The stage is set for the presentation of the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27, with the government officially announcing the dates for the crucial Parliament session. President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval to summon both Houses of Parliament for the extended budget session.
Official Timeline for the Budget Session
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, provided the detailed schedule for the session via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on January 9. According to the announcement, the Budget Session will commence on 28 January 2026 and continue till 2 April 2026.
The session will be conducted in two phases. The first part of the session will conclude on 13 February 2026. Following a recess, Parliament will reconvene for the second phase on 9 March 2026. Minister Rijiju described this structured approach as a vital step towards enabling meaningful debate and advancing people-centric governance.
Finance Minister to Present the Budget
All eyes will be on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is expected to present the Union Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. While the exact date for the budget presentation within the session is yet to be formally announced, reports from news agency PTI, citing sources, indicate it is likely to be presented on a Sunday.
The tradition of presenting the budget on a Sunday is a colonial-era practice introduced by the British. Sources familiar with the development confirmed to PTI that while the day is fixed, the final decision rests with the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. "These decisions are taken by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs at an appropriate time," Minister Rijiju added, leaving the precise date to be confirmed closer to the session.
Significance and Expectations
The announcement of the session dates kickstarts the formal process for one of the most significant political and economic events of the year. The Union Budget outlines the government's revenue and expenditure plans, sets the policy direction, and addresses key economic challenges and opportunities.
The extended session allows for thorough discussion and scrutiny of the Finance Bill and other legislative business. Stakeholders across industries, economists, and the common public will be keenly awaiting the budget proposals, which will shape India's economic trajectory for the coming year.
With the timeline now public, preparations within various government ministries for finalizing their demands and proposals will intensify, leading up to the Finance Minister's speech in Parliament.
