The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has said that the government is committed to eliminating poverty from the country. Addressing the joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament today, the President said that the end of poverty in the country is the greatest challenge before the government as first claim on the development belongs to the poor.

Elaborating priorities of the newly elected government, President said that containing food inflation will be topmost priority.

The President said that the government is also committed to improve the quality of life in villages through empowerment of panchayati raj institutions.

He said that the investment in agriculture, especially, agri-infrastructure will be increased both in public and private sectors. He said steps will be taken to convert farming into a profitable venture through scientific practices and agro-technology.

Mr. Mukherjee said that the government will adopt a National Land Use Policy which will facilitate scientific identification of non-cultivable land and its strategic development. He said that water security will be given high priority and Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna will be launched with the motto of “her khet ko pani”. He said that “jal-sanchay and jal-sinchan” – water conservation and water recharge will also be ensured.

Underlining difficult phase of the country’s economy, President said that the steps will be taken to restore the confidence of the domestic as well as international community in our economy.

Mr. Mukherjee announced that a “Swachh Bharat Mission” will be launched for ensuring hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the country. He said that it will be a tribute to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary to be celebrated in year 2019.

He said that the government will also formulate a new health policy and roll out a National Health Assurance Mission. He also announced that the government will set up IITs and IIMs in every state and massive open on-line courses and virtual class rooms will also be set up for youth development.

It will formulate a National Education Policy aimed at meeting the challenges posed by lack of quality, research and innovation in education institutions. To promote sports, a National Sports Talent Search System will also be launched.

He said that the government is committed to making all the minorities, equal partners in the country’s progress.

The President said that India is determined to work towards building a peaceful, stable and economically interlinked neighbourhood which is essential for the collective development and prosperity of the South Asia region.

Mr. Mukherjee said that the government will engage energetically with other neighbours of the region including China and Japan to further develop strategic and cooperative partnership.

He said that India will intensify its relationship with United States in different areas including trade, investment, science and technology, energy and education. He said that the government will make concrete efforts to achieve progress in key areas with European Union as well as its leading members.

Mr. Mukherjee said that steps will be taken for modernisation of armed forces and to address shortage of manpower. He said that a National Maritime Authority will be set up for coastal security. He said that a National War Memorial will be build to honour the gallantry of our soldiers.