President has rightly acknowledged NDA's achievements: R.S. Prasad

Union Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday hailed President Pranab Mukhejee's joint address to both the Houses of Parliament, saying that the latter had rightly acknowledged the achievements of the BJP-led NDA Government.

"President's address determines the state and direction of development. Today, there is no corruption in the Narendra Modi-led NDA Government. The FDI has gone up compared to the last five years. The roads are being constructed across the nation and electricity is reaching the villages," Prasad told reporters here.

"Spectrums were allocated in an honest manner. We are expanding postal service for e-commerce and payment banks. The programmes such as Skill India, Digital India, Make in India, start up India and smart cities are changing the country. We have done a lot for the farmers. Leading rating agencies in the world are seeing India as a big investment destination," he added.

Addressing the joint session of both the Houses in the Central Hall of Parliament, President Mukherjee said the government is focused on Sabka Vikas beyond just the economic advancements that dominate headlines.

He said Sabka Vikas is development for the entire world, which is why the country has to be a responsible member of the global comity of nations helping all humanity solve major challenges such as terrorism, climate change and financial instability.

He said the government's development philosophy is Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas and overriding goal is to eradicate poverty.

President Mukherjee further said the government is focused on the welfare of poor, farmers and jobs for the youth. He said the government is trying hard to make this possible through financial inclusion and social security.

The Budget Session is expected to be a stormy one with the Opposition planning to corner the government on several issues, including the JNU row and Rohith Vemula's suicide in the Hyderabad University.

The Rail Budget will be presented on February 25 and the General Budget on February 29.