2019 elections enhanced credibility of India's democracy: President Kovind 

2019 general elections enhanced the credibility of India's democracy and with the active participation of women voters, people gave a stronger and clear mandate than 2014 for development, said President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday.

Kovind was addressing a joint session of both Houses of Parliament.

''In this Lok Sabha elections, more than 61 crore citizens cast their vote and set a new record. The people of India gave a clear mandate' and the government is working for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,'' he added.

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In his first presidential address of the 17th Lok Sabha, Kovind said that the government was committed to the goal of nation-building and inclusive growth.

Removing practices like triple talaq and "nikah halala" are essential to give equality to women, he said.

''My government giving residential, health facilities to poor asPoverty can be removed only by empowering them. 26 lakh poor patients have benefitted from AyushmanBharat scheme and1.5 wellness centres likely to function by 2022,'' he said.

To help farmers and small traders to lead their life with dignity, the government hasstarted the pension scheme, he said.

He also lauded Election Commission (EC) and the security forces for successful polls and added, despair and instability prevailed in the country before 2014.

People gave absolute majority for a government after three decades, he said and added, more than 61 crore people cast their ballot in the polls.

Work is underway on a large scale to develop the 112 'aspiration districts' of the country, he said.

''We have to conserve water for our future generations. In this direction, the creation of Jal Shakti Ministry is a decisive step,'' he said amid growing concern over the looming water crisis in the country.

Government working towards inclusive development.