Pranab Mukherjee's advice must be implemented: Cabinet

Union Minister of Steel Choudhary Birendra Singh on Sunday said that what outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee shared in the Parliament during his farewell was based on his experience and must be implemented in the democracy to make the Parliament stronger.

"Today whatever outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee has shared was based on his experience. Things that he discussed must be implemented in the democracy to make the Parliament stronger. He also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his work in last three years," he told ANI.

Union Minister M.N. Pandey hailed President Mukherjee, saying he has always maintained the dignity of the Parliament.

"He has always maintained the dignity of the Parliament. We will send our good wishes to him for his future. We got to learn so much from him," he said.

President Mukherjee, the 13th president of India, will vacate the Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow, making way for his successor President-elect Ram Nath Kovind.

Parliamentarians from both the Houses - Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha - gathered at the Central Hall to bid farewell to the outgoing Raisina Hill occupant earlier in the day.

President Mukherjee expressed happiness over the fact that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime was launched during his tenure and disappointment over the constant downfall of the Parliament's stature.

"The recent passage of the GST and its launch on July 1 is a shining example of cooperative federalism and speaks volumes of the maturity of India's Parliament," he said.

"It is unfortunate that the Parliamentary time devoted to legislations has been declining. The Parliament stands for debate and discussion. However, dissent and disruption have hurt the Opposition more," he added.

President Mukherjee also said the government should avoid the ordinance route and it should be reserved only for compelling circumstances.

Concluding his address as he shouted "Jai Hind", President Mukherjee thanked the gathering again for the farewell given to him, adding, "I leave with a sense of fulfilment and happiness of having served the country."

Earlier on Saturday, President Mukherjee attended a farewell dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi.

The president, who is also Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was also given a farewell by the chiefs of the armed forces. The function was held at the Manekshaw Centre.

President Mukherjee will address a farewell speech to the nation at 7.30 p.m. on Monday (July 24).

President-elect Ram Nath Kovind will take oath as the 14th President of India on Tuesday (July 25).