Addressing a joint session of Parliament as the Budget Session began, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday that Parliament was a place for debate and discussion, not disruption or obstruction. He urged all members of Parliament to carry out their duties with “mutual accommodation and cooperation”. He said earlier that the government was focused on the welfare of the poor and farmers, as well as creating jobs for the youth. He added that rural development was one of their top priorities. He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India initiative, saying it had boosted foreign direct investment by 39%, despite an adverse global investment climate. “India has jumped 12 places on ease of doing business,” he said, adding that procedures to acquire approvals and clearances had been simplified.

The president further underscored the government’s work towards tackling the issue of black money, saying their efforts had started yielding results. “My government has taken measures to eliminate the scope for corruption,” he said. Mukherjee also congratulated security forces for thwarting attacks at the Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot and said the Centre was “fully committed to firmly deal with all challenges concerning the security of the country”. He added that effective measures will be taken to address cross-border terrorism.

Before the Budget Session began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed strong criticism of the government saying it will strengthen democracy and highlight its shortcomings. “Opposition has shown a positive attitude. I am hopeful of a constructive debate session in Parliament,” he said, adding that he hopes for constructive criticism.

The Parliament will focus on debating the Jawaharlal Nehru University issue as well as the suicide of University of Hyderabad Dalit PhD student Rohith Vemula before the general and railway budgets are brought up for discussion. Modi had earlier agreed to Opposition demands to discuss the two cases at the Budget Session, saying he wants the “entire nation to hear the debate”. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, “The truth will come out when the discussion takes place.”