The government is working "actively and with sensitivity" to remove the feeling of economic insecurity among the poor, farmers and senior citizens and is trying to usher ease of living for the common man, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Monday.In his customary address to a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament marking the start of the Budget Session, the President said: "Guided by the spirit of the Constitution, the Union government is working towards strengthening social justice and economic democracy and to usher ease of living for the common man."Kovind said that the "highest priority" of his government is to remove various difficulties faced by farmers and to raise their standard f living. The government schemes are also aimed at reducing the expenditure incurred by them on farming."As a result of government policies and the hardwork of farmers, a record production of more than 275 million tonnes of food grain and about 300 million tonne of horticulture produce has been achieved in the country. My government is committed to doubling of farmers income by 2022," the President said.
He added that under the "Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana", farmers are being provided "affordable and simple crop insurance services". During 2017, under Rabi and Kharif crops, 5.71 crore farmers were provided protective coverage under this scheme," he said.The President also mentioned the "Kisan Sampada Yojana" which provides security cover to farmers against damage to agriculture produce before it reaches the market. He said that the work on reopening of fertiliser plants at Gorakhpur, Barauni, Sindri, Talcher and Ramagundam is "progressing at a fast pace".
Kovind said that for social security of senior citizens, about 80 lakh senior citizens have benefited from "Atal Pension Yojana".The President underlined that to ensure availablity of "two square meals" to every poor person, "effective enforcement" of National Food Security Act is necessary. he President also touched upon various schemes and legislations, those already enacted and under the pipeline, for the welfare of minorities, tribals, disabled and backward sections of society and reiterated his government's commitment towards the aspirations of every section of society.