President Droupadi Murmu to Address Joint Session of Parliament Today
"President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint session of Parliament today, marking the start of the Budget Session 2025. Stay updated on key legislative priorities and economic insights."
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu is set to address a joint session of Parliament today at 11 a.m., officially inaugurating the Budget Session 2025.
The President’s speech will outline the government’s policy agenda and key priorities for the upcoming financial year.
Following her address, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Economic Survey 2024-25 in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The survey will provide an in-depth analysis of the Indian economy’s performance, highlight key challenges, and set the stage for the presentation of the Union Budget 2025-26 on February 1.
Table of Contents
Budget Session 2025: Key Dates and Phases
According to the Parliamentary Bulletin, the Budget Session 2025 will take place in two phases:
- Phase 1: January 31 – February 13
- Phase 2: March 10 – April 4
During this session, lawmakers will engage in critical discussions, including the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, scheduled for February 3, 4, and 6. The government will respond to the motion on February 6, following debates on national policy matters.
Economic Survey 2024-25: Key Insights
The Economic Survey 2024-25, prepared under the supervision of Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran, will offer a comprehensive assessment of India’s economic performance. It will serve as a guiding document for policy formulation and budgetary decisions.
Key Highlights Expected in the Economic Survey:
- GDP Growth Projection: The Indian economy is estimated to expand by 6.6% in 2025, driven by strong private consumption and investment, according to a United Nations report.
- Sectoral Performance: The survey will analyze agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors.
- Inflation Trends: Insights into consumer price index (CPI) trends and inflationary pressures.
- Employment and Labor Market: Data on job creation, wage growth, and employment trends.
- Fiscal Deficit and Revenue Collection: Government’s performance in tax collections and fiscal consolidation.
The Economic Survey often provides a roadmap for future economic policies, setting the tone for the Union Budget.
Union Budget 2025-26: Sitharaman to Present Eighth Consecutive Budget
On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025-26, marking her eighth consecutive budget presentation. This places her just two behind Morarji Desai, who holds the record for presenting 10 budgets.
The budget will focus on:
- Economic growth strategies
- Infrastructure development
- Taxation policies and possible changes in GST and direct taxes
- Social welfare schemes
- Subsidies and fiscal measures to control inflation
16 Key Bills to be Tabled in Budget Session 2025
A total of 16 Bills are expected to be introduced, covering various sectors such as finance, infrastructure, and governance. Some of the notable Bills include:
1. Finance Bill 2025
This bill will implement budgetary proposals and may introduce changes to income tax laws, GST regulations, and financial sector reforms.
2. Waqf (Amendment) Bill
This controversial bill, first introduced in August 2024, proposes 44 amendments to laws governing Waqf properties. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) rejected 44 opposition-proposed amendments, while 14 recommendations from ruling party members were included.
3. Banking Regulations Act Amendment
Aims to strengthen governance in the banking sector, improve investor protection, and enhance consumer rights.
4. Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill
Seeks to streamline disaster response strategies and enhance coordination between central and state agencies.
5. Indian Railways and Indian Railways Board Acts Merger
Aims to restructure railway administration for improved operational efficiency.
6. Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill
Proposes updates to laws governing oil exploration and extraction.
7. Coastal and Merchant Shipping Laws
Several bills related to maritime laws, including the Bills of Lading Bill, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, Coastal Shipping Bill, and Merchant Shipping Bill 2024, aim to modernize India’s shipping sector.
8. Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Goa Assembly
Seeks to redistribute Assembly seats to improve political representation of Scheduled Tribes in Goa.
9. Renaming the Institute of Rural Management Anand
Proposes renaming IRMA as Tribhuvan Sahkari University and granting it ‘Institution of National Importance’ status.
Government Urges Smooth Parliamentary Proceedings
Ahead of the session, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the opposition to cooperate and ensure smooth discussions in both Houses. Rijiju emphasized the need for constructive debates, stating:
“In the last two sessions, there was some hungama in Parliament, which created a poor image of our democracy. I appeal to opposition leaders and MPs to engage in meaningful discussions during this session.”
The government has also emphasized the importance of swift decision-making, particularly concerning economic and legislative reforms.
