The Budget Session of Parliament began on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. She highlighted several recent milestones during her address — including the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. President Murmu also condoled the shocking death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar as she began the address.
President stresses on welfare reach
President while addressing a joint sitting of Parliament on Wednesday, stated that the Union government remains firmly committed to the goal of social justice. Her address also swa interruptions from Opposition leaders at the outset. The President mentioned that social security schemes now cover nearly 95 crore people across the country. “My government is committed to true social justice,” Murmu mentioned, as quoted by PTI. She also underlined that during the government’s third term, efforts are being intensified to further empower the poor. She also mentioned that the government has made progress in curbing corruption and scams, ensuring that the public funds are used effectively and reach intended beneficiaries.
The Session will span 30 sittings over 65 days and conclude on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to allow Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments.
President Murmu on rural employment
The President also referred to the new rural employment and livelihood legislation, the VB-G RAM G law, which has replaced MGNREGA. She has hailed the provision of the ACT. Murmu framed the law as a rural jobs and development measure. “For employment and development in rural areas, the Viksit Bharat-G-RAM G law has been made. With this new reform, there will be 125 days of employment guarantees in villages,” she mentioned.
‘Viksit Bharat—the milestone year
Murmu said that 2026 marks the beginning of the second stage of the 21st century and that the achievements of the last 25 years have formed a strong foundation across sectors. She also spoke about the national commemorations, including 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” tributes to Birasa Munda, 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, and the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. “When the country recalls the contribution of its ancestors, the new generation gets inspiration which further accelerates our journey towards Vikshit Bharat,” she added, as quoted by ANI.
What are the key dates for Economic Survey and Union Budget 2026-27?
The Economic Survey of India will be presented on January 29, followed by the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1. The Economic Survey, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the supervision of the chief economic adviser, provides an assessment of the economy and key indicators for 2025-26 (April–March), along with an outlook for the next fiscal, ANI said. The first part of the session will mainly be devoted to Budget-related financial business and the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, whereas essential legislative and other business is expected to be taken up mainly in the second part.