Gulistan News Tv/ Ishfaq Gowher
Jan 30 (Gulistan News Tv) : The Budget Session of Parliament is set to commence tomorrow with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This speech will outline the government’s legislative priorities and policy roadmap for the year ahead.
On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025-26, which is expected to focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, employment generation, tax relief, and welfare schemes. This budget will be crucial as it comes in the final year of the government’s tenure before the upcoming general elections.
President’s Address: What to Expect?
The President’s speech will highlight key achievements and future plans of the government, including:
Economic Growth & Fiscal Policies – The government’s roadmap for GDP growth, fiscal deficit control, and industrial expansion.
Social Welfare Schemes – Expansion of direct benefit transfers, healthcare policies, and education reforms.
Infrastructure & Digital Expansion – Development of highways, smart cities, railways, and 5G connectivity across India.
Defense & National Security – Modernization of defense forces and border security initiatives.
Foreign Policy & Diplomacy – Strengthening India’s global presence, strategic alliances, and trade partnerships.
This address will set the stage for upcoming legislative debates and financial discussions in Parliament.
Budget 2025-26: Key Focus Areas
Finance Minister Sitharaman’s Budget is expected to include major reforms in various sectors, including:
Taxation & Middle-Class Relief – Expected revision in income tax slabs, potential GST rate changes, and tax rebates.
Employment & Skill Development – Incentives for startups, job creation in IT, MSME sector, and rural employment schemes.
Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare – Higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, irrigation projects, and loan waivers.
Infrastructure & Industrial Growth – Investments in highways, railway modernization, renewable energy, and real estate.
Defense & Security Budget – Increased allocation for military modernization and border security.
Healthcare & Education – Strengthening public hospitals, expanding Ayushman Bharat, and digital education programs.
The budget is expected to be populist, keeping in mind the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Waqf Bill to be Tabled: A Major Discussion Point
Apart from financial policies, the government is set to introduce the controversial Waqf Properties Amendment Bill during this session.
The Waqf Bill 2025 aims to:
Bring greater transparency in the management of Waqf properties.
Introduce stricter regulations to prevent encroachments.
Empower the Waqf Board with more authority to manage assets.
This bill is likely to spark heated debates in Parliament, as opposition parties and religious organizations have already expressed concerns over potential misuse and administrative control of Waqf properties. Some groups argue that the amendments may lead to government interference in religious property management.
The ruling government, however, maintains that the bill is aimed at streamlining Waqf management and preventing corruption. The opposition is expected to demand thorough discussions before its passage.
Opposition’s Strategy: Heated Debates Expected
The Congress, TMC, AAP, and other regional parties have already indicated that they will raise several critical issues during the session. Their agenda includes:
Economic Concerns – Rising inflation, unemployment, and increasing fiscal deficit.
Waqf Bill Controversy – Demand for wider consultations and opposition to potential government control.
Farmers’ Demands – Pressure to provide legal guarantees on MSP and further farm reforms.
Reservation & Social Justice – Demands for better implementation of OBC, SC, ST reservations.
Electoral Reforms & EVM Issue – Raising questions about transparency in upcoming elections.
With Parliament gearing up for one of the most intense debates before the 2024 General Elections, the government will have to carefully navigate these challenges while ensuring smooth passage of key legislative bills.
What’s Next?
January 31: President’s Address to Parliament.
February 1: Union Budget 2025-26 presentation.
February 1-3: General discussions on the Budget.
February 4 onwards: Introduction of major bills, including the Waqf Bill.
With the political temperature rising, the Budget Session is expected to be a decisive battleground for both the ruling party and the opposition. Gulistan News Tv
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