The upcoming Parliament session from January 31 to February 9 is poised to be a crucial juncture in Indian politics as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gears up to present the interim budget on February 1. The session, marking the culmination of the 17th Lok Sabha, holds significance not only for its fiscal implications but also for the political landscape, with parties positioning themselves for the impending general elections.Key Highlights of the Parliament SessionThe parliamentary affairs minister, Pralhad Joshi, announced that the session will kick off with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses of Parliament. This customary address serves as a platform for the President to outline the governments past achievements and lay out policy priorities for the upcoming year. The Presidents speech sets the tone for the session, providing a broad framework for the governments agenda.Joshi shared the schedule on social media, stating, #InterimBudgetSession2024, the last session of Seventeenth Lok Sabha to be held from 31st January to 9th February, with the Presidents address to the Parliament. On 1st February, Honble FM @nsitharaman ji will present the Interim Union Budget.Focus on Interim Budget 2024As anticipation builds for Sitharamans budget presentation, it is expected that the focus will be on welfare schemes targeting key sections of society. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) aims for a third term in office, and Sitharamans pre-election budget is poised to address the needs of women, the poor, youth, farmers, and tribals.Budget Allocations for Key SectionsEducation and Skill Development for Youth: With a specific emphasis on the aspirations of the youth, the budget is likely to allocate additional funds for education and skill development. This aligns with the governments commitment to empowering the younger generation.Welfare of Women: Given Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of women-led development, the budget is expected to focus on schemes that enhance the welfare of women. Women were a pivotal demographic in recent state assembly polls, prompting attention from both the Congress and BJP.Tribal Welfare: The Ministry of Tribal Development is likely to witness continued financial support, building on the significant increase seen in the 2023-24 budget. The governments emphasis on ensuring welfare programs reach all eligible persons, especially in tribal areas, is evident through initiatives like Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.Farmers Benefits: The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, is anticipated to see a 33% increase in social transfers. This move aims to bolster support for farmers and address agricultural challenges.Connecting with the Masses Through the BudgetAs the government navigates the delicate balance between addressing the needs of vulnerable sections and pursuing broader economic reforms, experts suggest that this strategy can resonate with a diverse audience. A.K. Verma, the director of the Centre for Study of Society and Politics, observes a fundamental shift in Indian politics towards class-centric policies, marking a departure from traditional caste-centric approaches.Nonetheless, the upcoming Parliament session and the presentation of the interim budget hold the promise of unveiling key fiscal policies and political strategies. As the nation awaits Sitharamans proposals, the sessions outcomes are likely to shape the political narrative leading up to the general elections.
