New Delhi. The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to begin on Monday, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Economic Survey today and the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The all-party meeting called by the government on Sunday indicated that the session is likely to witness heated debates and disruptions. During the meeting, opposition parties listed their issues for discussion, while NDA ally JD(U) surprised the government by demanding special status for Bihar. Similarly, the YSRCP demanded special status for Andhra Pradesh, and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) demanded the same for Odisha.
#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today is the first Monday of Sawan. An important session is starting on this holy day. I wish the countrymen on the first Monday of Sawan. The monsoon session of Parliament is starting today. Today the whole country is looking at it. This is going to be a positive session… pic.twitter.com/Nr1qQ6crc6
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) July 22, 2024
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting to ensure smooth conduct of the session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that the government is always ready to discuss any issue permitted by the rules and procedures of the House. He sought active cooperation and support from leaders of all parties for the smooth conduct of business in both Houses of Parliament.
Leaders of 41 parties, including Congress representatives Jairam Ramesh and K. Suresh, attended the meeting. The Congress reiterated its demand for the appointment of a Deputy Chairman in the Lok Sabha. Health Minister JP Nadda and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also attended the meeting. Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Parliament during its proceedings. He said the government is ready to discuss all issues as per the rules and decisions of the presiding officers. The major issues raised in the meeting included the instructions given by the Uttar Pradesh government regarding shops during the Kanwar Yatra and the Agniveer scheme, on which leaders of the Samajwadi Party, Congress and other parties expressed their concern. The Congress called for discussion on several issues, including the internal security situation in Jammu and Manipur, border challenges with China, floods and natural disasters, Centre-State relations and economic matters. The budget session is expected to go on till August 12, with 16 sittings. The session will mainly focus on the introduction and passing of the Economic Survey, Budget and Finance Bill. Apart from this, the budget of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The government also aims to pass half a dozen other bills during this period.
