President Droupadi Murmu Launches Various Initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan to Mark Four Years in Office

Why in news

President Droupadi Murmu launched several new initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan to commemorate the completion of four years of her presidency, including an e-Audio Guide, the e-Upahaar auction, a children's play zone, and an electric bus service.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS2, GS4 · Governance, Society, Ethics · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. President Droupadi Murmu completed four years in office on July 25, 2026.
2. New initiatives were launched at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 28, 2026.
3. An e-Audio Guide for visitors to Rashtrapati Bhavan was launched, available in Hindi, English, and 14 other Indian languages, with a sign language module.
4. The third edition of e-Upahaar was launched, featuring 300 Presidential gifts for public auction from August 5 to September 5, 2026.
5. Bachpan 'Bal Parisar', including 'Kilkari' (play zone) and 'Samarth Anganwadi-cum-Palna', was inaugurated for children in the President's Estate.
6. RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access And Heritage Interconnector), a fare-free electric bus service for staff and residents of the President's Estate, was launched to promote green mobility.
7. The RAAHI bus service is operated by women drivers and conductors.

Prelims pointers

• e-Audio Guide for Rashtrapati Bhavan available in 16 languages including sign language.
• e-Upahaar auction of Presidential gifts to be held from August 5 to September 5, 2026.
• Bachpan 'Bal Parisar' includes 'Kilkari' and 'Samarth Anganwadi-cum-Palna'.
• RAAHI is a fare-free electric bus service at President's Estate.
• RAAHI service is operated by women drivers and conductors.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of the recent initiatives launched at Rashtrapati Bhavan in enhancing public access, promoting social welfare, and fostering sustainable practices.

Static linkage

The initiatives are linked to the functioning and administration of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and the President's Estate. This relates to the constitutional role and administrative responsibilities of the President as head of state and the management of public property and heritage sites.

Significance

The launch of these initiatives signifies a focus on enhancing visitor experience, promoting public engagement with presidential gifts through auction, providing child welfare facilities within the President's Estate, and advancing green and inclusive mobility through electric public transport operated by women. These actions reflect a commitment to modernization, accessibility, social welfare, and environmental consciousness within the highest office of the country.