The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on Friday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both Houses. In her address, she outlined the government’s achievements, claiming that the third term of the current administration is progressing at “three times the speed” of previous governments.
Before beginning her speech, President Murmu paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away recently, and offered condolences for the stampede tragedy at the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj that claimed several lives on Wednesday.
In her address, the President emphasized the government’s focus on key areas such as health, education, and housing. She highlighted the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which will now provide health insurance to six crore citizens aged 70 years and above.
Murmu also underscored the government’s commitment to youth education, employment creation, and the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, aiming to provide homes for an additional three crore families.
The President was ceremonially welcomed at the Parliament, arriving in a horse-drawn buggy escorted by the Presidential Bodyguard.
She was greeted by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior leaders before proceeding to the Lok Sabha chamber.
Following her address, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey, offering an analysis of the nation’s economic performance and projections for the fiscal year 2024-25. The Union Budget will be presented on Saturday.
Several important bills are expected to be introduced during the session, including the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, and the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill.
The session will also address reforms related to religious endowments through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill.
The first part of the Budget Session will run until February 13, followed by a recess. Both Houses will reconvene on March 10, with the session concluding on April 4.
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