Governor’s Address Set for February 16 as Budget Session Divides into Two Phases
The upcoming Budget session of the Vidhan Sabha is scheduled to commence on February 16. This session will unfold in two distinct phases, as indicated by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Pathania.
Details of the Budget Session
The first phase of the session spans three days, specifically on February 16, 17, and 18. It will commence with the Governor’s Address, marking the first Assembly session of the year. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla will deliver the address on the opening day.
Agenda for the First Phase
During the inaugural day, the Assembly will observe obituaries for the late members who have passed away since the last winter session. Following this solemn commemoration, legislative business will take place, including a debate on the Motion of Thanks concerning the Governor’s Address.
Implications of Financial Changes
Speaker Pathania highlighted that preparations for the Budget may experience delays due to recommendations from the 16th Finance Commission. These proposals include the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), which has complicated budget preparations for the upcoming financial year.
Pending Government Business
- The Assembly is awaiting substantial business from the state government.
- Only a limited number of questions have been submitted by legislators, given the recent notification for the session.
- There is an expectation for more questions to emerge as the session approaches.
In an interesting development, the government proposed a special one-day session to discuss the implications of scrapping the RDG. However, this request was declined by the Governor, prompting the decision to maintain the routine Budget session format.
