Food grain production exceeded 350 million tonnes; 25 crore citizens emerged from poverty in last decade
The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on January 28, 2026, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses. The session, with 30 sittings in two phases (January 28-February 13 and March 9-April 2), set the stage for the Economic Survey and Union Budget.
In her address, the President highlighted major achievements: Production Linked Incentive scheme attracting ₹2 lakh crore investment; electronics production reaching ₹11 lakh crore (sixfold increase in 11 years); 18,000 km rural roads added; metro network crossing 1,000 km (third-largest globally); 4 crore pucca houses built; 12.5 crore households connected under Jal Jeevan Mission; food grain production exceeding 350 million tonnes; and 25 crore citizens emerging from poverty in the last decade.
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Mains angle
Q: Discuss the major welfare and infrastructure achievements highlighted in the President's address opening the Budget Session 2026.
Answer (50 words): President Murmu addressed both Houses on January 28, 2026, launching the Budget Session with thirty sittings in two phases. She highlighted PLI scheme's ₹2 lakh crore investment, electronics production at ₹11 lakh crore, metro crossing 1,000 km, 12.5 crore Jal Jeevan connections and 25 crore citizens lifted from poverty.
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Linked questionEasy
The Budget Session 2026 of Parliament commenced on January 28, 2026. Which of the following statements about this session is/are correct?
1. The session is divided into two phases with a recess in between.
2. The President addressed both Houses at the beginning of the session.
3. The first phase is scheduled from January 28 to February 13.
Select the correct answer:
Explanation · Correct answer D
All three statements are correct. The Budget Session 2026 commenced on January 28; the first part ran until February 13 and the Houses reassembled on March 9 after recess. The session was later extended: PIB's completion note records 31 sittings in total and adjournment sine die on April 18, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu addressed both Houses on January 28, 2026.
How did Budget Session 2026 commence and what did President Murmu address?
**Budget Session 2026** commenced with **President Droupadi Murmu** addressing the **Joint Sitting of both Houses of Parliament** — a constitutional requirement under **Article 87** at the beginning of each Budget Session (and after general elections). President Murmu highlighted India's economic achievements, government's priorities for inclusive development, and the roadmap for **Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047**. The Presidential Address sets the political and policy agenda for the entire session.
What is the constitutional requirement for Presidential address at Budget Session?
**Article 87 of the Constitution** requires the President to address the **Joint Sitting of both Houses** at: (1) the commencement of the **first session after each general election**; and (2) the commencement of the **first session of each year** (Budget Session). The address outlines the government's agenda. After the address, each House debates a **Motion of Thanks** — an opportunity for MPs to critique government policies. The Address is prepared by the **government (Cabinet)** and reflects its priorities, though delivered by the President.
What is President Droupadi Murmu's significance as India's President?
**Droupadi Murmu** became India's **15th President** on **July 25, 2022** — the **first tribal person** and **second woman** to hold this office. She is from the **Santali tribal community** in Odisha (Mayurbhanj district) and served as **Governor of Jharkhand** before becoming President. Her election is seen as historic recognition of **tribal communities** in India's highest constitutional office. As President, she has emphasized **education, tribal welfare, and gender equality** — reflected in her Presidential Addresses.
What are the major policy priorities the government outlines in Budget Session 2026?
Budget Session 2026 priorities (from Presidential Address and Union Budget 2026-27) include: (1) **Viksit Bharat 2047** — roadmap for developed India; (2) **Manufacturing push** — India becoming a global manufacturing hub; (3) **Agricultural growth** — enhancing farmer incomes, irrigation, crop insurance; (4) **Infrastructure acceleration** — ₹11+ lakh crore capex; (5) **Social welfare** — PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission; (6) **Green economy** — renewable energy, green hydrogen; and (7) **Digital infrastructure** — AI, semiconductor ecosystem.
How is the Budget Session different from other Parliamentary sessions in India?
India's Parliament has typically **three sessions**: (1) **Budget Session (Feb-May)** — the longest, presenting Union Budget, finance/appropriation bills; (2) **Monsoon Session (July-Aug)** — general legislative business; (3) **Winter Session (Nov-Dec)** — legislative agenda. **Budget Session** is the most important because it authorizes government **spending for the entire fiscal year (April-March)**. It is unique in that the **Finance Bill and Appropriation Bill** must pass to enable government operations — failure to pass is equivalent to a vote of no confidence in the government.
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