New Delhi, Feb 9: Both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to begin discussions on the Union Budget 2026-27 on Monday. The Budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha on February 1.
This marks the ninth consecutive time FM Sitharaman has presented the Union Budget. Highlighting that the Budget is driven by “Yuvashakti” and built on “three kartavyas,” she proposed seven high-speed rail corridors, new dedicated freight corridors, and the operationalisation of 20 national waterways over the next five years.
The Finance Minister also announced an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options (F&O) to curb speculative trading.
While the NDA has welcomed the Budget, the Opposition has alleged that it excludes marginalised communities. The Secular Progressive Alliance, led by the DMK in Tamil Nadu, has planned a protest against the Budget on February 12.
During the general discussion on the Budget, Opposition MPs are expected to demand a debate on the framework of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between India and the United States. Earlier, DMK MP T.R. Baalu moved an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, seeking discussion on the trade deal and raising concerns over zero tariffs on certain US agricultural imports.
Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc floor leaders are scheduled to meet ahead of Monday’s Parliament sitting at the residence of Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The meeting will discuss and decide the bloc’s course of action for the ongoing Budget Session.
In the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Satish Chandra Dubey will table the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on the Operational Performance of NLC India Limited under the Union Government’s Ministry of Coal. (Agencies)
