Budget 2015: Reform on governments agenda

New Delhi: The budget session of Parliament began on Monday with President Pranab Mukherjee addressing a joint session of both houses.

While beginning the Parliament session President Mukherjee said, “The government will work for marginalised section of society.”

The fundamental tenet of the government is Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (All Together, Development of All), the President added further.

President also outlined education as government’s big priority, emphasised on cleanliness and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and said, swachhata is an article of faith for the government.

He also urged MPs to spend 50% of MP funds under Swach Bharat programme.

President also stressed that the government was determined to give India’s economic growth a big push.

In his speech, President praised Jan Dhan Yojana and announced housing for all by 2020.

“Government has taken a number of measures to stop generation of black money,” President said in his speech.

President Mukherjee highlighted the launch of the Make in India programme to transform business in his address.

Highlighting the government efforts and policy initiatives for economic growth of the country, President said, “GDP growth at 7.4% is making India the fastest growing economy in the world.”

Praising governments effort for skill development, President said, “the government has created a new Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with the theme “Hunar hai to Kalyan hai”.”

The President also highlighted the steps taken to empower and protect the dignity of women.

The President also ensured the commitment of the government for railways and said, reforms for railways are on cards.

The budget session contains 44 items of financial, legislative and non-legislative business. The bills replacing ordinances on raising the foreign investment limit in insurance, auctioning coal mines and changing the rules of land acquisition are some of the important legislations scheduled to be tabled during the session.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and protection of Children) Bill, the Labour Code on Wages Bill, the small factories (regulation of employment and condition of services) Bill, and the Labour Code on Industrial Relations Bill are also likely to come up during the session.