New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS): President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said the government has initiated different programmes to provide self-employment and enable the youth to fulfil their dreams.

In his address to a joint sitting of Parliament on the first day of the Budget Session, the President said the enterprises or companies creating new employment opportunities are being provided financial assistance under the 'Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana'.

Over 20 lakh people have benefited under this scheme, he said.

"My government is implementing programmes like Start Up India, Stand Up India, Skill India Mission Mudra Yojana," Kovind said, adding that India is among the youngest nations in the world.

Lauding India's ambitious space programme, he said it is attaining new heights in promoting national development and in furthering regional and international cooperation.

"For the first time in the world, 104 satellites were launched successfully at one go by Indian Space Research Organisation," Kovind said.

He also mentioned that in June 2017, the first developmental flight of India's GSLV MK-III was successfully launched which marked an important step in taking forward the launch capability of the country.

"Last year on May 5, ISRO launched the South Asian Satellite which demonstrated India's commitment towards sharing benefits of its technical capabilities with neighbouring countries.

"This year on January 12, ISRO made the country proud by successfully launching the PSLV-C40. On this day, ISRO also scored a century of satellites launched," he said.