The Budget Session of Parliament is set to commence today, Wednesday, marking a crucial period for India's legislative and economic landscape. The session will begin with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. This address is expected to outline the government's vision and policy priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
Key Dates: Economic Survey and Union Budget
Following the President's address, the session will move into high gear with significant financial presentations, while finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to table the Economic Survey on Thursday, providing a comprehensive analysis of the nation's economic performance. The centerpiece of the session, the Union Budget for 2026-27, will be presented on Sunday, February 1, while this budget is highly anticipated as it will address key issues like inflation, employment, and infrastructure growth.
The Two-Phase Structure of the Session
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has clarified that the Budget Session will be conducted in two distinct parts. The first part, starting today, will conclude on February 13, focusing primarily on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address and initial budget discussions. After a three-week recess, during which parliamentary committees will scrutinize departmental grants, the session will resume on March 9 and is expected to conclude by April 2.
Government Rejects Opposition Demands
The lead-up to the session was marked by a heated all-party meeting chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Representatives from 39 political parties attended, where the opposition raised concerns over several issues, including. The VB-G RAM G Act and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of voter lists. The opposition demanded a re-discussion on these matters, but the government stood firm. Minister Rijiju stated, "We can't reverse gears and go back to the past," emphasizing that laws passed in previous sessions must be implemented.
Anticipated Friction in the House
Opposition leaders, including those from the Congress and CPI(M), have expressed dissatisfaction over the government's refusal to discuss the replacement of MGNREGA and the implications of the SIR process. They've also signaled their intent to raise issues such as US-imposed tariffs on Indian goods, air pollution, and the current state of the economy. With both sides maintaining rigid stances, the session is expected to be stormy, with. Frequent disruptions likely as the opposition seeks to hold the government accountable on multiple fronts.