President: India On Track For Viksit Bharat With Reforms, Investments And Jobs

New Delhi, Jan 28 (KNN) Addressing Parliament at the opening of the Budget Session, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday underscored India’s advances in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, green energy and jobs. 

She noted that the country is steadily progressing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat with the active involvement of youth, farmers, workers and entrepreneurs.
 
Record performance in agriculture and allied sectors
 
The President said India recorded over 350 million tonnes of foodgrain output last year, including 150 million tonnes of rice, making it the world’s largest rice producer. 
 
She added that India is now the second-largest fish producer globally under the Blue Economy push and continues to lead in milk production, supported by a strong cooperative network.
 
Manufacturing and exports gain momentum
 
Highlighting industrial progress, Murmu said manufacturing, especially electronics, has seen strong growth, with India now the world’s second-largest mobile phone maker and smartphone exports crossing Rs 1 lakh crore in the first five months of FY26. 
 
She added that EVs are being exported to over 100 countries, while the PLI scheme has attracted nearly Rs 2 lakh crore in investments, driven over Rs 17 lakh crore in output, and helped electronics production rise sixfold to Rs 11 lakh crore over 11 years.
 
PRAGATI and reform-driven governance
 
The President said the PRAGATI initiative has boosted project execution and welfare delivery, fast-tracking projects worth over Rs 85 lakh crore since its launch, with its 50th meeting held in December 2025. She added that the government’s ‘Reform–Perform–Transform’ approach has strengthened economic governance and execution.
 
Economic resilience and tax reforms
 
Despite global headwinds, India remains the fastest-growing major economy, with controlled inflation supporting poor and middle-class households, Murmu said. 
 
She cited GST rationalisation that saved consumers Rs 1 lakh crore, pushed two-wheeler registrations past two crore in 2025, and a revamped income tax regime exempting income up to Rs 12 lakh that has lifted savings and consumption.
 
Labour reforms and worker welfare
 
Murmu said the consolidation of multiple labour laws into four labour codes has simplified compliance and strengthened worker protections, especially benefiting youth and women by ensuring fair wages and welfare benefits.
 
Green growth and energy transition
 
The President highlighted India’s push for green growth and advanced technology, with rising investments in the digital economy, AI and data centres. 
 
She said nuclear power will be key to the 100 GW capacity target by 2047 under the SHANTI Act, while nearly 20 lakh rooftop solar systems installed under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana have cut power bills. India is on track to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by the decade’s end.
 
Rural employment and welfare initiatives
 
Murmu announced that the newly enacted Viksit Bharat Gram law will provide 125 days of guaranteed rural employment while curbing corruption and leakages. The initiative is expected to boost rural development and support farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen.
 
Defence, semiconductors and critical minerals
 
India’s defence production exceeded Rs 1.5 lakh crore in 2025, with exports touching Rs 23,000 crore, reflecting growing trust in indigenous platforms after Operation Sindoor, the President said. 
She also highlighted progress in semiconductor self-reliance, with four new fabs approved in 2025, taking the total to 10, alongside initiatives in nano-chip manufacturing and critical mineral security.
 
Shipping, startups and entrepreneurship
 
The government has rolled out a Rs 70,000 crore package for the shipping sector and granted infrastructure status to large ships to cut reliance on foreign vessels. 
 
Murmu said schemes like Mudra Yojana, PM Vishwakarma and PM SVANidhi have boosted entrepreneurship, with Mudra disbursing Rs 38 lakh crore, including loans to 12 crore first-time entrepreneurs.
 
India is now the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with nearly two lakh registered startups, 50,000 added last year, and about 45 percent having at least one woman director.
 
Education, skills and future workforce
 
The President said the National Education Policy is equipping students for tech-driven future jobs. Over one crore students have benefitted from Atal Tinkering Labs, while research is being strengthened through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. 
 
Under the PM Setu Scheme, Rs 60,000 crore is being invested to modernise 1,000 ITIs, with 60,000 youth trained for semiconductors and 10 lakh undergoing AI training.
 
(KNN Bureau)