Government Hosts All-Party Meeting Ahead of Budget Session

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Government Hosts All-Party Meeting Ahead of Budget Session

The government, under the leadership of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, has initiated an all-party meeting scheduled for July 21, aiming to gather insights from the floor leaders of various political parties representing in the Parliament. This proactive approach is to ensure a smooth and productive functioning of the upcoming Budget Session, set to begin on July 22 and span over 19 sittings until August 12. One notable anticipated attendee at this meeting is Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who is expected to make his first appearance as the Leader of Opposition.

Amidst the preparations for the Budget Session, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has communicated their inability to attend the aforementioned meeting due to the observance of Martyrs Day on July 21. This day holds historical significance for the TMC, commemorating the tragic loss of 13 Congress supporters in 1993 during a Kolkata Police firing incident which unfolded during a protest march towards the Writers Buildings, Kolkata's state secretariat, under the administration of the CPI(M)-led Left Front government in West Bengal. The absence of TMC representatives underscores the diverse reasons and commemorations that influence political agendas and engagements.

Key agendas for the Budget Session include the presentation of the Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the inaugural day, July 22, and the tabling of the Economic Survey during the session. Additionally, the government aims to table six bills, among which is the replacement of the archaic Aircraft Act that has been in effect for the past 90 years. Furthermore, plans are in motion to secure parliamentary approval for the budget of Jammu and Kashmir, currently under central rule, exemplifying the spectrum of legislative matters expected to be deliberated upon during this significant session. In a parallel narrative, the former Chief Minister of Odisha and BJP leader Naveen Patnaik has urged party MPs to advocate for the special category status for Odisha, indicating a multifaceted involvement of regional concerns within the broader national legislative conversation.