Budget Session 2026: President Murmu addresses joint sitting, hails welfare and infrastructure push

New Delhi: The Budget Session 2026-27 of the Indian Parliament began on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Her remarks set the tone for the session, underscoring the government’s developmental achievements and the expectations surrounding the forthcoming Union Budget.

Taking the rostrum shortly after the session commenced, President Murmu expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to speak to both Houses and reflected on the nation’s progress over the past year.

She highlighted celebrations marking 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, acknowledging the enduring cultural and historical legacy of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s anthem that inspires national unity.

In her remarks, the President lauded several welfare schemes championed by the Narendra Modi government, which, she said, have positively impacted millions.

Among these, she referenced flagship initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, which has expanded access to healthcare services across India, benefiting crores of citizens — a theme consistent with previous presidential addresses on welfare expansion.

President Murmu also praised the government’s infrastructure strides, pointing to the expansion of Vande Bharat trains and other connectivity projects that aim to bridge regions and fuel economic growth. She underscored the government’s emphasis on clean governance and its efforts to bolster social and physical infrastructure.

With Parliament underway, leaders across the political spectrum have articulated diverse priorities for the Budget session. The Economic Survey of India is scheduled for presentation on Thursday, January 29, offering a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s economic performance and outlook.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026-27 on Sunday, February 1, wrapping fiscal projections, policy directions, and key allocations.

In anticipation of these developments, lawmakers have begun positioning their parties’ agendas. Some opposition MPs stressed the need for extensive discussions on rural employment frameworks such as the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G), federalism issues, and targeted support for farmers and states with specific infrastructure needs.

The session is slated to continue until early April, with 30 sittings planned in two phases. The first phase will conclude in mid-February, followed by a second phase later in March. Legislative business, committee reviews, and debates on fiscal policy — including the President’s Motion of Thanks — will dominate the agenda.