President Ram Nath Kovind said his government has taken a pledge for a New India and to make life better for common people. While addressing the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on the start of Budget Session, he said the government has taken numerous steps to ensure social and economic development of the country in the last four-and-a-half years and to provide health care and education to all.

President Ram Nath Kovind lauded the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and said that in the last four months, over 10 lakh poor people have availed health benefits in hospitals under this scheme.

President said that over 9 crore toilets have been built under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and due to this mass movement, the ambit of rural cleanliness has risen to 98%.

The President said the NDA government has been trying to pass the Triple Talaq Bill to empower Muslim women so that they can live a life without fear. The government has been working to fulfill hopes and aspirations of all sections of people.

The President further said that the just concluded winter session of Parliament saw the passage of the 103rd constitution amendment bill which extends benefit of reservation to poor and he termed it as a historic decision.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all lawmakers to utilise Parliament's Budget Session for constructive debates & discussions.