JUNE 14, 2024 : Sources indicate Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may present the Union Budget 2024 on July 22, setting a new record for consecutive budget presentations. In a significant development, sources have revealed that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to table the Union Budget 2024 in Parliament on July 22. If confirmed, this will mark Sitharaman’s seventh consecutive budget presentation, surpassing the record previously held by Morarji Desai, who presented six budgets in a row.

The final decision on the budget date is still pending. The upcoming budget session is part of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, scheduled to commence on June 24 and conclude on July 3, according to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Key Highlights of the First Session:

1. Oath-Taking and Speaker Election:
    - The session will begin with newly elected members of the Lower House taking their oaths over the first three days.
    - The election of the Speaker will also take place during this period.

2. President’s Address:
    - On June 27, President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, outlining the new government's roadmap for the next five years.

3. Prime Minister’s Address:
    - Following the President's address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to introduce his council of ministers to Parliament.
    - PM Modi will also respond to the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in both Houses of Parliament.

Rajya Sabha Session:

- The 264th Session of the Rajya Sabha will commence on June 27 and conclude on July 3, running concurrently with the Lok Sabha session.

The anticipation around the upcoming Union Budget is high, with economic analysts and policymakers keenly watching for new fiscal policies and reforms. Sitharaman’s record-setting budget presentation comes at a crucial time, with the government expected to address various economic challenges and set the course for the next financial year.