Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will respond to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha. President Droupadi Murmu delivered the joint address to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on 31st January, marking the commencement of the Budget Session.
In response to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi had expressed confidence that the third term for his government was imminent, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expected to secure 400 seats, and the Bharatiya Janata Party projected to individually claim 370 seats.
In his address to the Lok Sabha, PM Modi highlighted the achievements of his government, especially the abolition of Article 370 and the building of the Ram Temple. He also emphasized the empowerment of women and the completion of long-pending projects. Today, he is expected to touch on these topics and more, as he addresses the Rajya Sabha.
Union Interim Budget General Discussion:
Following PM Modi’s address, a general discussion on the Union Interim Budget 2024-25 and the Interim Budget on Jammu and Kashmir 2024-25 is expected to start in the Upper House. The Union Interim Budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st February. The budget has several key highlights, including a focus on healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
Action taken by the Government:
Additionally, as per the List of Business in the House for the day, Rajya Sabha MPs Harnath Singh Yadav and Ram Nath Thakur will lay on the table, a copy of the statement showing action taken by the government on the 62nd Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing. This report highlights the action taken by the government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the Fifty-Third Report on ‘Demands for Grants (2023-24)’ of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (Department of Fisheries).
Budget Session Schedule:
The Budget Session, which began on 31st January, will be spread over eight sittings, with a period of 10 days and may conclude on 9th February. This year’s Budget Session has been cut short due to the upcoming assembly elections in five states- Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur, and Uttarakhand. The Election Commission of India had requested the government to conclude the session early and not announce any major policy decisions that could influence voters.
Conclusion:
PM Modi’s response to the Motion of Thanks in Rajya Sabha is highly anticipated, given the current political climate and the upcoming assembly elections in many states. The Interim Budgets for 2024-25 and the action taken by the government will also be discussed in the Upper House. With the Budget Session coming to a close in a few days, it remains to be seen what legislative changes and policy decisions will be made by the government in its remaining sittings.
-Prisha Jaiswal