'People gave mandate to continue India's development journey'

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday addressed the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament in the historic Central Hall. while addressing he said that the people of India have given a mandate to continue with the country's development journey that started in 2014.

New Delhi:The people of India have given the mandate to continue with the country's development journey that started in 2014, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Thursday.

In his address to the joint sitting of both houses of Parliament in the historic Central Hall, he said that the government is moving ahead to create a strong, secure and inclusive India.

In his customary address after the formation of the 17th Lok Sabha, the President also said that the government has started a pension scheme to help farmers and small traders live a life of dignity.

Congratulating the Election Commission and crores of officials and security personnel involved in holding the general elections, he pointed out that over 61 crore people voted in the Lok Sabha polls, creating a record.

He said women came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

He said that a record 78 women have been elected as members of the Lok Sabha -- the highest ever and almost half of the elected members are first-timers.

"In this election, the people of the country gave a clear mandate. After the assessment of the government's first tenure, the people have given it a bigger mandate this time," he said.

He said, by doing so, the people have given the mandate to accelerate the development process initiated in 2014.