Budget 2026 highlights: President delivers address, Opposition protests MGNREGA scrapping
Budget 2026 highlights: The Opposition parties on Wednesday staged a protest in a "dignified" manner against the scrapping of the MGNREGA during President Droupadi Murmu's address to both Houses of the Parliament ahead of the Budget Session.
Budget 2026 highlights: Addressing the joint session of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session today, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted India's growing economic trajectory and the transformative reforms in the rural parts of the country....Read More
The Opposition parties on Wednesday staged a protest in a "dignified" manner against the scrapping of the MGNREGA during President Droupadi Murmu's address to both Houses of the Parliament ahead of the Budget Session.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, which falls on a Sunday, a rare occurrence that needs special planning.
The Economic Survey, which offers a detailed look at the state of the economy, is expected to be presented in Parliament on January 29. The budget session, which will continue till April 2, will be held in two phases with an intersession break.
The first phase of the session is scheduled from January 28 to February 13, and the second phase from March 9 to April 2, Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said earlier this month.
What are the key expectations from Union Budget?
1. There is an expectation of an overhaul of customs duty on the lines of GST rationalisation ahead of the Budget session. The Budget is also likely to outline the path of targeting of Debt-to-GDP ratio, with India's fiscal management focus shifting from managing deficit to reducing debt.
2. The new and simplified Income Tax Act, 2025, will come into effect from April 1, 2026, thus leading to the expectation that the budget outline transition provisions, rules and FAQ for better understanding.
3. There is also an expectation of rationalisation of TDS categories into fewer rates, slabs and a higher defence budget in view of rising geopolitical tensions.
4. The Budget might also include provisions for the 8th Pay Commission, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, and take steps towards tax devolution to states, in line with the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission.
All-party meeting ahead of session
Defence minister Rajnath Singh held an all-party meeting on Tuesday in the main Committee Room of Parliament, outlining the agenda for the upcoming Budget session.
Following the meeting, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre remains open to suggestions from all political parties ahead of the session. He added that discussions must strictly adhere to established parliamentary rules.
“As per the rules, the discussions should revolve around the Budget only,” Rijiju said, adding that the President will address the joint session, after which the motion on vote of thanks on her speech will be held, wherein all parties will participate.
Traditional halwa ceremony marks final stage of Budget preparation
Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday marked the final stage of the preparation for the Union Budget 2026-27 by participating in a traditional halwa ceremony.
The ceremony is a customary ritual before the Budget session wherein ‘halwa’, a traditional dessert, is prepared and served to officials and staff members of the finance ministry involved in the preparation of the Budget.
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- 28 Jan 2026, 02:51:32 PM IST
Budget 2026 live updates: This blog is now closed.
Budget 2026 live updates: This live blog is now closed. Follow https://www.hindustantimes.com/ for regular updates.
- 28 Jan 2026, 02:50:10 PM IST
Budget 2026 live updates: President Murmu outlines India's vision, opposition protests MGNREGA scrapping
Budget 2026 live updates: Here's what happened today in the Budget session of Parliament:
- Addressing the joint session of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session today, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted India's growing economic trajectory and the transformative reforms in the rural parts of the country.
- The Opposition parties on Wednesday staged a protest in a "dignified" manner against the scrapping of the MGNREGA during President Droupadi Murmu's address to both Houses of the Parliament ahead of the Budget Session.
- As the NDA-BJP MPs thumped their tables in appreciation, Opposition MPs stood up and registered their protest, demanding that the law be withdrawn.
- Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju slammed the opposition parties for creating a ruckus during the President's address. Rijiju said that the act of opposition makes the country ashamed. He said that the country will never forgive Congress and its allies.
- The Economic Survey of India is scheduled to be presented on January 29, followed by the Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented on February 1.
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- 28 Jan 2026, 09:18:53 AM IST
Budget 2026 live updates: When will Union Budget 2026-27 be presented?
Budget 2026 live updates: On 1 February, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27, her ninth straight budget presentation.
Meanwhile, the Economic Survey of India will be presented on January 29.
- 28 Jan 2026, 09:07:19 AM IST
Budget 2026 live updates: Congress MP slams Centre ahead of Parliament session
Budget 2026 live updates: Congress MP Imran Masood slammed the BJP-led government, questioning its priorities and intent ahead of the Budget session of the Parliament.
Speaking to ANI on the first day of the session, Masood said the government should deal with the "burning issues" affecting the country before presenting its financial plans.
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- 28 Jan 2026, 08:58:32 AM IST
Budget 2026 live updates: President Murmu to address joint sitting of both Houses
Budget 2026 live updates: The Budget Session of Parliament will begin today, with President Droupadi Murmu speaking to a joint sitting of both Houses.
The session will run for 30 sittings across 65 days and is set to end on April 2. The two Houses will break for a recess on February 13 and return on March 9. This gap will allow Standing Committees to review the Demands for Grants of different ministries and departments.
The opening phase of the session will focus on financial matters linked to the Union Budget 2026-27, along with a debate on the Motion of Thanks for the President’s address.
- 28 Jan 2026, 08:50:39 AM IST
Budget 2026 live updates: Leaders arrive in Delhi ahead of Parliament session
Budget 2026 live updates: Several leaders and ministers have started reaching the national capital ahead of the Parliament budget session, which is set to begin today.
At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Union minister of state for minority affairs and fisheries George Kurian was seen arriving early on Wednesday.
Union minister Ramdas Athawale, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule, and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi have also come to Delhi to take part in the budget session, news agency ANI reported.
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- 28 Jan 2026, 08:44:21 AM IST
Budget 2026 live updates: INDIA bloc MPs to meet Congress chief Kharge
Budget 2026 live updates: Members of the INDIA bloc are expected to meet on Wednesday at 10 am to plan their strategy for the Budget Session 2026-27, which begins today.
Leaders from the Congress and other Opposition parties will meet the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, news agency ANI reported.
The INDIA bloc plans to push for talks on replacing MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, as well as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.
- 28 Jan 2026, 08:32:59 AM IST
Budget 2026 live updates: Budget session of Parliament to begin today
Budget 2026 live updates: The Budget Session of Parliament will begin today as President Droupadi Murmu is set to address a joint sitting of both Houses.
The Economic Survey of India is set to be tabled on January 29. This will be followed by the Union Budget 2026-27, which is scheduled for February 1.
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