The Budget Session of Parliament began on Wednesday morning, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for the first time in the new Parliament building, signifying the start of the Budget session.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Interim Budget on February 1. Observers are eagerly anticipating her announcements ahead of the upcoming general elections, despite Parliament passing only an interim budget for the remaining government tenure. Sitharaman may propose measures to appeal to different voter groups, emphasising the government's plans if re-elected.
President Murmu’s inaugural Address in the New Parliament Building
President Droupadi Murmu commenced with "This is my first address in the new Parliament building. This grand building was built at the beginning of the Amrit Kaal. This has the fragrance of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat'.
She added, “This also has the resolve to honour democratic and parliamentary traditions. Besides this, it also has the resolve to build new traditions of the new India of the 21st century. I am confident that there will be meaningful conversation on policies in this new building," she said.
She highlighted the accomplishments of the Narendra Modi government over the past decade. In her speech, She specifically acknowledged the completion of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and Abrogation of Article 370.
President said, "(People were) hopeful of construction of Ram Temple (in Ayodhya) for centuries and that dream has been fulfilled now. Building of Ram temple has been a dream of centuries, it is a reality now.”
“(People also) wanted the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Now, Article 370 is also history.”
Along with acknowledging India's moon landing, she highlighted the performance of Indian Sports Players in the Asian Games. She said India won more than 100 medals in Asian Games."
Further in her speech, she mentioned that the Indian economy was progressing positively and at an appropriate pace, attributing thr credit to the government's implemented reforms.
"The last year was full of accomplishments for India. There were many successes -- India became the fastest-growing economy. India became the first nation to reach the south pole of the Moon. The successful G20 Summit hosted by India strengthened the role of India in the world.
She added "In the last 10 years, we have seen India becoming one of the top five economies from 'Fragile 5'," she said while pointing out that India has one of the strongest banking systems in the world.
About Poverty Alleviation, she stated that "We have heard the slogan 'Gareebi Hatao' since our childhood. Today, for the first time in our lives, we see poverty being alleviated on a large scale.”
"According to NITI Aayog, in the 10-year rule of my government, nearly 25 crore people have come out of poverty. Earlier, the country's rate of inflation was in double digits. It is now within 4 percent."
Moreover, She praised the Modi government for keeping inflation under control despite the coronavirus pandemic and recent wars.
Lauding the members of the Parliament for the passage of the women's reservation bill, President Droupadi Murmu said her government believes that the grand edifice of a developed India will stand on four strong pillars i.e. youth power, women power, farmers and the poor. She also praised the Parliament for making a strict law against triple talaq.
PM MODI addressed the Media ahead Budget Session
At the Budget Session of Parliament, which begins on Wednesday, Mr. Modi expressed confidence in returning to power and assured that a full Budget would be presented after the formation of the new government.
He said, “As you all know, when polls are this close, the government presents an interim Budget, and we too shall be following that tradition, and we will bring a full Budget once the new government is formed.”
Further he mentioned that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech would provide a broad direction on the vision and policies of the government.
Mr. Modi emphasised that the initial priority was the Naari Shakti Vandan Adhineeyum, focusing on the law for women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. He noted that the momentum from that day carried through to the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, where women played a substantial role in the parade.
He highlighted that the country is touching new heights of progress and asserted that its journey of "inclusive and all-round" development will continue with people's blessings.
"I am of the firm belief that the country is moving forward and touching new heights of progress ... the country is experiencing all-round and inclusive development," he said.
He added "We are going to follow the tradition of presenting a full-fledged budget after the new government is formed," Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi criticised Opposition MPs for habitual disruptions, urging them to introspect during the Budget Session.
During the winter Session of Parliament, 146 MPs from both Houses were suspended, speaking on that PM Modi said that “habitually unruly” MPs must introspect. “Those who have a habit of being involved in ruckus and degrading the Constitutional values, all those honourable MPs must introspect in this last session of this term.”
Adding on that, he said "Those who contributed positively to the Parliament will be remembered by all. But those members who caused disruptions will hardly be remembered. This budget session is an opportunity for repentance and to leave positive footprints. I urge all the MPs not to miss this opportunity and perform their best."
Moreover, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, following the customary all-party meeting on the eve of the session, stated that the government sought cooperation from all parties for the short session. Meanwhile, the opposition Congress raised concerns about issues like the alleged attack on Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra, the "misuse" of probe agencies, and the situation in Manipur.
Joshi outlined the main agenda for the 17th Lok Sabha's brief session, scheduled to conclude on February 9, including the President's Address, presentation of the Interim Budget, and the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address with a reply by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Both Houses of Parliament are set to resume tomorrow, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expected to present the interim budget. The Budget Session is scheduled to continue until February 9.
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