Union Budget 2026: Economic Survey tabled, parliament prepares for key debates

The government has mapped out a packed legislative schedule for the Budget Session of Parliament, with extensive debates planned on the President’s Address, the Union Budget and key policy issues.

The Lok Sabha has allotted 18 hours for discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, which will be taken up over February 2, 3 and 4, according to decisions taken by the Lok Sabha’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reply to the debate in the Lower House on February 4.

A general discussion on the Union Budget for 2026–27 will follow, spread across February 5, 9, 10 and 11, with another 18 hours earmarked for the debate. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to respond to the discussion on February 11, sources told ANI.


At an all-party meeting earlier this week, opposition parties pressed for debates on a range of issues, including the restoration of MGNREGA, concerns surrounding the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and the controversy over UGC regulations.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha was adjourned on Thursday afternoon and will reconvene on February 1 at 11 am, the day the Union Budget is scheduled to be presented.

Earlier on Thursday, Finance Minister Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025–26 in Parliament, formally setting the stage for the Union Budget. The Budget will be presented on Sunday, February 1, making it a rare weekend exercise. Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, a record in India’s parliamentary history.

The tabling of the Economic Survey follows the long-established convention of outlining the state of the economy before the presentation of fiscal proposals. Widely regarded as the government’s annual economic report card, the Survey provides a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of economic performance over the past year and sketches the broad policy direction ahead.


Ahead of the start of the Budget Session, Prime Minister Modi addressed the media outside Parliament, highlighting India’s strong growth trajectory. He described the beginning of the current quarter as “very positive” and said a self-confident India had emerged as “a ray of hope for the world”.

The Prime Minister said the country had boarded the “Reform Express”, resolving long-pending issues while working towards durable, long-term solutions. This is the time to find solutions, not create hurdles, he said.

Modi also praised the proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, calling it “Free Trade for Ambitious India, for Aspirational Youth and for Aatmanirbhar India”. He expressed confidence that Indian manufacturers would leverage the agreement to strengthen their capabilities, describing it as a key step towards building a competitive and productive economy.

The Budget Session will span 30 sittings over 65 days, concluding on April 2. Parliament will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9, allowing Standing Committees time to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. (With inputs from ANI)