The Parliament Budget Session began today with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses at 11 am in New Delhi. The session will focus on economic priorities and key policy decisions ahead of the Union Budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey on Thursday and present the Union Budget on February 1.
Ahead of the session, the government held an all-party meeting to discuss issues likely to arise in Parliament. Opposition parties demanded discussions on the revival of the employment guarantee scheme, the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, India’s foreign policy, and the new UGC guidelines. The government rejected demands for a detailed debate on the SIR process and the employment scheme, leading to sharp criticism from opposition leaders.
Focus on Growth and Welfare
The Centre is preparing a people-oriented budget amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Analysts expect the budget to focus on boosting growth while protecting India’s economic stability. Measures benefiting employees, the middle class, farmers, and workers are likely to feature prominently.
The government may announce key reforms during the budget presentation. These could include joint income tax filing for married couples and support for domestic medical manufacturing. Digital expansion in banking and financial services may also receive a fresh push.
Key Dates and Announcements
Policy support for startups, innovation, and deep-tech sectors is also expected. The budget may include the rationalisation of customs duties to support trade and industry. Parliament will meet in two phases: the first session runs until February 13, and the second from March 9 to April 2. Both Houses will sit for a total of 30 days.
On February 1 at 11 am, Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. For the first time in India’s parliamentary history, the budget will be presented on a Sunday. From February 2 to 4, Parliament will debate the motion of thanks to the President’s address.
