A special session of Parliament is just days away, and the schedule for the eagerly anticipated Monsoon Session has been finalized. Running from July 22 to August 9, this session promises to be a pivotal one. On the very first day, the Centre is set to introduce the Union Budget 2024, marking a significant moment for the newly formed government.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju recently announced that the inaugural session of the 18th Lok Sabha will take place from June 24 to July 3. This brief session, primarily focused on the oath-taking of new members and the election of the Speaker, will span just five working days. Despite the tight timeline, the Centre plans to introduce and debate the budget within this period.
Following the initial session, the Monsoon Session will commence on July 22. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to present the full budget on the opening day, with sources indicating that an economic survey will be laid before Parliament on July 3, the last day of the special session. While these plans have yet to receive official confirmation, the anticipation is palpable.
This year’s budget holds particular significance as it comes in an election year. Earlier, on February 1, an interim “Vote on Account” Budget was introduced. Now, with the new government in place, a comprehensive budget will be presented— the first under Modi 3.0. This occasion also marks a milestone for Nirmala Sitharaman, who will become the first Finance Minister to present seven consecutive budgets, surpassing Morarji Desai’s record of six.
All eyes will be on the Parliament as the government unveils its financial blueprint for the coming year, setting the stage for economic policies and priorities under the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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