In a momentous address preceding the Union Budget, President Droupadi Murmu delineated the government’s key priorities, accentuating four pivotal pillars—youth power, women power, farmers, and the poor. This address, marking the inauguration of the new parliament building, holds significant importance as it precedes the last Parliament session of the 17th Lok Sabha before the imminent general elections later this year.
President Murmu underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to fortify the pillars of youth power, women power, farmers, and the economically disadvantaged. The focus on these pillars has been integral to the formulation of proposals for the upcoming Union Budget, as reported by Mint. The President’s emphasis on these crucial facets aligns with the broader national agenda, aiming to propel India’s development trajectory on a sustainable and inclusive path.
The address commenced with President Murmu heralding 2023 as a historic year for India, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy. The commendable economic growth has played a pivotal role in reducing poverty, with around 25 crore individuals lifted out of poverty over the last decade. This achievement underscores the efficacy of the government’s economic policies and initiatives in fostering inclusive growth.
A significant aspect of the President’s address was the spotlight on Nari Shakti—women empowerment. The government is diligently working across various levels to bolster Nari Shakti, expanding the roles of women in diverse fields, including water, land, sky, and space. Furthermore, concerted efforts are underway to enhance women’s economic participation, recognizing the pivotal role they play in the nation’s progress.
The address also shed light on the government’s commitment to supporting small farmers, a cornerstone of India’s agrarian landscape. The emphasis is on making farming more lucrative by reducing costs and increasing profits. Notably, over 10 crore small farmers have been prioritized in the country’s agricultural policies and schemes, with the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme disbursing over ₹2.8 trillion to farmers.
India’s digital transformation and its emergence as a global leader in the digital economy took center stage in President Murmu’s address. The government’s efforts in fostering a robust digital ecosystem have provided employment opportunities to millions of youth. A significant stride in this direction is the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) mission, poised to unlock new possibilities for the youth and stimulate the growth of startups. The envisaged impact extends to revolutionary changes in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.
Parallelly, the President underscored the government’s commitment to physical infrastructure development, a key driver of future growth. The monumental progress in building infrastructure, once a distant dream, has been a testament to the government’s dedication to creating a resilient foundation for the nation’s progress.
The overarching vision outlined by President Murmu revolves around propelling India into a developed nation by 2047. The government is formulating a comprehensive roadmap, encompassing a program for the next five years and a vision that extends 25 years into the future. This holistic vision prioritizes not just economic prosperity but also emphasizes social, cultural, and strategic strengths as integral components of sustainable development.
One of the pillars is empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) features prominently in the government’s agenda, along with initiatives to increase savings for ordinary citizens. Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of wealth creators, the government aims to create an environment conducive to business growth in India.
The President’s address celebrated the transformative economic journey of the last decade, where India evolved from being part of the “fragile five” to securing a position among the “top five” economies globally. Various economic indicators, including export growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), and increased tax filings, signify the positive trajectory of India’s economic landscape.
As the government prepares to present the Union Budget, President Murmu’s address provides a comprehensive insight into the strategic priorities that will likely shape the economic proposals and allocations. The commitment to inclusive growth, technological advancement, infrastructure development, and a visionary approach for the future underpin the government’s endeavors as it steers India toward sustained and holistic development.
