Interim Budget Session, 2024 of Parliament, which commenced on 31st January, 2024 has been adjourned sine-die on 10th of February, 2024. The session provided nine sittings spread over a period of 11 days. The session was extended by a day to discuss the Prana Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir at Ram Janmabhoomi. Over the Session, the Modi Government presented its exemplary track record on the work done for the welfare of the four castes – Youth, Women, Farmers, and Poor
During this Session, a total of 10 Bills were introduced. 12 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 12 Bills were passed/returned by Rajya Sabha. The total number of Bills passed/returned by both Houses of Parliament is also 12. The productivity of Lok Sabha was 148% and that of Rajya Sabha 137% approximately.
The Interim Union Budget for 2024-25 was presented on 1st of February, 2024. General Discussion on the Interim Union Budget and Interim Budget of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024-25 was held in both the Houses.
Lok Sabha in a brief
During the 15th Session of the 17th Lok Sabha, which marked the final gathering before the general elections in 2024, the House convened for a total of 63 hours and 26 minutes.
The session commenced with the customary Presidential Address followed by a Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, in which 115 members participated, including the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. A total of 1,500 questions including 1,380 unstarred and 120 starred questions raised by members were answered. The House devoted a significant portion of its time to legislative business, with twelve hours and twenty-four minutes dedicated to discussing seven crucial bills.
Rajya Sabha in a brief
The 263rd Session of Rajya Sabha was held between January 31st, 2024 and February 10th, 2024. The session witnessed productive deliberations over 116 issues of public importance spanning nine days, with a total productivity rate of 137%. A total of 1,050 questions including 960 unstarred and 90 starred questions raised by members were answered. Notably, members spoke in 15 regional languages during this session, demonstrating the parliament’s multilingual character.
Highlights of the Interim Budget Session
- The Rajya Sabha passed three bills, including the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Bill, Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Bill, and the Constitution Amendment Bill for SC/ST communities. Additionally, 22 Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) were introduced.
- The Interim Budget of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 2024–2025 was laid on the table. Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented a statement of estimated receipts and expenditure of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2024-25. An interim budget Rs. 1.18 lakh crore was proposed.
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi responded to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. He delivered farewell to retiring members in the Rajya Sabha, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and experiences.
- BJP National President Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda emphasised the significance of the consecration of the Ram Mandir as a reawakening of the world’s spiritual consciousness. He commended Prime Minister Modi for attending the Ram Temple’s inaugural ceremony and participating in all rituals, showcasing a commitment to his constitutional role.
- Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah emphasised that Ram Rajya was not centered around any particular religion but rather represents an ideal state that embodies righteousness and justice for all.
- Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman noted that 33 speakers have contributed to the budget debate. She emphasised that although the budget speech and Finance Bill aligned with the spirit of a vote on account and an interim budget, members have raised specific aspects that she addressed in her response.