The Budget Session of Parliament opens on January 28 with the President’s address, paving the way for the Union Budget 2026–27 and key economic debates.

The Budget Session of Parliament got underway on Tuesday, January 28, marking the first and most consequential legislative sitting of the year. The session opens with Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, laying out the Union government’s policy direction and priorities.

Running until April 2, the session has been split into two phases. The first leg will continue till February 13, followed by a recess to allow parliamentary committees to examine demands for grants. Lawmakers will reconvene for the second phase from March 9, with around 30 sittings scheduled across both Houses.

Attention will soon turn to the economy. The Economic Survey is expected to be tabled later this week, offering an official assessment of growth trends and challenges. The centrepiece of the session the Union Budget for 2026–27 will be presented on February 1 by Nirmala Sitharaman, a rare Sunday sitting that has prompted special arrangements in Parliament and financial markets.

An all-party meeting held ahead of the session signalled a charged atmosphere, with opposition parties preparing to flag concerns ranging from employment schemes and electoral roll revisions to global trade pressures and pollution. The government, for its part, has said it is open to constructive suggestions to ensure productive debate.With global headwinds and domestic expectations running high, this Budget Session is being closely watched for signals on tax relief, infrastructure spending and growth strategies. For citizens and businesses alike, the debates and decisions over the next two months could shape economic priorities well beyond the current financial year.