Opening session of Parliament to see NDA weighing options for budget date, speaker election: Report

On June 27, President Droupadi Murmu is likely to address both houses.

As the new NDA government assumes office and the timing of the opening session of Parliament attracts all attention, the administration is weighing two approaches, according a report in The Economic Times.

The first option entails splitting the budget session into two. In this arrangement, the initial phase would include a recess, with the motion of thanks in the first segment and the budget presentation in the latter. A decision is expected soon, with the government reportedly favouring this divided session structure, according to the ET report.

A significant aspect of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will be the election of the Speaker. Despite lacking a majority, the BJP aims to retain this position. If the session is divided, the first part will consist of eight sittings from June 24 to July 3. A pro-tem speaker, typically the senior-most Lok Sabha member, will be appointed to administer the oath to the newly elected MPs over the first two days. The Speaker's election is proposed for June 26.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the news.

On June 27, President Droupadi Murmu is likely to address both the Houses. The subsequent days, from June 28 to July 3, will be dedicated to debating the motion of thanks to the President's address. The Economic Survey is expected to be presented on July 3, followed by a recess. The second part of the session is likely to commence on July 22, with the Union budget presentation. This segment is expected to run until August 9, encompassing 15 sittings, the ET report added.

The alternative being considered is a single, continuous budget session from July 1 to August 2, with 24 sittings across 33 days. Under this plan, the oaths of office would be administered to MPs on July 1-2, and the Speaker would be elected on July 3. The presidential address is likely on July 4, and the Union budget is set for presentation on July 8. The Rajya Sabha's session would begin on July 4 and conclude on August 2, with discussions on the motion of thanks scheduled for July 5, 9, and 10.

The upcoming budget is expected to outline the government's vision for the next five years, incorporating next-generation reforms promised in the interim budget of February, while considering the views of NDA allies.

Additionally, a unique situation has arisen with the election of two candidates currently imprisoned. Despite legal restrictions possibly preventing their attendance at House proceedings, they retain the constitutional right to take the oath as Members of Parliament. The newly elected MPs are radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency and terror financing accused Sheikh Abdul Rashid from Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla constituency.