Budget 2024, Emergency, NEET row, and CAA: Top 10 quotes from President Droupadi Murmu's address in Parliament

President addressed the joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday for the first time after the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha.

Here are the top ten quotes:

1. The President said people are aware that only this government can fulfil their aspirations. In the upcoming sessions, this government will present the first budget of this term. The Union Budget will be a futuristic document, and “reforms will be fast-tracked". This budget will effectively document the government's far-reaching policies and futuristic vision. Along with big economic and social decisions, many historic steps will also be seen in this budget." 

2. Speaking on the NEET UG exam paper leak, President Murmu noted that cases of paper leaks and irregularities in exams are being probed at a high level. “There is a need to rise above partisan politics. Sanctity and transparency must be in government recruitments and examinations."

3. “Divisive forces conspiring to weaken democracy create a chasm in society from within and outside the country. Every attempt to tarnish our democracy should be condemned by all," she noted. President further spoke on the Emergency, saying, “Emergency was the biggest and darkest chapter of a direct attack on Constitution."

4. “My government has provided ₹3.20 lakh crores to the of the country under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Since the beginning of my government's new term, more than ₹20,000 crores has been transferred to the farmers. The government has also rapidly increased the MSP for Kharif crops. Today, India is changing its agriculture system considering its current needs.

5. The president further lauded the world's rapidly increasing demand for organic products. She said, “Indian farmers have the full capacity to meet this demand.