Ahead of Union Budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in Parliament

Ahead of Budget presentation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday tabled the Economic Survey 2024-25, providing an official assessment of the performance of the economy in the ongoing financial year, and listing out the challenges being faced by the nation.

The Economic Survey that provides the roadmap for reforms and growth is prepared by a team led by Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran. The survey outlines the developments in the economy and various sectors, in addition to providing an outlook for the next financial year.

ALSO READ: Innovation, inclusion, investment: PM Modi outlines roadmap for Union Budget 2025


On Saturday, Finance Minister Sitharaman will table the first full Budget of Modi 3.0 government amid expectations of tweaking income tax slabs, major boost for the infrastructure sector, larger allocations for rural development and the education sector. The budget may provide a policy boost for the world's fifth-largest economy, which is expected to post its slowest pace of growth in four years, amid frail urban demand and inflation risks fuelled by a weak currency.

ALSO READ: Budget Session: Key highlights from President Murmu's address to joint Parliament session

What is on agenda of Budget Session 2025?

Following the presentation of the Economic Survey on January 31 and the Union Budget on February 1, the Budget Session 2025 is poised to address a range of significant legislative matters.

This year's session will not only include the introduction and passage of key bills but also crucial financial discussions that will shape India's fiscal landscape.

A series of important bills are likely to be taken up during the session. These include the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at strengthening banking regulations and oversight, and the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which focuses on enhancing the operational efficiency of the Indian Railways.

ALSO READ: One Nation One Election to Waqf Bill: President Murmu lauds Modi govt that's working at 'thrice the speed'

Another notable proposal is the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to improve disaster response mechanisms across the country.

Additionally, the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 will propose updates to the laws surrounding oil exploration and extraction, while the Boilers Bill, 2024 is set to introduce new safety and operational standards for boilers in industrial applications.

Among other bills likely to be introduced is the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, which will address the reallocation of assembly constituencies to better represent scheduled tribes in the state.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 are also expected to bring reforms to the management of religious endowments.

Maritime laws will see several updates, with the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 all set to modernize shipping regulations.

(With agency inputs)