Budget Session begins with President's address

President said in his speech: "My Government is pledged to work for the welfare of the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable sections of the society."

Harping on a clean India, the President said "inclusive growth covering poorest of poor from most vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society is my Govt's topmost priority."

He said the Government is committed to taking all possible measures to stop generation of black money, both domestically & internationally.

He said as a result of the Government's sustained efforts and series of policy initiatives, the economy is again on high growth trajectory.

"My Gov Online Platform, a path breaking initiative, has been launched. This has ensured public participation in decision-making," said the President

"My Government is firmly committed to engage people in the process of Governance and policy-making," said Mukherjee

He said the Government created a new Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship with the theme "Hunar hai to Kalyan hai".

He said education is the priority of priorities for this Government.

The President said action has been taken to prevent violence against women.

He said an enabling situation has been created in Jammu and Kashmir too.

The Budget Session is supposed to last till March 20. The Parliament will resume itself from April 20. The session will finally be concluding on May 8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier addressed the opposition and other political parties in a meeting, stating that the Budget Session should run smoothly with the co-operation of the opposition.

According to media reports, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu met Sonia Gandhi of Congress to assure the same.

He also promised that the Government will be bringing up all the issues that are the major concerns of the Opposition.

The Opposition stands unconvinced as the issues like Land Acquisition Ordinance will be coming up in the session, which according to them, needs an amendment before it becomes an Act.

Naidu stated that there was a consensus from the political parties on the major Ordinances of the Government; but consensus is yet to be reached on the Land Acquisition act.

The Government is also facing the pressure groups in this aspect. Social activist Anna Hazare is leading an agitation with  farmers marching and protesting against the ordinance.