As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2025-26 on 01-02-2025, following President Droupadi Murmu’s joint address to both Houses of Parliament on 31-01-2025, anticipation is building across the nation. The Budget presentation by the Finance Minister will mark her eighth consecutive presentation of the Union Budget, outlining the Government’s revenue and expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year, from April 1 to March 31.
The budget is not just a financial document; it is a blueprint for India’s future, reflecting the Government’s fiscal policy, and its impact is felt across various sectors of the economy, from infrastructure and defence to healthcare and education. Though Article 112 of the Constitution of India mandates that “the President shall in respect of every financial year cause to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for that year,” as per established tradition, it is the Union Finance Minister who tables the Budget/Annual Financial Statement, summarizing the Government’s receipts and expenditures for the fiscal year.
The Union Budget 2025-26 is likely to focus on fostering economic growth, improving fiscal health, and addressing social and infrastructure challenges. With technology, healthcare, and sustainability becoming increasingly important, the Government’s priorities will likely reflect these shifts to ensure balanced and long-term growth
President Murmu Highlights: Key Priorities in Joint Address to Parliament
In her address to the joint sitting of Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the significant milestones in India’s governance and economic development. She emphasized the nation’s progress as it marks 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution and extended condolences to the families of those affected by the recent stampede during the Maha Kumbh festivities in Prayagraj and offered heartfelt tribute on demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhji.
Accelerated Policy Implementation and Governance
President Murmu underscored the Government’s commitment to rapid policy implementation, stating that decisions are being made at an unprecedented pace. She noted that in its third term, the Government is working at three times the earlier speed to drive India’s development forward. She emphasized that this determination aims to end “policy paralysis,” citing significant decisions on issues such as Waqf boards and the implementation of One Nation, One Election.
Major Welfare Initiatives
Outlining key welfare schemes, President Murmu detailed major initiatives aimed at housing, health, education, and employment:
-
Expansion of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to provide new homes to three crore additional families, with an allocated budget of ₹5.36 lakh crore.
-
Launch of Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan to benefit five crore tribal citizens, supported by an ₹80,000 crore fund.
-
Extension of Ayushman Bharat to provide health insurance of ₹5 lakh annually for six crore senior citizens aged 70 and above.
-
Introduction of PM Vidyalakshmi Yojana to offer financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education, alongside one crore internship opportunities in the top 500 companies.
Women Empowerment and Financial Inclusion
Focusing on Nari Shakti, President Murmu reiterated the Government’s commitment to women-led development. Key initiatives include:
-
Implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, ensuring reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
-
Strengthening of 91 lakh self-help groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, benefiting over ten crore women.
-
Financial empowerment through bank linkages, with over ₹9 lakh crore disbursed to women entrepreneurs.
-
Expansion of Drone Didi and Krishi Sakhi initiatives for women engaged in agriculture and rural economic activities.
Technology, AI, and Digital Infrastructure
President Murmu outlined India’s advancements in technology and digital governance:
-
Introduction of the India AI Mission and National Quantum Mission to position India at the forefront of artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
-
Expansion of digital banking and financial inclusion through the PM Swanidhi Yojana, benefiting street vendors and small businesses.
-
Rapid growth of India’s 5G network, establishing the country as a global leader in digital infrastructure.
Cybersecurity and National Security
Acknowledging the risks associated with increased digitization, President Murmu addressed concerns regarding cyber fraud, deepfake technology, and digital crime. She emphasized that the Government has taken multiple steps to counter cyber threats and create employment opportunities in the cybersecurity sector.
Infrastructure and Transport Development
Highlighting India’s infrastructural advancements, President Murmu announced:
-
Completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project, enabling railway connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
-
Achievement of a 1,000-km metro network milestone, making India the third-largest metro network globally.
-
Construction of the Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world.
Healthcare and Telemedicine
In the healthcare sector, President Murmu highlighted:
-
The launch of the U-WIN Portal for vaccination tracking, with 30 crore doses already registered.
-
Over 30 crore e-teleconsultations conducted through telemedicine platforms, improving healthcare access nationwide.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Recognizing agriculture as a priority sector, President Murmu emphasized the Government’s goal of modernizing and making India’s agricultural system self-reliant. The Mission Mausam initiative, launched with an allocation of ₹2,000 crore, aims to enhance weather resilience and climate-smart farming techniques.
Tribal and Northeastern Development
President Murmu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the welfare of tribal communities, citing initiatives such as:
-
PM-Janman Yojana and Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan, aimed at economic and social upliftment.
-
A national mission to address sickle cell disease, with five crore people screened so far.
-
Infrastructure and employment initiatives under the Purvodaya plan, targeting Eastern and Northeastern states.
Social Justice and Inclusion
The Government has expanded initiatives to support marginalized communities, including:
-
PM Suraj Yojana, providing financial aid to sanitation workers and backward sections.
-
Issuance of over one crore disability identity cards to facilitate access to welfare schemes.
-
Conservation and digitization of India’s manuscript heritage, ensuring preservation of historical knowledge.
Conclusion
President Murmu’s address set the stage for the Union Budget 2025-26 by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to economic growth, social welfare, and digital transformation. With a focus on inclusive development, the upcoming Budget is expected to further these priorities while addressing emerging challenges in the global economic landscape.
