Central authorities working with ‘full sensitivity’ for all communities, says Murmu

Central authorities working with ‘full sensitivity’ for all communities, says Murmu

Saying that the Union government is working towards social justice, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday asked MPs to stand as one on issues of national security, Viksit Bharat (developed India) and the campaign for swadeshi.

In her address to a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, the President invoked Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to note that “amid different opinions and diverse viewpoints, there has been unanimity about nothing being greater than the nation”.

‘Reform express’

She said that the government was accelerating the “reform express” for achieving a developed India by 2047.

Amid unease over certain sections of the University Grants Commission’s regulations to promote equity in higher education institutions, the President said the government was working with “full sensitivity” for all — for Dalits, Backward Classes, the marginalised, and tribal communities.

In 2014, social security schemes could reach only 25 crore citizens, she said, adding that efforts of the government had seen 95 crore Indians receiving social security cover currently. Ms. Murmu said the architect of the Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar, had always laid emphasis on equality and social justice.

“Our Constitution inspires us in the same spirit,” she said, underlining that social justice means every citizen gets to exercise full rights, without discrimination.

The President said the world saw the valour of Indian armed forces through Operation Sindoor.

Terror camps across the border were destroyed, she said and asserted that any terrorist attack would be responded to with decisive action. India had proved that power could be used with responsibility and wisdom, she said.

The President referred to British official Thomas Macaulay and his policies during the colonial rule in the 19th century. “Through Macaulay’s conspiracies, a sense of inferiority was instilled among the people of India during the colonial period. Now, for the first time since Independence, my government has shown the courage to strike a blow on this,” the President said.

She said 2026 also marks the completion of 75 years since the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat’s Saurashtra. “The thousand-year journey since the attacks on the Somnath Temple stands as a symbol of India’s religious devotion, Sanatan culture and enduring faith. The enthusiasm with which people across the country participated in the Somnath Swabhimaan Parv has been truly unmatched,” she said.

She further mentioned the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU in her address. She said that the conclusion of negotiations will give impetus to India’s manufacturing and service sectors and create new employment opportunities.