Sat Feb 01 05:01:27 IST 2025: ## Parliament Begins Budget Session Amidst Economic Slowdown and Tragedy

**New Delhi, January 31, 2025** – President Droupadi Murmu formally commenced the Budget Session of Parliament today, delivering an address to a joint sitting of both Houses. Her speech highlighted the government’s achievements across various sectors, including defense, infrastructure, digitalization, and social welfare programs, while acknowledging challenges such as economic deceleration and the recent Maha Kumbh stampede tragedy.

The President lauded the government’s “Reform, Perform, Transform” approach, citing initiatives like the PM Suraj Yojana, “Mission Mausam,” and the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. She also emphasized advancements in digital infrastructure (including 5G rollout and the U-WIN vaccination portal), healthcare, and railway connectivity, along with efforts to empower women and tribal communities. The government’s focus on AI and quantum technology was also highlighted.

However, the session began under a shadow of economic concerns. The Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, revealed a projected economic growth slowdown to 6.4%, the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic. This, coupled with a falling rupee and stagnant private investment, presents significant challenges for the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26, to be presented on February 1st. The budget, expected to exceed ₹50 lakh crore, will need to address these issues while providing relief for the middle class.

The tragic stampede during the Maha Kumbh festivities in Prayagraj, resulting in 30 deaths, also cast a pall over the proceedings. While the President offered condolences, opposition parties voiced criticism over alleged government inaction and a lack of transparency, demanding a parliamentary discussion on the tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his pre-session remarks, alluded to the absence of “foreign interference” in this year’s session, a contrast he noted from previous years. He also offered prayers for the well-being of the nation’s poor and middle class. The Budget session will continue in two phases, concluding on April 4th.

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