HIGHLIGHTS | Government working for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas: President Ram Nath Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind is addressing the joint sitting of both the houses of Parliament at the Central Hall . The first session of the 17th Lok Sabha began on Monday in which the newly elected members took the oath. The election of the Speaker was held on Wednesday.

Here are the LIVE updates:

12 noon: I wish you all the best wishes again to all of you, by inviting all of you to dedicate yourself to the new construction and fulfilling your duties in the next five years with complete loyalty. 

Jai Hind!

11.59 am: I am confident that all members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will do their valuable contribution in achieving the ideals of the Constitution while performing their duties in the form of members, MPs - President Kovind

11.58 am: I urge all MPs to seriously consider the development-oriented proposal of 'a nation-simultaneous elections' - President Kovind

11.57 am: Today's demand is that the system of 'one nation - elections together' should be brought out so that the country can grow faster and the people will be benefited. With such arrangements, all political parties will be able to utilise their energy more in the work of development and public welfare, according to their ideology, says President Kovind.

11.56 am: During the last few decades, some elections were held in some parts of the country often due to the speed and continuity of development. Our countrymen have demonstrated wisdom and understanding by expressing their clear decisions on state and national level issues, says President Ram Nath Kovind.

11.55 am: My government has paid a humble tribute to the nation by building the 'National War Memorial' martyrs built near India Gate in Delhi. In memory of the soldiers of our police force, who are martyred in the country's security, the government has built a 'National Police Memorial' - President Kovind

11.54 am: Every possible effort is being made to take care of soldiers and their families. Efforts are made to improve their lives by increasing the ex-servicemen's pension and expanding their health facilities through 'One Rank One Pension' - President Kovind

11.54 am: My government is expanding the work of modernisation of the armed forces and the armed forces. In the near future, India is going to meet the first 'Rafael' fighter aircraft and 'Apache' helicopters - President Kovind

11.53 am: Foreigners admitted in India illegally, are in great danger for internal security. My government has decided that the process of 'National Register of Citizens' will be implemented in the areas which are facing the problem of infiltration - on the basis of priority - President Kovind

11.53 am: My government gives top priority to national security. India has displayed its intentions and capabilities by air strikes on border cross-border terrorists, first surgical strike and then after the Pulwama attack. All possible steps will be taken to protect your security in the future, says President Kovind

11.52 am: This year, the events of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which are being organized all over the world, will lead India's 'Thought Leadership'. Similarly, from the programs of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the light of India's spiritual wisdom will spread throughout the world - President Kovind

11.51 am: My government is also conscious of protecting the interests of Indians settled abroad and working there. Today, if anyone is caught in an Indian crisis abroad, he is confident of quick help and relief. Many services from passports to visa have been made easy and accessible - President Kovind

11.50 am: Today the whole world stands on the issue of terrorism with India. It is a big evidence to declare Masood Azhar, who is responsible for the major terror attacks in the country, by the United Nations, as an international terrorist: President Kovind

11.49 am: Today, India has become a new identity and our relations with other countries have become stronger. It is a matter of happiness that India will host the G-20 Summit in 2022 - President Kovind

11.48 am: Successful testing of 'Mission Shakti' is a new dimension in the capability of India's space technology and the country's security-preparedness - President Kovind

11.47 am: Our scientists are engaged in the preparation of 'Chandrayaan-2'. It will be India's first spacecraft to reach the Moon. As of year 2022, the goal of sending the first Indian to space in his 'Gagan Yan' in India is also working fast - President Kovind

11.46 am: In the year 2014, the number of protected areas in the country was 692 which has now increased to 868. Given the challenges associated with air pollution, 'National Clean Air Program' has been started in 102 cities of the country - President Kovind

11.45 am: Solar energy plays an important role in reducing the effects of climate change and global warming. With the active efforts of India, the International Solar Alliance has been formed. Through this organization, India is contributing significantly to the development of solar energy in developing countries of the world - President Kovind

11.44 am: My government will expedite the campaign to stop the dirty drains falling in the Ganges river under the 'Namami Gange' scheme. The Government will endeavor to release other rivers such as Cauvery, Periyar, Narmada, Yamuna, Mahanadi and Godavari as pollution from pollution - President Kovind

11.43 am: This year, during the Ardhakumbha in Prayagraj, cleanliness of the Ganga and facilitation of devotees is being discussed all over the world. My government has enhanced their self-esteem by honoring every person contributing to the successful Semi Kumbh - President Kovind

11.43 am: The government is also working on the highway as well as in the area of ​​Railways, Airway and Inland Waterway. Under the 'Flying Plan', connecting the small towns of the country with air traffic is going on fast - President Kovind

11.42 am: Under Bharatmala Project, construction or upgradation of National Highway of about 35 thousand kilometers is to be done by 2022. Also, through the 'Sagarmala project', the network of better roads is being laid in the coastal areas of the country and around the ports - President Kovind

11.41 am: My government is constantly working to provide world-class infrastructure and citizen facilities for the modern India from the villages of the country to the cities - President Kovind

11.41 am: Due to 'Direct Benefit Transfer', so far Rs 1, 41 thousand crores are left in the wrong hands. Name of nearly 8 crore wrong beneficiaries has been removed - President Kovind

11.41 am: 'Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code' is one of the biggest and most effective economic reforms in the country. After the implementation of this code, the amount of more than Rs.3 lakh crores has been settled directly and indirectly by banks and other financial institutions - President Kovind

11.40 am: The 'Fugitive and Economic Offenders Act' is being proved to be useful in controlling those who flee the economic offenses. - President Kovind

11.37 am: The campaign launched against black money will be extended further at a faster pace. In the last 2 years, 4 lakh 25 thousand directors have been disqualified and registration of 3,50,000 suspected companies has been canceled - President Kovind

11.36 am: With the implementation of GST, the thinking of 'one country, one tax, one market' has come true. Efforts will be made to simplify GST - President Kovind

11.35 am: The emphasis is on continuous improvements in tax administration as well as simplification. The decision to tax-free income of Rs. 5 lakhs is an important step taken in this direction - President Kovind

11.34 am: In the ranking of 'Ease of Doing Business', India was ranked 142 in the year 2014. In the last 5 years, we have reached 77th position by raising 65 ranks. Now our goal is to come to the top 50 list of the world - President Kovind

11.32 am: Today India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world - President Kovind.

11.30 am: Today India has joined the countries with the world's most start-up, says President Kovind.

11.29 am: Under the Prime Minister's Mudra Scheme, about 19 crore loans have been given for self-employment. Expanding this plan, an effort will now be made to reach out to 30 million people. A loan scheme of up to Rs 50 lakh without any guarantee for the entrepreneurs will also be brought, says President Kovind.

11.28 am: The government has provided reservation of 10 percent for the poor youth of the general category. With this, they will be able to get more opportunities in the field of appointment and education - President Kovind

11.27 am: To ensure equal rights for every sister and daughter in the country, it is necessary to eradicate the 'three divorces' and 'nodh-halala' practices. I will request all the members to support our efforts to make the lives of our sisters and daughters more respectable and better.

11.26 am: Under the National Livelihoods Mission, 3 crore women of rural areas have been given loans of more than Rs 2 lakh crore so far, says President.

11.25 am: Freedom from smoke by 'Ujjwala Yojana', vaccination through 'Mission Rainbow', free electricity connection under 'good luck' scheme, the benefits of all these rural women have been received - President Kovind

11.24 am: Penalties for crimes against women have been made more strictly and new penalties are being strictly enforced, says President Kovind.

11.23 am: Women empowerment is one of the top priorities of my government. Woman's empowerment and her effective involvement in society and economy is the criterion of a developed society. It is the government's view that not only women should be developed but rather development of women leadership - President Kovind

11.22 am: 'Ayushman Bharat Yojna' has been implemented as the world's biggest health care scheme providing health protection to 50 million poor people.

11.22 am: My government is also working to bring banking services to the doorsteps of the countrymen - President Kovind

11.21 am: Work is being done on a wide scale for the development of 112 'aspiring districts' of the country - President Ram Nath Kovind.

11.20 am: Today India is second in the world in the field of fishery production. Our country has the ability to get first place. That is why the government is committed to 'Blue Revolution' which means 'Blue Revolution'. A separate department has been constituted for the overall development of fish farming, says President Kovind.

11.20 am: By the year 2022, the income of the farmer of the country could double, for this, a number of steps have been taken in the past 5 years - President Kovind

11.19 am: Large scale investment has been made to strengthen rural India. In order to increase productivity of agriculture sector, more than Rs. 25 lakh crores will be invested in the coming years - President Kovind

11.18 am: We must save water for our children and future generations. The formation of new 'hydro power ministry' is a decisive step in this direction, which will have far-reaching benefits. Through this new ministry, arrangements related to water conservation and management will be made more effective - President Kovind

11.12 am: The National Defence Fund has increased the amount of scholarship to the children of the brave soldiers. This includes the sons and daughters of the state police jawans for the first time - President Kovind

11.10 am: For the first time a government has taken note of the economic security of small shopkeepers. In the first meeting of the Cabinet, a separate 'pension scheme' has been approved for small shopkeepers and retail traders. The benefits of this scheme will be available to about 30 million small shopkeepers in the country: President Kovind.

11.07 am: PM Kisan Samman scheme for all farmers in the country was introduced when the new government was voted to power: President Kovind.

11.05 am: Indian moved to a new direction after 2014, says President Kovind.

11.04 am: 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 govt is working for 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas': President Kovind.

11.03 am: My government working towards ease of living, says President Kovind in first address in 17th Lok Sabha.

11.02 am: Congratulate EC for successfully conductiong polls, says President Kovind.

11.01 am: President Ram Nath Kovind begins his address of the joint session of both the Houses at the Parliament.

11 am: President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at the Parliament.

Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at the Parliament pic.twitter.com/v5kVCCSxiK

— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2019