In a stormy start to the Budget session, President Droupadi Murmu’s speech praising the ‘Jee Ram Jee’ rural employment initiative ignited opposition fury in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. MPs from rival parties created pandemonium, insisting on scrapping the controversial plan introduced via the Vikshit Bharat-Gram legislation.
The President explained how the scheme ensures 125 days of jobs per year in villages, tackling corruption head-on and spurring growth. Applause from NDA allies was swiftly countered by opposition uproar, forcing her to suspend the address momentarily amid the din.
Pressing on, she detailed support for key rural stakeholders—farmers, animal husbandry practitioners, and fishermen—through enhanced services. The cooperative sector receives a major boost, with educational hubs like Tribhuvan Cooperative University fostering expertise. Meanwhile, 10,000+ FPOs are revolutionizing agriculture from the ground up.
A significant portion highlighted women’s pivotal role in nation-building. Adopting ‘Women and Development’ as a guiding principle, the government has crafted women-centric schemes and embedded them in others. Participation via SHGs in housing and water missions has surged, propelling over 2 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’. The 3 crore milestone looms large.
The episode reveals stark partisan rifts, with the new scheme polarizing lawmakers. It foreshadows a tumultuous session where development agendas collide with political skirmishes.