Budget Session 2019: Highlights of President Kovind's address to joint session of Parliament

New Delhi: Addressing the joint session of Parliament at the beginning of the Budget Session on Thursday, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the government is committed towards its resolve to work for making a New India and give hope to the people.

This is the last session of the 16th Lok Sabha with elections due by May. The Budget session will end on February 13.

He said the government has been trying to pass the triple talaq bill to empower Muslim women so that they can live a life without fear. He also emphasised that Citizenship Amendment Bill will make it easier to provide Indian citizenship to those who had to take refuge in India after facing oppression somewhere else.

President Kovind also highlighted various welfare schemes and initiatives taken by the government.

Here are the highlights of President Kovind's address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha:

31 January 2019

12:34 IST

In the International   context, while India is a staunch supporter of  friendly ties with  all countries, there is also a need to constantly strengthen our capabilities  to tackle any challenges. Through the surgical strike on cross border terror posts, India has shown its new policy and strategy.  Last year India joined the handful of countries that possess the Nuclear Triad capability

12:04 IST

Compromising with security needs is not in interest of present and future of the country. New deals in last year, purchase of defence equipment raised morale of defence. After gap of decades, Indian Air Force will include ultra modern Rafale aircraft in its fleet in coming months and strengthen itself