Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to unveil the budget for the financial year 2024-25 on February 1. This marks the last annual financial statement of the second term of the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recently, the customary pre-budget ‘halwa’ ceremony was conducted, marking the commencement of a ‘lock-in’ period for officials engaged in budget preparation to uphold confidentiality until the document is presented in the Lok Sabha.
On Tuesday, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha revoked the suspension of 14 Opposition MPs, who were among the 132 penalized during last month’s Winter session of Parliament.
This move allows them to participate in President Droupadi Murmu’s inaugural address to both Houses in the new Parliament building and the ensuing Budget session beginning Wednesday.
This year’s budget is considered ‘interim’ as the government is gearing up for a general election in April-May.
The comprehensive budget will be presented in July by the incoming government. In India, the financial year commences on April 1 and concludes on March 31 of the subsequent year.
President Murmu Senses ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’ Essence in New Parliament Building:
President Murmu remarked, “The aura of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’ is palpable here, resonating with the essence of India’s rich civilization and culture. This embodies our commitment to uphold democratic and cultural values while forging new traditions for a 21st-century India.”
Session Overview: Key Points from the All-Party Meeting:
Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi delineated the agenda for the Budget session, emphasizing its primary focus on Financial Business related to the Interim Union Budget for the year 2024-25.
Alongside Financial Business, the session will address vital Legislative and other Business matters as necessary.
Discussions on Supplementary Demands for Grants for the Year 2023-24 pertaining to the Union Government are scheduled.
Notably, the session will feature the presentation and deliberation on the Interim Budget of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024-25.
Additionally, discussions and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the financial year 2023-24 are on the agenda.
President Murmu Highlights India’s Remarkable Growth in 2023:
“In 2023, India achieved a historic milestone by emerging as the fastest-growing major economy, despite facing a global crisis. With consecutive quarters of approximately 7.5 percent growth, India showcased its resilience and strength,” stated President Droupadi Murmu, representing the central government, during her address to Parliament.
President Murmu Celebrates Realization of Centuries-Old Aspirations in Parliament:
During the commencement of the Budget Session on Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu remarked, “The centuries-old aspirations for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya have finally transformed into reality today.”
Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, she reflected on the completion of various projects crucial for the nation’s progress over the past decade. “In the last 10 years, India witnessed the fulfillment of several endeavors awaited by its people for decades. The aspiration for the construction of the Ram temple, harbored for centuries, has now materialized,” she affirmed.
The formal inauguration of the grand temple in Uttar Pradesh occurred on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the proceedings, following the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the Ram Lalla idol.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar Delivers English Version of President’s Speech:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE event:
The Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar commenced presenting the English rendition of President Droupadi Murmu’s address following her conclusion. He indicated his intention to read certain sections while designating the remainder as “read.”
President Emphasizes Government’s Focus on People-Centric Development:
President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural profitability and prioritizing people-centric development. She highlighted the disbursement of ₹2.80 lakh crore to farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. “In the past decade, there has been a three-fold increase in easy loans for farmers from banks,” she noted. Stressing the transformative impact of welfare schemes, she stated, “These schemes are not just facilities but have significantly improved people’s lives.” Reflecting on past efforts, she remarked, “Today’s achievements are a continuation of the initiatives undertaken over the last decade. The slogan of ‘Gareebi Hatao’ has echoed since our childhood. Today, we witness poverty alleviation on a significant scale for the first time in our lives.”
President Murmu Reflects on India’s Armed Forces:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Murmu remarked in Parliament, “Whether it’s combating terrorism or countering expansionism, our armed forces consistently deliver fitting responses. The tangible outcomes of my government’s endeavors towards internal peace are evident before us.”
President Murmu Highlights Government’s Focus on Border Infrastructure:
President Murmu stated, “The government is constructing modern infrastructure on our borders. Our forces are effectively responding to terrorism and expansionism.
The tangible outcomes of my government’s efforts towards internal peace are evident. There is a sense of security and safety in Jammu & Kashmir, with a significant decrease in incidents of naxal violence.”
President Murmu Highlights Progress in Clean Water Access for Tribal Villages:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Droupadi Murmu stated, “…My Government has also extended its reach to those who were previously marginalized. Over the past decade, electricity and road connectivity have reached thousands of tribal villages for the first time.
Now, lakhs of tribal families have access to clean water through pipeline connections. Additionally, under a special initiative, my government is extending 4G internet connectivity to thousands of tribal-dominated villages…For generations, tribal families have endured the burden of sickle cell anemia. For the first time, a national mission has been launched to address this issue, with approximately 1.40 crore individuals receiving checkups under this initiative thus far.”
President Murmu Commends Government’s Management of Inflation Amid Global Crises:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Droupadi Murmu remarked:
“In recent years, the world has experienced two major conflicts and grappled with a pandemic like Corona. Despite these global crises, my government successfully maintained control over inflation in the country, ensuring that the burden on the common people did not escalate.”
President Murmu’s Remarks on India’s Economic Performance:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Murmu asserted in her address to Parliament that 2023 marked a historic milestone for the country as it maintained its position as the fastest-growing major economy.
“The year 2023 was a historic year for India, as it achieved the fastest growth among major economies despite facing a global crisis. India witnessed approximately 7.5 percent growth for two consecutive quarters,” she stated on behalf of the central government.
President Murmu Affirms Government’s Commitment to Four Pillars: Youth, Women, Farmers, and the Poor:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Murmu stated, “My government believes that the foundation of a developed India rests on four robust pillars: youth power, women power, farmers, and the poor.”
President Celebrates Ram Temple Construction and Article 370 Abrogation:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session in the new Parliament building, President Murmu expressed:
“In the past decade, India witnessed the fulfillment of several endeavors crucial for national interest, long-awaited by the people. The construction of the Ram Temple, anticipated for centuries, has now materialized…The abrogation of Article 370 from J&K is now part of history.”
President Murmu Highlights Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat as Strengths:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Droupadi Murmu stated, “‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ have emerged as our strengths.” She also commended the achievement of defense production surpassing the milestone of ₹1 lakh crore.
Murmu Notes India’s Inflation Rate Dropped Below 4%:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Murmu remarked, “Previously, India’s inflation rate was in double digits, but now it is within 4 percent.”
Murmu Highlights India’s Top 5 Economy Status in Parliament:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Murmu stated, “Over the past decade, we have witnessed India’s transformation from being one of the ‘Fragile 5’ to becoming one of the top five economies.”
President Murmu Applauds Passage of ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ in Parliament:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her appreciation, stating:
“I commend the members for the enactment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (women’s reservation bill),” while addressing the Parliament Budget Session.
President Murmu Acknowledges Significant Reduction in Poverty Levels:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Murmu remarked that:
“The accomplishments we witness today are a continuation of the efforts made over the past 10 years. The slogan of ‘Gareebi Hatao’ has resonated since our childhood. Today, for the first time in our lives, we observe a substantial reduction in poverty levels on a large scale.”
President Murmu Highlights Historic Legislation Implemented by the Modi Government:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted all the significant laws enacted by the Parliament, including the recent amendments to criminal laws, in her address on the first day of the Budget session.
President Murmu Finds New Parliament Building Symbolic of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth’:
During the Budget 2024 LIVE session, President Droupadi Murmu delivered her address to a joint session of both Houses at the new Parliament building.
“This marks my inaugural address in the new Parliament building. This majestic structure is erected at the dawn of the Amrit Kaal. It carries the essence of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’…
It also embodies the commitment to uphold democratic and parliamentary traditions. Additionally, it signifies the determination to establish new norms for the 21st-century India. I am confident that this new building will facilitate meaningful discussions on policies,” she expressed.
