New Delhi erupted in chaos on Wednesday as President Droupadi Murmu’s address to both houses of Parliament on the first day of the Budget session took an unexpected turn. Amid her speech highlighting key government initiatives, the President commended the ambitious ‘Jee Ram Jee’ scheme aimed at boosting rural employment and development. This praise triggered immediate uproar from opposition MPs, who rose in unison demanding its immediate withdrawal.
President Murmu outlined the Vikshit Bharat-Gram Act, a new law designed to guarantee 125 days of employment in rural areas. ‘This reform will curb corruption and leakages, infusing new vitality into villages,’ she stated, as BJP and NDA members applauded enthusiastically. However, the opposition’s protests forced her to pause her address briefly.
Resuming her speech, the President emphasized benefits for farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen through various facilities. She highlighted the government’s push to strengthen the cooperative movement in agriculture and animal husbandry. Initiatives like the Tribhuvan Cooperative University are empowering cooperative workers with education and growth opportunities. Over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are further fortifying the agricultural sector.
Shifting focus to women’s empowerment, President Murmu praised the government’s ‘Women and Development’ mantra. ‘True national progress requires equal opportunities for all citizens,’ she asserted. Dedicated schemes for women, alongside integrating them into broader programs, underscore this commitment. From housing schemes to Jal Jeevan Mission, self-help groups are linking more women to participation.
The number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women earning over Rs 1 lakh annually—has surpassed 2 crore, with the government on track to achieve 3 crore soon. This address not only spotlighted transformative policies but also exposed deepening political divides, setting a contentious tone for the session ahead.