SDG 1: No Poverty | SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Parliament of India | NITI Aayog
In her address to the joint sitting of Parliament at the commencement of the Budget Session 2026, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to social justice and the empowerment of the marginalized. Over the last decade, 25 crore citizens have transitioned out of poverty, with the third term of the government accelerating this momentum through direct interventions. Significant achievements include the construction of 4 crore pucca houses for the poor and the provision of piped water to 12.5 crore households under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with 1 crore connections added in the last year alone.
Technological Advancements and Economic Resilience The President highlighted India’s role as a burgeoning global powerhouse in manufacturing and technology. India has become the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally, with smartphone exports exceeding ₹1 lakh crore in the first five months of FY 2025–26. The address also noted:
Infrastructure Milestones: The metro network crossed 1,000 kilometers in 2025, and India now boasts the world’s highest railway arch bridge (Chenab Bridge).
Green Energy Transition: The SHANTI Act is a pivotal reform aimed at achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047, while the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has already seen 20 lakh rooftop solar installations.
Space Exploration: India is preparing for the Gaganyaan Mission and establishing its own space station, following the historic journey of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS.
Governance Reforms and Collective Resolve The government is moving forward on the “Reforms Express,” focusing on transparency through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which distributed benefits worth over ₹6.75 lakh crore in the last year. The implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the consolidation of labor laws into four Codes are designed to instil a sense of security and ease of doing business. The President emphasized that the journey toward Viksit Bharat is a continuous, collective mission that transcends individual governments and generations, rooted in national interest and constitutional values.
What is the significance of the “PRAGATI” platform mentioned in the address? PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) is a multi-purpose, multi-modal platform launched to accelerate projects and ensure the effective delivery of welfare schemes. In December 2025, it reached the milestone of its 50th meeting. The platform has overseen projects worth over ₹85 lakh crore, embodying the mantra of “Reform-Perform-Transform” by providing a direct interface between the Prime Minister, Central Secretaries, and State Chief Secretaries.
Policy Relevance
The 2026 Presidential Address serves as a roadmap for the upcoming budget, signaling a transition toward outcome-oriented governance.
Saturation of Welfare: The focus is moving from “provision” to “100% saturation,” ensuring that benefits like social security (covering 95 crore Indians) reach the final beneficiary.
Economic Globalism: The conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the EU and India’s presidency of BRICS in 2026 underscore a policy of “India First” while acting as a global bridge.
Regional Development: The Purvodaya initiative emphasizes the rapid development of Eastern India and the Northeast, integrating these regions into the mainstream through massive investments in connectivity and health infrastructure.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can the legislative framework be further streamlined to ensure that the transition to the four new Labor Codes and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita facilitates maximum employment growth without compromising worker security?
Follow the full news here: ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU TO PARLIAMENT