New Delhi: Just before the start of the Budget Session for 2025-26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that this is the first Parliament session since 2014 free from “foreign interference.” Speaking to the media prior to entering Parliament, he noted, “You may have observed that since 2014, this is the first session without any ‘videshi chingari’ (foreign sparks) trying to disrupt our affairs. I’ve seen this pattern before every budget session, and some individuals in our country try to fan these flames. This is the first session without any foreign meddling.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that the government, in its third term, will focus on “all-round development,” emphasizing the significance of the “3Is”—Innovation, Inclusion, and Investment—in driving the nation’s economic growth. He stated, “In this third term, under Mission MODE, we aim for comprehensive development across geographical, social, and economic aspects. Innovation, inclusion, and investment are crucial for our economic progress.”
He further emphasized the need for “reform, perform, and transform,” stating that achieving development requires a strong focus on reform, with both central and state governments playing essential roles, and public participation being key to transformation.
Modi mentioned that this session will address several historic bills aimed at strengthening the nation, particularly regarding women’s empowerment and ensuring equal rights without discrimination. He expressed optimism that the younger generation would greatly benefit from the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by the time they reach 50, stating, “Our youth will be the leaders of tomorrow, and our efforts to realize Viksit Bharat will be a significant gift for them.”
He described this budget session as a “golden opportunity” for MPs, especially younger ones, to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat, urging them to meet the hopes and expectations of the populace. Modi also paid homage to Goddess Laxmi, invoking her blessings for wealth and prosperity ahead of the session.
The budget session will kick off with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both Houses, followed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Economic Survey ahead of the Union Budget, which will be tabled in Lok Sabha at noon and in Rajya Sabha at 2 PM. The Economic Survey, prepared by the Ministry of Finance, provides insights into the economy’s state and indicators for the fiscal year 2024-25 and projections for the next.
Several key bills are expected to be discussed during the session, including the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at enhancing banking regulations, and the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to improve the operational efficiency of Indian Railways. Other notable proposals include the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and reforms related to the management of religious endowments through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024.
The legislative agenda also features the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, the Boilers Bill, 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, and the Finance Bill, 2025. The first part of the Budget session will run until February 13, with the two Houses reconvening on March 10 and concluding on April 4.