New Delhi – The upcoming budget session of Parliament is set to commence on July 22 and will run until August 12, as announced by the parliamentary affairs minister, Kiren Rijiju, on Saturday. This session holds significant political and policy importance, marking the presentation of the government’s first full budget after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Key Announcements and Schedule
The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 will be presented on July 23 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The session will also include the introduction of the Economic Survey on July 22, which provides a detailed overview of the country’s economic performance over the past year.
President Droupadi Murmu, on the recommendation of the Government of India, approved the proposal for summoning both Houses of Parliament for the budget session. The session is expected to feature a host of crucial legislative business and historic steps aimed at economic reform and development.
Speaker’s Call for Dignity
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the importance of maintaining the dignity of the House. Speaking about the turbulent inaugural session of the current Lower House earlier this month, he urged all members to uphold the rules and procedures. “Parliament is meant for debates, and leaders can express their party’s position and take contrasting points of view, but all members must uphold parliamentary dignity while discharging their duties in the House,” Birla said.
Opposition’s Stance
The previous session witnessed significant disruptions from the opposition, including the aggressive stance of a bloc of 236 MPs led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Issues such as the botched NEET exams and demands for government debates led to a washout of work in the Lower House for a day.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien called on the government to ensure the smooth running of the upcoming session. He outlined several demands, including offering the Deputy Speaker position in Lok Sabha to an opposition candidate, allowing one notice from the opposition weekly in each House to discuss national issues, and ensuring no bulldozing of bills.
Expectations from the Budget
The Union Budget 2024 is expected to outline the five-year economic agenda of the Modi government, with all eyes on how the administration will start its financial innings. Significant steps are anticipated, with the President asserting that the budget will be marked by historic initiatives.
Two key allies of the BJP, the TDP, and the JD(U), will be closely monitoring the budget for schemes and funds directed towards their states’ development.
Conclusion
As the budget session approaches, the political climate remains charged with anticipation and demands from both the treasury and opposition benches. The outcomes of this session will set the tone for India’s economic and political trajectory in the coming years.
For more detailed coverage and updates on the Parliament session and Union Budget 2024, stay tuned to Sarhind Times.
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