The 2025 Budget session of the Indian Parliament will commence on January 31, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses. Her address will set the stage for the session, which is expected to conclude its first part on February 13, 2025. Following a break, the second part of the session will resume on March 10 and end on April 4, 2025. The focus of this year’s session will be the presentation of the Union Budget 2025, which is scheduled for February 1, 2025, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Key Dates and Parliamentary Agenda
According to a parliamentary bulletin issued on January 30, the proceedings will begin with the President’s Address to both Houses of Parliament. This address will be followed by a separate sitting of the Rajya Sabha to conduct government business.
Following the address, from February 3-5, discussions will be held regarding the vote of thanks for the President’s address. The motion will be moved by one Member of Parliament and seconded by another.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 on February 1 at 11:00 AM, marking her eighth consecutive Union Budget presentation. This achievement makes Sitharaman the first finance minister in Indian history to present eight budgets in a row.
Government’s Preparations and Expectations
On January 30, the government will hold an all-party meeting to ensure smooth cooperation from opposition leaders and facilitate productive discussions during the session. This meeting is being coordinated by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The Union Budget 2025 will address various fiscal concerns and growth initiatives. A report by the Bank of Baroda anticipates the government to skillfully balance fiscal consolidation with growth-promoting measures. The fiscal deficit target for the upcoming fiscal year is expected to be set at 4.9% of GDP, with potential savings anticipated on the expenditure side.
Halwa Ceremony Marks Budget Preparation
On January 23, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the customary Halwa ceremony, which marks the final stage in the budget preparation process. The ceremony is a traditional event that signifies the commencement of the printing of the Union Budget 2025-26.
This year’s budget presentation will focus on key areas such as tax reforms, industry incentives, and more, reflecting the government’s efforts to address both growth and fiscal prudence.
What to Expect from the Union Budget 2025
The 2025 Budget is expected to continue addressing the concerns of the common man, with discussions focusing on topics such as taxation reforms and government support for various sectors of the economy. Reports suggest that there may be limited movement on reducing personal income tax, as the government seeks to balance its fiscal goals while advancing economic growth.
Conclusion
The upcoming Budget Session 2025 promises to be pivotal, with significant discussions on India’s fiscal future and growth strategies. As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her eighth Union Budget, expectations are high regarding the government’s ability to manage fiscal deficit targets and advance growth initiatives. The session, which begins with the President’s Address and culminates in the Union Budget presentation, will play a crucial role in shaping India’s economic trajectory for the year ahead.
