The Budget Session of the Indian Parliament is set to kick off with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at 11 am on Wednesday. This session, which marks the last one before the Lok Sabha polls expected in April-May, will provide a total of eight sittings spread over 10 days. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the interim budget on Thursday, February 1.
Schedule and Proceedings
As per the list of business, the proceedings of both Houses will commence half an hour after the President’s address. The Secretary Generals of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are set to present a copy of the President’s address to their respective Houses. Obituary references will be made to ex-MPs Bhadreshwar Tanti, Sonawane Pratap Narayanrao in Lok Sabha, and Hari Shankar Bhabhra, Shrimati Sushree Devi in the Rajya Sabha.
Committee Reports and Legislative Business
In Lok Sabha, MP TR Baalu will present the seventh report of the Committee of Privileges, while in Rajya Sabha, MPs Anil Jain and GK Vasan will present the seventy-sixth report of the Committee of Privileges. This report addresses a matter of breach of privilege against 11 Members for disrupting proceedings, violating House rules, and showing disregard to the authority of the Chair.
Government’s Preparations and Discussion Topics
Ahead of the session, the Central government, under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, held a meeting with political party leaders. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, stated that the session may conclude on February 9, with 8 sittings over 10 days. The primary focus will be on the Financial Business related to the Interim Union Budget for 2024-25 and discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. Legislative and other essential business will also be addressed during the session.
Key Discussion Points
The session will include discussions on Supplementary Demands for Grants for the Year 2023-24 for the Union Government. Furthermore, the presentation and discussion on the Interim Budget of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for 2024-25, along with Supplementary Demands for Grants for the financial year 2023-24, will also be on the agenda.
Call for Cooperation
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, emphasized the government’s readiness to discuss any issue on the floor of the House, as permitted under the Rules of Procedure. He requested active cooperation and support from all party leaders for the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament.
Conclusion of Preparatory Meeting
After listening to the concerns raised by leaders from various political parties in both Houses of Parliament, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh thanked the leaders for their valuable contributions during the preparatory meeting. The meeting saw the participation of 45 leaders from 30 political parties.
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