of Citizens’.
Speaking about modernisation of the armed forces, he said that the country will soon get its first Rafale fighter jet and Apache helicopter.
