Budget 2022: President Ram Nath Kovind addresses joint sitting of Parliament ahead of budget session - See major highlights

The Budget 2022 session commences in the Parliament from Monday, January 31, 2021. Since it is the first session of the year, the session has commenced with the address of the President.

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President Ram Nath Kovind addressed a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament. In his address, the President focuses on the various initiatives undertaken for the economic growth of the country and the welfare of the common people in spite of the prevailing pandemic.

75 years of independence

This year India is celebrating 75 years of independence. "I bow down to the lakhs of freedom fighters who prioritised their duties and helped India get its rights. I also respectfully remember the personalities who contributed to the development journey of India in the 75 years of independence," President Ram Nath Kovind said in his address.

He also pointed out that this year, the government started the Republic Day celebrations with the birth anniversary of Netaji from January 23 and he pointed out that the government believes that remembering the past and learning from it is very important for the safe future of the country.

Fight against COVID-19

President Kovind also extended his gratitude to the health workers for their service in the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "Many lives lost due to COVID. Even in such circumstances our Centre, States, doctors, nurses, scientists, our healthcare workers worked as a team...I am thankful to our health care and frontline workers."

"India's capability in fight against #COVID19 was evident in vaccination program. In less than a yr, we made a record of administering over 150 cr doses of vaccine. Today,we're one of the leading nations of the world in terms of administering the maximum number of doses," added the President.

Ayushman Bharat

The President also pointed out how Ayushman Bharat card has been beneficial to the poor. He said, "Ayushman Bharat card benefitted the poor. Availability of medicines at low prices at Jan Aushadi Kendra was also a great move."

PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana

He also praised PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana that ensures no one returns home hungry. He said, "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 program; it has been extended till March 2022."

Digital India initiative

While talking about the attempt to digitalise India, President Kovind pointed out, how it has impacted and empowered the lives of the people. "We can see the impact of the manner in which my Govt linked Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile, JAM trinity, to citizen empowerment. Crores of beneficiaries received benefits of direct cash transfer during pandemic with the linking of over 44 crore poor citizens to banking system," he said.

PM Svanidhi Yojana

"My govt is also running PM Svanidhi Yojana to benefit the street vendors. So far 28 lakh street vendors have received monetary support worth over Rs 2900 crores. Govt is now connecting these vendors with online companies," added the President.

Women empowerment

While talking about women empowerment, the President said, "Women empowerment is one of the top priorities of my Govt. 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."

"Providing equal status to the sons and daughters, my Govt has presented the Bill to increase the minimum age of 18 years for women to get married and bring it to 21 years, just like that for men," he added.

The President also pointed out,"It is a matter of joy that all 33 Sainik Schools have now started giving admission to girls too. Govt has also approved the entry to women cadets at the National Defence Academy (NDA). The first batch of women cadets will come to NDA in June 2022."

"By criminalizing Triple Talaq, govt is moving in the direction of riddance from ill-practices. Govt has also lifted the ban on Muslim women to go to Haj with Mehram (male-guardian)," President Ram Nath Kovind said.

National Education Policy

"Local languages are being promoted as part of National Education Policy; emphasis being laid on conducting important entrance examinations in Indian languages. 19 engineering colleges across 10 states to teach in 6 Indian languages this year," the President said.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

While speaking about the development of the farmers, the President said, "Our small-scale farmers have a significant role in the country's development; my govt has always prioritised 80% small-scale farmers. As part of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, over 11 crore families of farmers benefitted."

India's Olympic triumph

The President also pointed out the Tokyo Olympics triumph of the Indian team. He said, "We saw the capability of India's youth power, in Tokyo Olympics. Giving its best-ever performance, India won 7 medals. In Tokyo Paralympics too, India won 19 medals & set a record."

He further added, "To strengthen India's presence in Olympics & sports activities, Central Government - along with State Governments - is establishing hundreds of Khelo India centers."

The Union Budget 2022 will be presented by the Union Finance Minister on February 1, 2022.