President addresses joint session of Parliament

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied Mukherjee to the Central Hall of Parliament where the latter spelt out the roadmap of the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

"I applaud the wisdom of my fellow citizens who voted for stability. They have voted for a united, strong and modern India," said Mukherjee.

"My government is committed to nurturing the right environment for actualising this mandate. It can be achieved only though your active participation," he said.

"My government will function on the mantra of 'minimum government, maximum governance'," said the President.

He said the central government is dedicated to the poor.

"My government commits itself to the role of poverty elimination," he said.

"It will take necessary steps to ensure security to citizens in all its entirety," he added.

Mukherjee said the government will take steps to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

"My government is aware of a sub-normal monsoon this year and is prepared with contingency plans," he said.

"My government is committed to improving quality of life in villages by empowering people through a strong Panchayati Raj system," said Mukherjee.