Budget Session 2025-26: Finance Minister Sitharaman to Present Economic Survey 2025 at Noon

News Synopsis
The highly anticipated Budget Session 2025-26 of Parliament officially commences today, marking the beginning of crucial discussions on India’s economic policies, legislative reforms, and financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year.
The session will begin with President Droupadi Murmu’s address to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at 11 AM.
Following the President’s address, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey 2024-25 at 12 PM in the Lok Sabha, with the document set to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha at 2 PM.
This comprehensive report, prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser, will provide an in-depth review of India’s economic performance over the past year and offer projections for 2025-26.
Key Legislative Agendas for the Budget Session 2025-26
This Budget Session is expected to be a packed one, with the government planning to introduce and discuss several critical bills aimed at economic reforms, governance improvements, and infrastructure development. Among the important bills on the agenda are:
1. Banking and Financial Reforms
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The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – Aims to enhance banking regulations to strengthen financial institutions and improve transparency in the sector.
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The Finance Bill, 2025 – A crucial component of the Union Budget, implementing proposed tax reforms, financial policies, and budgetary allocations for the next fiscal year.
2. Infrastructure & Transport Sector
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The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – Focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, modernization, and safety measures in Indian Railways.
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The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 – Aims to boost the maritime sector by promoting coastal trade and improving logistics.
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The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 – Seeks to update regulations governing India’s shipping industry to align with international standards.
3. Disaster Management & Safety
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The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – Introduces improved policies for disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to mitigate risks and ensure effective crisis management.
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The Boilers Bill, 2024 – Proposes updated safety standards for industrial boilers to prevent workplace hazards.
4. Legislative & Electoral Reforms
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A bill on the reallocation of assembly constituencies – Aims to enhance representation of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Goa, ensuring fair electoral processes.
5. Aviation & Immigration Laws
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The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 – Seeks to safeguard financial interests in the aviation sector, improving regulatory frameworks.
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The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 – Proposes updates to India’s immigration regulations, streamlining procedures for foreign nationals.
Parliamentary Discussions on Budgetary Allocations
One of the central aspects of the Budget Session 2025-26 will be the discussions and voting on the Demands for Grants for 2025-26. These grants are crucial for allocating funds to various sectors, including:
✅ Infrastructure Development
✅ Defense Modernization
✅ Healthcare Expansion
✅ Education Reforms
✅ Social Welfare Programs
Additionally, the Second and Final Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2024-25 will be reviewed, along with the Demands for Excess Grants for 2021-22, addressing expenditures that exceeded previously sanctioned amounts.
Session Timeline and Government’s Preparedness
The first phase of the Budget Session will run until February 13, 2025, after which both Houses of Parliament will take a recess before reconvening on March 10, 2025. The session is expected to conclude by April 4, 2025.
Ahead of the session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the government has identified 16 legislative items and three financial items for this session. He also stated that the government is open to discussing any other pressing issues that may arise during the proceedings.
Conclusion
The Budget Session 2025-26 is set to be a crucial period for shaping India's economic policies, legislative reforms, and financial roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year. With a focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, financial regulation, and disaster management, the session will witness discussions on key bills and budgetary allocations that will impact multiple sectors.
The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented today by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, will provide insights into India’s economic progress and future projections, setting the stage for the Union Budget 2025-26. Additionally, the introduction of several legislative measures, including the Banking Laws Amendment Bill, Railways Amendment Bill, and Finance Bill 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to structural reforms and policy advancements.
With Parliament scheduled to reconvene in March after the initial session, further debates and refinements to proposed policies are expected. As the session unfolds, stakeholders across industries and citizens alike will keenly observe the policy decisions and fiscal measures that will shape India's economic landscape in the coming year.
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