President Mukherjee backs govt's pro-poor, pro-Dalit policies

While enumerating the government's policies ahead of the Budget Session, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the epicentre of the strategies taken have always been for the welfare of 'gareeb', 'peedit', 'Dalit and 'vanchhit'.

Re-iterating that the government is committed to 'sabka saath sabka vikaas', President Mukherjee said many initiatives have been taken to improve the quality and life of the poor.

Social and economic equality for deprived sections being the first promise of the constitution, the President assured that the government is committed to fulfil it.

Keeping the focus on the upliftment of the poor and giving them a quality life, the President highlighted the various policies of the government aimed at achieving the same.

From Jan Dhan accounts to Pradhan Mandtri Mudra Yojana, President Mukherjee emphasized on all the important plans of the government.

"Under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, over Rs. 16000 crore have been made available to SHGs in the current Financial Year," he said.

"Under Deen Dayal Upadhayay Gram Jyoti Yojana over 11,000 villages have been electrified in a record time," he added.

The President also put light on various social security schemes that have covered 13 crore poor closely.

The start of the Indian Postal Payment Bank has helped in bringing the banking system to the doorstep of the poor and the unbanked.

Shifting focus on women empowerment, President Mukherjee said the government is making 'naari shakti' an integral part of India's development journey.

"The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme is yielding encouraging results," he said."

"Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan will provide comprehensive ante-natal care to all pregnant women," he added.

Talking about another aspect of India, which forms the foundation of our nation i.e. the farmers, President Mukherjee asserted that the government has taken various steps to transform their lives.

"A favourable monsoon supplemented by farmer-oriented schemes has increased the acreage and yield of most Kharif crops," he said.

Convincing enough while talking about the future of the nation, the youth, President Mukherjee said the government with the motto of 'Har Haath ko Hunar', has taken several steps for skilling youth and improving their employability.

"Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana launched for promoting entrepreneurship education and training amongst 7 lakh students," he said.

The President's inaugural address has kicked off the Budget Session, which will comprise not only presentation of the general budget but also 34 other bills.