2-part Budget session to start from January 29; COVID precautions to be followed: Sources

As per PTI sources, Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has recommended that Budget session will be held in two parts beginning from January 29. While President Ram Nath Kovind is likely to address both Houses of Parliament on January 29, Union Budget will be presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. first part of Budget session will culminate on February 15 whereas second part shall be held from March 8- April 8, sources added. As threat of COVID-19 spread still persists, appropriate protocols will be followed. 

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Parliament's functioning amid COVID-19 crisis

Delayed because of vel coronavirus crisis, Monsoon Session of Parliament was proposed to be held from September 14 to October 1 without any weekend break. Moreover, COVID-19 precaution measures such as digitalization of operations, physical distancing and regular sanitization were undertaken. While session was adjourned sine dine on September 23 itself owing to rise in cases among MPs, Union Ministers and Parliament staff, a total of 25 bills including farm reform legislation were passed. On or hand, Winter Session was annulled in 2020. 

In a letter written to Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on December 14, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi pointed out that winter months were crucial in managing pandemic in view of spurt in Delhi's COVID-19 cases. He wrote, "At present, we are in middle of December and a COVID vaccine is expected very soon. In this regard, I have informally contacted floor leaders of various political parties and y have expressed ir concern over ongoing pandemic and opined of doing away with winter session". At same time, he added that Centre is willing to commence Budget session in January 2021 itself. reafter, Union Minister sought Chowdhury's cooperation for smooth functioning of next session of Parliament.

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