President addresses Parliament on opening day of budget session

New Delhi, Jan 28, 2026 : The Budget Session of Parliament began on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, outlining the Union government’s vision for social justice, inclusive growth and a developed India. The address marked the opening of the Seventh Session of the 18th Lok Sabha and the 270th Session of the Rajya Sabha.

In her customary address, President Murmu said she was delighted to speak before Parliament and described the previous year as a memorable period that reflected India’s rapid progress and rich cultural heritage. She highlighted several national commemorations, including the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. These events, she said, strengthened national unity and inspired the younger generation, accelerating the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.

Calling 2026 a pivotal year, the President said India has entered the second stage of the 21st century, with the achievements of the past 25 years laying a strong foundation across sectors. “This year forms a crucial base for our journey towards a developed India,” she noted.

Focusing on social justice, President Murmu recalled Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s emphasis on equality and dignity for all, values enshrined in the Constitution. “Every citizen should get their full rights without discrimination. My government is committed to true social justice,” she said. She added that nearly 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the past decade, and that efforts to empower the poor are being further accelerated in the government’s third term.

Highlighting welfare outreach, the President said that while social security schemes covered only about 25 crore citizens in 2014, nearly 95 crore people now have access to such schemes. She underlined the government’s focus on Dalits, backward classes, tribal communities and other marginalised sections under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

On rural employment, President Murmu spoke about the new Viksit Bharat–G RAM G law, which replaces the MNREGA framework. She said the new legislation aims to promote employment and development in rural areas by guaranteeing 125 days of work in villages. Her remarks drew loud desk-thumping from treasury benches, while opposition members protested and demanded the withdrawal of the law.

Earlier in the day, the President was accorded a Guard of Honour on her arrival at Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge were present during the address.

The Budget Session will span 30 sittings over 65 days and conclude on April 2, with a recess from February 13 to March 9 for scrutiny of Demands for Grants by parliamentary standing committees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Economic Survey on January 29, followed by the Union Budget on February 1.

Ahead of the session, an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was held on Tuesday, where leaders across parties discussed priorities and assured cooperation for smooth conduct of proceedings.