File photo: President Droupadi Murmu with PM Modi (Picture credit: ANI)

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed a joint sitting of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget Session 2026-27, outlining the Union government’s vision centred on social justice, inclusive growth, national security and the goal of a developed India.The President delivered her address to members of both Houses assembled in the Lok Sabha Chamber, marking the start of the Seventh Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 270th Session of the Rajya Sabha. She said she was “delighted to address Parliament,” recalling that the previous year was memorable for celebrating India’s rapid progress and rich heritage.

Focus on social justice and inclusion

Emphasising social justice, President Murmu said Babasaheb Ambedkar consistently highlighted equality and social justice, values enshrined in the Constitution. “Every citizen of the country should get their full rights without any discrimination. My Government is committed to true social justice,” she said.She noted that nearly 25 crore people have come out of poverty in the last decade and that social security schemes now cover about 95 crore citizens, compared to 25 crore in 2014. The President said the government is working for Dalits, backward classes and tribal communities “with complete sensitivity,” adding that the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is having a positive impact on citizens’ lives.

National security and decisive response to terrorism

On national security, President Murmu said India’s response to terrorism would be firm. “The response to all attacks on India will be strong and decisive,” she said. Referring to Operation Sindoor, she said the world witnessed the valour and operational capability of the Indian armed forces, adding that India destroyed terror hotbeds using its own resources.She also said keeping the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance was part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism and highlighted initiatives such as Mission Sudarshan Chakra to strengthen the security architecture. On internal security, she said Maoist violence has been reduced from affecting 126 districts to just eight, with around 2,000 people associated with Maoist groups surrendering in the past year.

Economy, reforms and development push

The President said the government is becoming successful in building a system free of corruption and scams, ensuring proper use of public funds. “My government is becoming successful in building a system free of corruption and scams,” she said, adding that over Rs 6.75 lakh crore was transferred directly to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer in the last one year.She highlighted unprecedented investment in modern infrastructure and said the government is moving ahead on the path of “Reforms Express,” with old rules being updated to meet future needs.President Murmu also spoke about space achievements, calling astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s visit to the International Space Station “the beginning of a historic journey,” and said India is working enthusiastically on the Gaganyaan mission, as per ANI.Earlier, the President was welcomed at the Parliament premises by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and was given a Guard of Honour. The Budget Session will span 30 sittings over 65 days and conclude on April 2, with a recess from February 13 to March 9 for scrutiny of Demands for Grants by Standing Committees.