New Delhi, 31-01-2025: President Droupadi Murmu, in her address to both Houses of Parliament, emphasized the transformative changes in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, asserting that the region now enjoys a conducive environment for development. She highlighted the peaceful conduct of both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in J&K, commending the people for their role in this democratic achievement.
A significant milestone in connectivity, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project has been completed, integrating Kashmir with the rest of the country. The President lauded the construction of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the completion of India’s first rail cable-stayed bridge, the Anji Bridge. Additionally, she noted the progress of the Shinkun La tunnel, which, once completed, will be the world’s highest, ensuring year-round connectivity between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
Murmu underscored the government’s commitment to rapid infrastructure development, stating that the pace of work has tripled in its third term. She asserted that the administration has worked with determination to overcome past economic stagnation and has implemented major policy decisions at an extraordinary speed. With a focus on uplifting the poor, middle class, youth, women, and farmers, the government has infused new energy into the country’s growth trajectory.
Addressing the economic landscape, Murmu stated that India is emerging as a pillar of stability amid global uncertainties, gaining trust for its policies and intent. She referenced key international partnerships such as Quad, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the G20, reinforcing India’s growing global influence.
The President paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and expressed condolences for the lives lost during the Mauni Amavasya congregation at Prayagraj’s Kumbh. She outlined several government initiatives, including the construction of three crore additional houses, welfare programs for tribals, the distribution of rural property cards, and the extension of health insurance to six crore citizens above 70 years of age.
She highlighted the government’s focus on electoral and governance reforms, mentioning significant steps taken on ‘One Nation-One Election’ and amendments to the Waqf Act. The President further asserted that India has made remarkable progress toward self-reliance in the defense sector, achieving significant milestones in internal security and border defense. She praised ISRO for launching 100 missions from Sriharikota and expressed confidence that an Indian citizen would soon embark on a space mission aboard the indigenous Gaganyaan spacecraft.
On economic resilience, Murmu acknowledged challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts but affirmed that India has demonstrated remarkable stability and growth. She credited the government’s emphasis on ease of doing business and the implementation of the GST system under the ‘One Nation, One Tax’ initiative for streamlining economic operations nationwide.
The President stressed that true development is measured by its impact on the most vulnerable sections of society. She highlighted flagship welfare schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which facilitated the construction of 12 crore toilets, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which provided 10 crore free LPG connections, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has ensured clean drinking water access to millions. These initiatives, she said, have empowered 25 crore people to overcome poverty, forming a ‘Neo Middle Class’ that is actively contributing to India’s growth.