Developed India is our collective goal: Murmu

India is on course to becoming the world's third-largest economy and reaching the milestone of Viksit Bharat (developed nation) with policies focused on the poor, middle class, women and farmers, President Droupadi Murmu said.

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India is on course to becoming the world's third-largest economy and reaching the milestone of Viksit Bharat (developed nation) with policies focused on the poor, middle class, women and farmers, President Droupadi Murmu said in her address to both houses of Parliament on Friday, opening the first budget session of the National Democratic Alliance's third straight term in office.

In her customary address that is cleared by the Centre, the president listed the achievements of the Narendra Modi Union government, detailed the administration's approach to focus areas such as governance, development and welfare, and target communities such as women, Dalits, young people and tribespeople.

"Today, there is collective participation of all in the development of the nation and that is why we are able to realise its true potential," the president said.

"The biggest beneficiaries of my government's efforts have been the Dalit, backward and tribal communities. For decades after independence, our tribal communities faced neglect. My government has prioritised their welfare," she added.

The president's speech flagged off a session that will see the presentation of a highly anticipated Union budget by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is expected to spell out measures to crank up growth and consumption amid a slowdown, while offering some tax relief to the middle class and businesses.

In a nearly hour-long address to the joint sitting of Parliament, Murmu lauded the decade-long rule of the BJP-led NDA dispensation for all-round inclusive governance and said the past decade has been one of cultural revivals of the country.

"We have diverse states, diverse regions and diverse languages, yet as one nation, we have only one identity - Bharat.