Parliament will discuss the Union Budget 2026-27, which includes proposals for new rail corridors and an STT hike. The Opposition has criticized the budget and is also expected to raise the issue of the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.
Both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to begin discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27 on Monday, which was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1.
Budget Highlights and Proposals
FM Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Lok Sabha, for the ninth consecutive time. Asserting that the Budget is driven by "Yuvashakti" and based on "three kartavyas," she proposed seven high-speed rail corridors, new dedicated freight corridors, and the operationalisation of 20 national waterways over the next five years.
The Centre also announced an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options (F&O) to discourage speculative trading.
Opposition Slams Budget, Plans Strategy
While the NDA has welcomed the Budget, the Opposition alleged an exclusion of the marginalised communities. The Secular Progressive Alliance, led by the DMK in Tamil Nadu, has called a protest against the Budget on February 12.
While the Houses are scheduled for general discussion on the Budget, the Opposition MPs are likely to demand a discussion on the framework of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between Indian and the United States.
DMK Moves Motion on US Trade Deal
Earlier, DMK MP TR Baalu moved an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, seeking a discussion on the framework of the trade deal. Submitting the notice, the DMK MP raised concerns about zero tariffs on certain agricultural products imported into India from the US.
Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc floor leaders are scheduled to meet ahead of today's Parliament sitting at the residence of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. In the meeting, they will discuss and decide on the future course of action for the ongoing Budget Session.
Other Parliamentary Business
In the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Satish Chandra Dubey will lay on the table a copy of the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Operational Performance of NLC India Limited - Union Government - Ministry of Coal. (ANI)
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