President Murmu highlights reforms, growth and Viksit Bharat vision in Parliament address
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said India had laid a strong foundation for becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, highlighting wide-ranging reforms, welfare delivery, infrastructure expansion and national security initiatives in her address to a joint sitting of Parliament.
Addressing Members of Parliament, the President said the last 10–11 years had strengthened India’s economic and social base. She noted that the focus had shifted from limited development to inclusive and citizen-centric growth, with emphasis on social justice, transparency and empowerment.
She said 25 crore people had moved out of poverty in the past decade. During this period, four crore pucca houses were built for the poor, while 12.5 crore households received piped water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission. She added that over 10 crore households had received LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana.
The President said social security coverage had expanded from 25 crore people in 2014 to nearly 95 crore citizens today. She highlighted Ayushman Bharat, under which over 11 crore free medical treatments were provided, and the expansion of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country.
President Murmu address outlines reforms, infrastructure and security focus
President Murmu said India remained the fastest-growing major economy despite global challenges. She highlighted record foodgrain production, growth in fisheries and milk output, and India’s rise as a major manufacturing hub, including becoming the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer.
She underlined large-scale infrastructure expansion, including rural roads, railway electrification, Vande Bharat train services, metro networks crossing 1,000 kilometres, inland waterways growth and landmark projects such as the Chenab railway bridge.
On governance reforms, she cited GST changes, a revamped income tax regime with exemption up to ₹12 lakh, labour law consolidation, and digital delivery through Direct Benefit Transfer. She said PRAGATI meetings had accelerated projects worth over ₹85 lakh crore.
The President said India was advancing in new sectors such as space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and nuclear power. She noted progress under the Gaganyaan Mission and investments through the PLI scheme.
On national security, she said decisive action against terrorism and Maoist violence had restored peace in affected regions. She added that India had conveyed a firm message against terrorism while strengthening defence capabilities.
She highlighted women-led development, citing self-help groups, Lakhpati Didi initiatives, women’s participation in defence forces and welfare schemes prioritising women beneficiaries.
The President also spoke about foreign policy, saying India had emerged as a trusted global partner and a strong voice of the Global South. She noted India’s growing role in multilateral forums and humanitarian assistance during global crises.
Concluding her President Murmu address, she urged Members of Parliament to rise above differences on issues of national interest. She said collective resolve, continuity and constitutional values were essential to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.
