New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu, during a joint session of Parliament at the commencement of the Budget Session on Wednesday, praised India’s remarkable advancements in agriculture, industry, healthcare, and social welfare, referring to the nation’s swift progress as “a subject for global dialogue”.

She emphasized the record food grain output exceeding 350 million tonnes in the last year, declaring India as the world’s largest producer of rice.

The President also pointed out that India has become the second-largest fish-producing nation, showcasing the success of the blue economy, while retaining its position as a global leader in milk production, which highlights the strength of the cooperative movement.

In terms of industry, President Murmu commended India’s ascent as the second-largest mobile manufacturer, underlining the government’s commitment to creating a system devoid of corruption and ensuring that “every rupee is directed towards India’s progress”.

Infrastructure development was a significant focus in her address. She mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, introduced by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which has facilitated the addition of nearly 18,000 kilometers of new rural roads in the past year.

In the realm of healthcare, the President recognized the setup of 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and highlighted initiatives that benefit senior citizens. Approximately one crore elderly citizens have been issued Vay Vandana cards, allowing around eight lakh of them to access free hospital treatment.

She also referenced the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, under which more than six crore citizens have been screened, alongside mission-mode campaigns that have effectively controlled Japanese Encephalitis in rural Uttar Pradesh.

“It is a matter of immense pride that the World Health Organization has declared India free of trachoma,” she remarked.

President Murmu reiterated that the government’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is having a positive impact on lives throughout the country, particularly for Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities.

She observed that social security coverage has expanded significantly, with 95 crore Indians now benefiting from various schemes, compared to 25 crore in 2014.

The President’s address set a significant tone for the Budget Session, highlighting the government’s achievements in agriculture, industry, healthcare, and social welfare, while framing India’s development narrative as one of international importance.