Budget Session of Parliament Commences Today with Focus on Union Budget 2024-25

New Delhi, July 22 – The Budget Session of Parliament begins today, marking the start of a 16-day sitting period that will conclude on August 12. The session will be primarily dedicated to discussions related to the Union Budget for 2024-25.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey 2023-24 on the opening day, providing a detailed overview of various economic sectors. The Union Budget 2024-25, marking the first budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in its third term, will be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The Budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024 will also be presented.

During the session, the government plans to introduce six new bills, which include amendments to disaster management legislation and bills related to the boilers, aviation, coffee, and rubber industries.

An all-party meeting was convened yesterday to ensure smooth proceedings in both houses. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged cooperation from all parties and assured openness to debating any issue. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the need to maintain decorum during parliamentary sessions.

The opposition, led by the Congress party, has called for discussions on several critical issues, including the alleged NEET paper leak, railway security, the Agniveer scheme, Centre-State relations, and the security situation in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir.

The Economic Survey, prepared under Chief Economic Adviser Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, will offer insights into the country’s economic state, growth prospects, and policy challenges. India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy, with the International Monetary Fund recently raising its growth forecast for India to 7% for 2024-25.

Following the presentation of the Economic Survey in the Lok Sabha, the Finance Ministry has scheduled a media briefing by the Chief Economic Adviser this afternoon.