January 31, 2025: The Budget session of Parliament commenced today with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. In her speech, she paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic Maha Kumbh stampede and remembered former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away in December.

Following the President’s address, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey 2025 in both Houses of Parliament. The Economic Survey, a pre-budget document prepared under the supervision of the Chief Economic Advisor, provides an overview of the nation's economic performance over the past fiscal year and sets the stage for policy discussions ahead of the Union Budget.

The Union Budget for 2025-26 is scheduled to be presented by Sitharaman on February 1, marking her eighth consecutive budget presentation. The Budget session, the longest and most crucial session of Parliament, will continue until April 4. The session will be divided into two phases, with a recess from February 13 to March 10.

The government has listed 16 bills for discussion, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, Railways (Amendment) Bill, and the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill. Opposition parties have signaled their intent to raise pressing issues, including the Maha Kumbh stampede that resulted in at least 30 deaths, the controversial UGC draft regulations, and discussions on the One Nation, One Election proposal.

During her address, President Murmu emphasized the government's commitment to education and employment for youth while highlighting key policy initiatives, including electoral reforms and legislative amendments. She also reflected on India’s 75-year journey as a Republic, paying homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar and the framers of the Constitution.

As the Budget session unfolds, all eyes will be on the economic policies and legislative developments that will shape the country’s trajectory in the coming fiscal year.