Context:

Recently, the President of India addressed the Joint Sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in Parliament.

Joint Session of Parliament

• Article 87 mandates the President to address both Houses of Parliament at the beginning of the first session after each general election and at the beginning of the first session each year.

Evolution in India:

• In India, the tradition of the President addressing Parliament began with the Government of India Act of 1919.
• From 1947 to 1950, there were no addresses to the Constituent Assembly (Legislative).
• Following the adoption of the Constitution of India, President Rajendra Prasad delivered the first address to the members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on January 31, 1950.

Procedure and Tradition:

The President’s speech outlines government policy priorities and plans for the upcoming year.