President Ram Nath Kovind addresses joint session of Parliament: Highlights

* In this Lok Sabha election, 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'.
* I am happy to say that my government has made it a priority to reach out and uplift people from poverty and provide all the basic needs to live with dignity. Rural and urban India, both must progress.
* Water conservation, help to farmers and families of soldiers are a priority of my government. Jal Shakti Ministry is a decisive step in this direction.
* National security is paramount for my govt, surgical strike and air strike on terror camps have made India's intentions clear.
* Declaration of Masood Azhar as the global terrorist proves India's standing in the world forum.
* To bolster the startup ecosystem, we have set the target of launching 50,00 startups by 2024.
* My government is working to increase seats in higher educational institutes by 50 per cent by 2024, will create 2 crore more seats.
* Triple Talaq, nikah halala are important to be abolished for the empowerment of women and I expect the citizens to support the initiative.
* Efforts to further simplify GST will continue.
* India will receive its first Rafale and Apache jets in the near future.
* To help farmers, small traders live life of dignity, government has started pension scheme for them.
* For the children of adivasi areas, Eklavya Schools are being established.
* To make Animal welfare affordable, my government has started a new scheme.
* Empowering the women is a top priority for my government. Not just empowering the women but to lead under the empowered women is my government's approach. Employment opportunities for rural women is being facilitated.
* My government intends to increase the seats in higher education institutions.
* My government targets to make India's economy worth $5 trillion by 2024.
* My government will work to make its policy of anti-corruption more effective. Implementation of Lokpal will ensure transparency.
* 7.3 lakh crore were transferred to people under direct benefit transfer in last 5 years. I request state governments to adopt DBT for scheme implementation.
* For pollution-free transport, e-vehicles ecosystem is being given a major push.
* My government will increase efforts to put an end to drains which open in Ganga to free it from pollution. Kumbh-Mela received international acclaim for its seamless organisation.
* We are working to send first Indian to space. Mission Shakti has added a new chapter in India's space achievements.
* The defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will empower our security arrangements.
* I urge you all to dedicate yourselves to the people of the nation and once again congratulate you all for your victory.
In Video:President Ram Nath Kovind addresses Parliament