March 23, 2026 : The Rajya Sabha is currently deliberating on the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2026, which authorises the withdrawal and allocation of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet government expenditure for the financial year 2026–27. Following the discussion, the Bill will be sent back to the Lok Sabha, which had already passed it last week.

During the debate, BJP member Madan Rathore stated that the government is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities. He also accused the opposition of spreading misinformation regarding cooking gas and petroleum prices. Highlighting economic progress, Rathore noted that India’s nominal GDP has grown from over ₹106 lakh crore in 2014–15 to more than ₹331 lakh crore in 2024–25 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that India remains the fastest-growing major economy globally.

On the other hand, Congress member Neeraj Dangi pointed to ongoing challenges in employment generation, inflation control, agricultural strengthening, and infrastructure development. He emphasized that the effectiveness of the Bill would depend on transparent and efficient utilisation of funds. Dangi further stressed the need for greater attention to rural development, healthcare, and education.