Both Houses of Parliament — the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha — were adjourned on the afternoon of January 29 and will reconvene on February 1 at 11:00 AM for the presentation of the Union Budget 2026 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This year’s Budget is notable for being scheduled on a weekend.
Earlier in the day, Sitharaman formally tabled the Economic Survey of India 2025-26 along with its Statistical Appendix in both Houses, signalling the start of the Budget discussions. Prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the supervision of the Chief Economic Adviser, the Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s economic performance during the 2025-26 financial year and outlines the outlook for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Budget Session, which commenced on January 28, began with Question Hour, followed by the laying of official papers by Union Ministers. Sitharaman presented documents related to the Ministry of Finance, while Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu tabled the Annual Report of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India for 2024-25, along with the audited accounts, in the Lok Sabha.
In addition, Parliament formally laid eight Bills passed during the Sixth Session of the 18th Lok Sabha that have received Presidential assent. The 13th Report of the Business Advisory Committee was also presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh, providing procedural guidance ahead of Budget discussions.
Political reactions set the tone for the upcoming debate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India as a “self-confident nation and a ray of hope for the world” while highlighting the President’s Address as a reflection of the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Jebi Mather and Karnataka Minister M.C. Sudhakar, raised concerns over pending issues such as MNREGA funding and unmet expectations from the Union Budget.
With the Economic Survey now tabled, Parliament is expected to engage in detailed discussions and debates when it resumes on February 1, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026.
