Aadhaar helped in securing rights of poor: President Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that Aadhaar has helped in securing the rights of the poor by eliminating middlemen.

Addressing a joint-sitting of both the houses of the parliament, the President said, "Aadhaar has helped in securing the rights of the poor by eliminating middlemen. With help of Aadhaar, facilities are reaching poor beneficiaries directly".

President Kovind also revealed that in the past one year, registrations of about 3,50,000 suspicious companies have been cancelled.

"Our fight against corruption is continuing", he noted, adding that in order to bring everyone closer to development, the work under 'Pradhanmantri Gram Sadak Yojana' is being sped up.

"In 2014, only 56% villages were connected to roads, today more than 82% villages have road connectivity with the majority being in remote areas", the President added.

He stated that the government is committed to double the income of farmers by 2022.

"Our nation is the youngest nation. My government started Start Up India, Stand Up India, Skill India and Pradhanmantri Mudra Yojana to help the youth of the country to realise their dreams and make them self-employed", President Kovind said.

The Budget session of the Parliament will be conducted from January 29 to April 6, with the first phase to be held from January 29 to February 9 and the second phase from March 5 to April 6.