The Indian Parliament is gearing up for a significant and extended session to kick off the new year. The government has announced the schedule for the crucial Budget Session, which will commence on January 28, 2024, and is slated to conclude on April 2, 2024. This session holds immense importance as it will feature the presentation of the last budget of the current Narendra Modi-led government before the general elections anticipated later in the year.
Detailed Schedule and Phases of the Session
The session will be conducted in two distinct parts, following the traditional pattern. The first part will begin on January 28 and continue until February 9. This phase will be dominated by the interim budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. Following the budget speech, discussions on the 'Motion of Thanks' to the President's address will take place in both Houses.
After a recess, the second part of the session will recommence on March 4 and run until April 2. This extended period is earmarked for essential legislative business, where the government is expected to push for the passage of several pending bills. The session will provide a final opportunity for the ruling dispensation to enact its legislative agenda before the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections comes into force.
Key Agenda and Legislative Business
The session's primary focus will be the interim budget, a vote-on-account, which seeks Parliament's approval for essential government expenditure for the initial months of the new financial year starting April 1. Since it is an election year, a full-fledged budget will be presented by the new government after the elections.
Beyond the financial business, the government has listed a heavy legislative agenda. Several important bills that are currently pending in Parliament or require passage are expected to be taken up. The extended duration of the second part indicates a busy schedule of debates and discussions on proposed laws.
This session is also significant as it will be one of the last major parliamentary engagements for the current 17th Lok Sabha, whose term ends in June 2024. It sets the stage for the political and economic discourse leading into the national polls.
Implications and Political Context
The announcement of the session dates sets the official timeline for the government's final major parliamentary push. The interim budget will be closely watched for policy signals and any populist measures aimed at the electorate. The opposition parties are also expected to use the session to hold the government accountable and raise issues of public importance vigorously.
The extended session until April suggests a packed parliamentary calendar, with both the Treasury and Opposition benches preparing for intense deliberations. The smooth functioning of Parliament during this session will be critical for the completion of essential financial and legislative work before the country enters election mode.
All eyes will now be on the President's address to the joint sitting of Parliament at the start of the session, which will outline the government's vision and achievements, and on the finance minister's budget speech, which will lay out the immediate fiscal roadmap for the nation.
