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President Mukherjee said that the presentation of Budget 2017 will be a historic one with the Budget Day being brought forward to Feb 1 and the Rail Budget merged with the Union Budget.

 

He said, "We gather once again to celebrate democracy to celebrate the culture which says 'sabka saath sabka vikas'."

 

"At the core of all my Government's policies is the welfare of the garib, dalit, peedit, shoshit, vanchit, kisan, shramik and yuva. My government is guided by the Antyodaya philosophy of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. His centenary year is being observed as Garib Kalyan Varsh." he said. 

 

He outlined the various projects and schemes undertaken by the Union Government and spoke highly about the surgical strike across the border and the demonetisation scheme.

 

He said, "My government has taken bold decisions in the interest of the poor."

 

The President also said, "Taking forward the concept of cooperative federalism through One nation-One tax and One nation-One market, both Houses of Parliament passed the Goods and Services Tax Act. Seventeen states governed by political parties across the political spectrum ratified this in a record 23 days. My government is thankful to the GST Council for working to resolve outstanding issues."

 

He also pointed out that India has been widely acclaimed as a bright spot in the global economy, at a time when global growth has been slow. 

 

"The rate of inflation, the balance of payments, current account deficit and the fiscal deficit have been consistently reduced since 2014. Foreign Direct Investment and foreign exchange reserves have reached record levels. The country's macroeconomic fundamentals are very strong, creating a platform for sustained high growth. FDI inflows in 2015-16 were US $ 55.6 billion, the highest-ever for any financial year.My Government further liberalized FDI policy provisions in various sectors in June 2016." he said.

 

In conclusion, the President said, "We gather here today to redeem the trust reposed by our countrymen, particularly the poor, in the sacred Institution of Parliament.  Every action of ours, in this temple of democracy must be an offering at the altar of the innumerable sacrifices that have built this nation. Let us work towards a common future, seeded in the promise of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, that will bring to all the equality and dignity enshrined in our constitution."

 

The Opposition parties had urged the government to postpone the Budget Day in view of the upcoming Assembly Elections.

 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress chief has said he party will skip the first two days of the Budget session, including the traditional President's address in Parliament's Central Hall.