Parliament LIVE: Kovind Lays Down Roadmap for Next 5 Yrs; Focus on Triple Talaq, NRC and One Nation, One Poll

The President also raises the contentious issues of the National Register for Citizens. "Foreigners entering India illegally are a great threat to internal security. My government has decided that the process of the NRC will be implemented on a priority basis in areas facing the infiltration problem."

Will Take All Possible Steps to Protect Ourselves: Prez Kovind | Addressing lawmakers of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, Ram Nath Kovind says that India has demonstrated its intentions and capabilities by first carrying out surgical strikes and then the air strikes on terrorist target across the border, following the Pulwama attack. "In the future also, all possible steps will be taken to protect ourselves."

President Ram Nath Kovind further says, "The successful test of Mission Shakti has added a new dimension to India's space technology capability and the country's security preparedness."

Zero Tolerance to Corruption: President Ram Nath Kovind | President Ram Nath Kovind stresses that there will be zero tolerance for corruption. "The campaign against black money will be carried forth at a faster pace, in the last two years, 4 lakh 25 thousand directors have been disqualified and 3 lakh 50 thousand dubious companies have been registered. 

"Under the Prime Minister's Mudra Yojana about 19 crore loans have been given for self-employment, the scheme will now be expanded to 30 crore people," President Ram Nath Kovind says. 

Triple Talaq, Nikah Halala Must be Abolished, Says Prez Kovind | Highlighting women's empowerment as one of the highest priorities of the government President Ram Nath Kovind says, "To ensure equal rights for every sister and daughter in the country, eradication of practises like Triple Talaq and nikah halala is necessary. I would request all members to extend their support to these efforts to make the lives of our sisters and daughters more dignified and improved." 

In his joint address to the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, President Ram Nath Kovind further says that investment is being made to strengthen rural India, increase productivity of the agricultural sector. "Another Rs 25 lakh crore will be invested in the coming years." 

Jal Shakti Ministry a Positive Step Says Ram Nath Kovind | Highlighting the current water crisis in the country, President Ram Nath Kovind says that the government has taken cognizance of the issue. He hails the formation of the Jal Shakti ministry calling it a decisive step towards countering the crisis.

Govt Working For Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas: Prez Ram Nath Kovind | PM Ram Nath Kovind says, "In this Lok Sabha elections, more than 61 crore citizens cast their vote and set a new record. The people of India gave a clear mandate. The government is working for 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'."

President Ram Nath Kovind Begins Parliament Address | President Ram Nath Kovind begins his address of the joint session of both the Houses at the Parliament. Kovind begins his address by congratulating the voters, newly-elected lawmakers, security forces and the Election Commission. "In this Lok Sabha more than half MPs are first-time lawmakers, the number of women MPs is at all time high at 78. This is unprecedented. It represents a New India," he said.

The President Ram Nath Kovind being led inside the Parliament ahead of his address to the joint session. Kovind in his speech to a joint session of Rajya Sabha and Lok Saba will outline the priorities of the Modi government and give a roadmap to fulfill those objectives. 

President Ram Nath Kovind has arrived at the Parliament. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and PM Narendra Modi 

Here are visuals of the President Ram Nath Kovind's enroute to the Parliament. 

President Ram Nath Kovind has left for Parliament. He will be addressing a Joint Session of both the Houses soon.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal commented on slogans raised by members during the Lok Sabha oath-ceremony saying, "Our mantra is 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' with 'sabka vishwas'", we want to win everyone's trust.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on slogans raised by members during oath-ceremony in Lok Sabha: Our mantra is 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' with 'sabka vishwas', we want to win everyone's trust. pic.twitter.com/JxgReCmqS0

— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2019

Om Birla's comments about the religious slogans comes a day after Hyderabad MP-elect Adaduddin Owaisi, was heckled with chants of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Vande mataram" as he walked down the staircase for his oath-taking. The MP hit back with slogans of, "Jai Bheem, Jai Meem, Allahu Akbar, Jai Hind."​​

No Place for Sloganeering in Parliament Says Om Birla | Om Birla later affirmed that he will not allow a repeat of the shouting of religious slogans or heckling in the House, as witnessed during the swearing-in of some opposition MPs on Tuesday. “I don’t think Parliament is the place for sloganeering, for showing placards,” he said.​

The Wednesday session was important because the Parliament unanimously elected Om Birla as the Speaker for the 17th Lok Sabha. Om Birla, in his speech, said “I will preside over the proceedings in accordance with rules and regulations and safeguard the interests of the members, irrespective of the strength of their parties in the House. I have been a member like you from 2014 to 2019. Here, we should raise the issues which matter to the last person standing in the row."

Triple Talaq, Aadhar Bills to be Introduced | Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan will introduce several Bills, including the Triple Talaq bill, The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019, The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2019, and The Companies (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2019.

Lok Sabha members who have not taken their Oath of Office, or the Affirmation of Allegiance to the Constitution, will do so today.The Secretary General will also lay on the Table, a statement showing the Bills passed by the both Houses of Parliament during the 248th Session of the Rajya Sabha, and assented to by the President.

On Wednesday, Om Birla of the BJP was elected as the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha. Birla was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other senior BJP leaders, and members of the opposition. “Congratulations to Shri @ombirlakota Ji on being unanimously elected the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. He has been associated with public life since his student days and has worked compassionately for the poor and downtrodden. My best wishes to him for the tenure ahead, ” the Prime Minister tweeted from his official account.

President Ram Nath Kovind Will Address a Joint Session of Parliament at 11 am | Today will be the first full day of proceedings for the newly formed 17th Lok Sabha, which elected Om Birla as its speaker on Wednesday. Day 4 of the Parliament’s Budget Session will see President Ram Nath Kovind address a joint-sitting of both houses at 11 am.