Parliament Budget Session 2025 Begins, FM to Table Economic Survey

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Parliament’s Budget Session begins today and will be held in two phases from January 31 to April 4.
2. President Droupadi Murmu will address both Houses, followed by FM Nirmala Sitharaman tabling the Economic Survey.
3. The opposition is expected to demand debates on issues like the Waqf Amendment Bill and the Maha Kumbh stampede.
4. The first phase will end on February 13, while the second phase will run from March 10 to April 4.
5. The government has listed 16 bills for consideration, including those related to banking, railways, and disaster management.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Budget Session Kickoff and Key Events

Speaking at the start of the Budget Session of Parliament. https://t.co/IC4Sk4Ppub

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2025

Parliament’s Budget Session 2025 begins today, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses. Following this, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey in the Lok Sabha and later in the Rajya Sabha. The session will be held in two phases, with the first phase concluding on February 13 and the second phase running from March 10 to April 4.

Opposition’s Demands and Expected Debates

The opposition is likely to challenge the government on various issues, particularly the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill and the Maha Kumbh Mela stampede in Prayagraj, where 30 lives were lost. Leaders argue that VIP arrangements were prioritized over the safety of regular devotees. There is also criticism regarding the alleged politicization of parliamentary committees and unequal resource distribution to non-BJP-ruled states.

Parliamentary Agenda and Proposed Bills

The government has listed 16 bills for discussion, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, Railways (Amendment) Bill, Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill. Also on the agenda is the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, proposed by Home Minister Amit Shah, aimed at regulating immigration and foreign residency in India.

Government’s Strategy and Official Response

During an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, opposition leaders raised concerns about the parliamentary session‘s functioning. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded, stating, “We have taken note of their concerns. The Business Advisory Committee will decide the issues to be discussed. A smooth and productive session requires cooperation from all parties.”

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• The Budget Session runs from January 31 to April 4.
• President Murmu will address Parliament, and the Economic Survey will be tabled.
• The opposition seeks debates on key issues, including the Maha Kumbh tragedy and the Waqf Bill.
• The Union Budget will be presented on February 1.
• The government plans to introduce 16 major bills.

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