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Kicking off the Budget session on Tuesday by addressing a joint sitting of the House, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday reminded lawmakers that Parliament, which reflect the “supreme will” of the people” is a place for “debate and discussion, and not disruption or obstruction.”
His remarks come at a time when the Opposition is gearing up to target the Centre on issues such as the Rohith Vemula suicide, JNU unrest, the Pathankot attack and the Haryana Jat quota stir.
“Being a member of this great institution bestows great honour as well as important responsibilities,” said Mukherjee, urging them to “discharge their solemn responsibilities in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation.”
The raging debate in the country on nationalism also found echo in the President’s speech. Urging members to embrace the ideals of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, he quoted him: “Nationalism is inspired by the highest ideals of the human race, Satyam, Shivam Sundaram.”
Referring to India as a “haven of stability in an increasingly turbulent economy,” Mukherjee highlighted the rise in GDP growth, decrease in inflation, fiscal and current account deficit, and the “highest ever” foreign exchange reserves in 2015.
However, there was no mention of plunging exports for 14 straight months, the continuous depreciation of the rupee, rural distress and high prices of pulses and edible oil.
Listing out the initiatives taken so far, the President said his government was focussed on financial inclusion and social security, “the two wings on which human aspirations take flight.”
He cited the success of the Jan Dhan Yojana, under which 21 crore bank accounts had been opened with over Rs 32,000 crore aggregate deposits and the three insurance and pension schemes to “universalise” social security.
Food security coverage since June 2014 had more than doubled to cover over 68 crore persons, he said, adding that the Direct Benefits Transfer scheme has been extended to 42 schemes so far.
With rural distress looming large, Mukherjee listed out the Centre’s “biggest ever contribution” to crop insurance, with the lowest ever premium rates for farmers.
“It has many firsts to its credit, like national coverage of post-harvest losses…no capping of government subsidy, and use of technology for early and accurate settlement of claims.”
The integrated steps for job creation include, Make in India, Start Up India, MUDRA, Skill India etc, he said, adding that “innovative initiatives” has led to 39 per cent increase in FDI, and India had jumped up 12 places in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings.
On the black money front, the President said a stringent legislative framework had been put in place.
The gold monetisation scheme, non-adversarial tax regime, FM radio and coal auctions, smart cities, reduction in energy shortages and revival of 73 stalled road projects were among some other achievements highlighted by the President.
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