Budget session: President says women empowerment top priority of govt

The Budget session of Parliament began on Monday after President Ram Nath Kovind addressed both the houses. In his speech, he highlighted the achievements of the Modi government's mega Covid-19 vaccination drive, and talked about its focus on farmers.

The President noted that 150 crore doses were administered to the country's citizens in a record time since the vaccination programme began last year.

"Starting this year, the Government has begun the Republic Day celebrations from 23rd Jan - Netaji's birth anniversary. My Govt believes that remembering the past and learning from it is very important for the safe future of the country," he said in the speech.

Lauding India's Covid-19 vaccination programme, President Kovind said, "Today,we're one of the leading nations of the world in terms of administering the maximum number of doses."

He also praised the work done by the central and state governments, doctors, nurses, scientists and the healthcare workers.

President Kovind also said that the Modi government considers the ideals of Babasaheb its "guiding principles".

"To ensure that no one returns home hungry, my govt distributes free ration to the poor every month as part of PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana. Today India is running world's largest food distribution programme," he added.

The President finally said that empowerment of women is one of the top priorities of the central government. "We're witnesses to the success of Ujjwala Yojana. Through Mudra Yojana, the entrepreneurship & skills of women have received a boost. With 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' many positive results have come to the fore," he added.

The Budget session begins ahead of the crucial assembly elections in five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.

On the first day (January 31), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey and the Union Budget on Tueday.