Both Houses of Parliament have adjourned for a recess in the ongoing Budget Session and will reconvene on the 9th of next month. The session is being conducted in two phases. It began on January 28 with the address of Droupadi Murmu to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The second phase of the session will continue until April 2.
In the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to the discussion on the Union Budget, outlining the government’s economic priorities. She said the focus remains on building a resilient and self-reliant India through sustained economic growth and inclusive development.
Citing estimates from the National Statistics Office, the minister said India’s GDP is projected to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2025-26. She added that retail inflation has eased to 2 per cent, which she described as a sign of strong economic fundamentals. Responding to criticism from the opposition over alleged cuts in welfare spending, she maintained that adequate allocations have been made for social sector schemes.
Ms Sitharaman also rejected claims that the middle class is under pressure, stating that reforms undertaken during the NDA government have led to its expansion. On employment, she said the unemployment rate has declined from 5.6 per cent in 2017-18 to 3.2 per cent in 2023-24. The minister also announced plans to rejuvenate 200 legacy industrial clusters to further strengthen manufacturing and job creation.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the Lok Sabha were marked by noisy exchanges between treasury and opposition members, leading to adjournment for the day.
Earlier, amid disruptions, the House passed the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey raised the issue of a motion against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Mr Dubey alleged that Mr Gandhi has links with the Soros Foundation and the Ford Foundation and accused him of repeatedly questioning constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission, the Supreme Court and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Demanding a discussion on Mr Gandhi’s conduct, Mr Dubey called for cancellation of his membership and for him to be barred from contesting future elections. His remarks triggered strong protests from opposition members.
In other business, the report of the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture on the holistic development of India’s tourism sector is scheduled to be presented in both Houses. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will also take up Private Members’ Legislative Business, with several members set to introduce different bills.
