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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Rajya Sabha that GST rates have reduced significantly, dropping from 15.8% under the previous tax regime to 11.3% now. She emphasized that no items have seen a tax increase under GST.

GST rates reduced over time, no increase on any item: Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Rajya Sabha that GST rates have reduced significantly, dropping from 15.8% under the previous tax regime to 11.3% now. She emphasized that no items have seen a tax increase under GST.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday informed the Rajya Sabha that indirect taxes under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have significantly decreased since its implementation. She noted that the average tax rate under the previous indirect tax regime stood at 15.8%, whereas under GST, it has now dropped to 11.3%.
Responding to a query from Nadimul Haque, a Member of Parliament from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) representing West Bengal, Sitharaman emphasized the progressive reduction in GST rates. She stated, "Earlier the tax levied on everyday item 15.8 per cent tax could have been levied without additionally burdening the buyer, consumer. If that was the rate at which the GST rates were brought in, today... the rate has come down to 11.3 per cent. That is the level of reduction of rates which have happened in the GST Council."
She further highlighted that GST has not led to increased taxes on any items but has instead resulted in tax reductions for many products.
During the session, MP Haque also inquired whether the government intended to simplify the GST structure by reducing the number of tax slabs, similar to the reforms implemented in income tax.&nbsp;
In response, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Choudhary underscored the role of the GST Council, established under Article 279A of the Constitution, as a prime example of cooperative federalism. He explained that all GST-related decisions are made collectively by the Council, which includes finance ministers from all states.
To streamline GST rates, Choudhary stated that a Group of Ministers (GoM) was constituted after the 45th GST Council meeting. Chaired by the Karnataka Finance Minister, the GoM was assigned the task of reviewing and recommending changes to simplify the GST rate structure.
Addressing the issue of GST rate determination, Sitharaman clarified that these decisions are not made unilaterally by the central government. "It is not a singular decision of the Government of India; it has to be a decision of the Council," she said. She further emphasized that state finance ministers are fully empowered to discuss and suggest modifications in GST rates based on their state&rsquo;s requirements, which are then deliberated upon in GST Council meetings.
Sitharaman encouraged states seeking changes in GST rates to approach the GST Council through their respective finance ministers. The Council, comprising representatives from both central and state governments, convenes regularly to review tax policies and implement necessary adjustments to maintain a balanced and equitable taxation system.

In his speech during the Motion of Thanks in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi criticized the 'Make in India' initiative, claiming it failed to address the country's manufacturing decline and youth unemployment.

Rahul Gandhi calls 'Make in India' initiative a 'failure'

In his speech during the Motion of Thanks in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi criticized the 'Make in India' initiative, claiming it failed to address the country's manufacturing decline and youth unemployment.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday, expressed his views on India's economic performance, specifically focusing on the Make in India initiative, which he claimed has failed.&nbsp;
Gandhi was addressing the Motion of Thanks (MoT) on the President&rsquo;s address when he criticized the lack of new ideas in the President's speech, noting that it had sounded repetitive and similar to previous years.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession2025</a> | Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says "I must say, I struggled through the President's address to maintain my attention on what was being said because I had heard pretty much the same President's address the last time and the time before that. It&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/krBCXH6i5S">pic.twitter.com/krBCXH6i5S</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886337604481941599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"I heard the President's address. I sat there with Kharge Ji, and I listened to it. I must say, I struggled through the President's address to maintain my attention on what was being said because I had heard pretty much the same Presidential address last time, the time before that, and the time before that," Gandhi remarked.
He continued, adding, "It was the same list of things the government has done. 'We've done this, we've done that'... 50 or 100 things the government has done."
He reflected on the need for a new direction and pondered, "What type of Presidential address should be delivered, and how would that address be different from what we heard?"
Gandhi emphasized the importance of focusing on the country's production and laid out what an alternative address might look like, especially from the perspective of the INDIA bloc.&nbsp;
He stated that youth unemployment continues to be a significant issue, which both the UPA and NDA governments have failed to address adequately.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, "...Even though we have grown, we've grown fast, growing slightly slower now but we are growing. A universal problem that we have faced is that we have not been able to tackle the problem of unemployment. Neither the UPA govt nor today's&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/RIzjEusYv1">pic.twitter.com/RIzjEusYv1</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886338272672330046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Neither the UPA government nor the NDA government has given a clear-cut answer to youth unemployment. I don't think anybody will disagree with that," he said.
Pointing out the decline in the manufacturing sector, Gandhi highlighted that the share of manufacturing in India's GDP had decreased from 15.3 percent in 2014 to 12.6 percent in 2025.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession2025</a> | Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says "The Prime Minister proposed the 'Make in India' program, I think it was a good idea...The result is right in front of you, manufacturing fell from 15.3% of GDP in 2014 to 12.6% of GDP today, which is the lowest&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/tyhkT79rvu">pic.twitter.com/tyhkT79rvu</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886340334411714723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The PM proposed the Make in India program. I think it was a good idea; we saw the statue, we saw the logo, we saw the investment, and the result is right in front of you. Manufacturing fell from 15.3 percent of GDP in 2014 to 12.6 percent of GDP today. That is the lowest share of manufacturing in history," Gandhi explained.
Although acknowledging that the idea behind Make in India was sound, he stated, "I would not blame this on the Prime Minister; it is unfair to say that he did not try. I think the Prime Minister tried, and I think conceptually, Make in India was a good idea, but it is pretty clear that it failed."
He went on to discuss the broader problem of production in India, asserting that the country has failed in organizing production.
"Pretty much every government since 1990 has done a decent job in consumption. But as a country, we have failed in organizing production," he said.&nbsp;
Gandhi further criticized the reliance on imports from China, emphasizing that many products labeled as "Made in India" are merely assembled in the country, while the actual components come from China.
Holding up his phone in the Lok Sabha, he remarked, "All the components of this phone are made in China. The network that is produced is made in China."
Gandhi urged a stronger focus on domestic production, stating, "So the first message I would give in a Presidential address is to focus completely on production." He warned that without focusing on production, India would face a significant deficit, rising inequality, and various economic challenges.
He also highlighted the ongoing revolution in electric vehicles and energy production, noting, "We are moving from petrol to batteries. We are moving to wind, solar, and potentially nuclear energy."&nbsp;
Reflecting on past achievements, Gandhi recalled how the Congress government successfully harnessed the computer revolution, stating, "The government of India had a clear focus; we looked at that revolution. It was a Congress government, and we decided we were going to focus on the development of software, and we rode that wave of that revolution."
Gandhi concluded by referencing the Russia-Ukraine war, framing it as part of a broader technological shift.&nbsp;
"The actual war is between an internal combustion machine and the motor. The electric motor is inside the drone, and the machine is in the tank," he said, noting how drones are now replacing traditional tanks in warfare.

Opposition MPs cause disruptions in Parliament on the second day of the Budget Session, raising concerns over the Mahakumbh stampede incident. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticizes the opposition, urging MPs to focus on discussions.

Budget Session: Opposition MPs disrupt Parliament over Mahakumbh stampede

Opposition MPs cause disruptions in Parliament on the second day of the Budget Session, raising concerns over the Mahakumbh stampede incident. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla criticizes the opposition, urging MPs to focus on discussions.

A political storm unfolded on the second day of the Budget Session in both the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament, as opposition MPs vocally protested against the government on various issues, including the Mahakumbh stampede incident.&nbsp;
Opposition members disrupted proceedings by continuously raising slogans, prompting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to rebuke them.&nbsp;
"People of India elected you as MPs not for breaking tables, for sloganeering and disturbing House proceedings, but to hold discussions," Birla said. He also questioned the opposition, asking, "Have the people of India elected you as MPs for sloganeering and disturbing House proceedings?"
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Opposition MPs in Lok Sabha raise slogans against Uttar Pradesh's Yogi Adityanath government over Maha Kumbh stampede issue (Video source: Sansad TV/YouTube) <a href="https://t.co/8Fl2KXlY9a">pic.twitter.com/8Fl2KXlY9a</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1886300048574828627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha also saw disruptions, with opposition MPs staging a walkout over the handling of the Mahakumbh stampede. The incident, which occurred during the second Shahi Snan on Mouni Amawasya, claimed at least 30 lives and left about 60 others injured. Opposition leaders criticized the government's response to the tragedy.
In the wake of the stampede, the government formed a three-member judicial commission to investigate the incident. The commission will look into the causes and circumstances surrounding the stampede and will make recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The report from the commission is expected within one month.
The Budget Session began on January 31 with President Droupadi Murmu's joint address to both Houses. The first part of the session will run until February 13, with the Houses reconvening on March 10 after a recess, before the session concludes on April 4.

As the Budget session of Parliament begins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes that this is the first session without foreign interference since 2014.

First time since 2014 no foreign attempts to stoke trouble before Parliament session: PM Modi

As the Budget session of Parliament begins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes that this is the first session without foreign interference since 2014.

As the Budget Session 2025-26 begins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that this is the first Parliament session since 2014 where he witnessed "no foreign interference."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> | PM Narendra Modi says, "You must have noticed, since 2014, this is the first Parliament session, which saw no 'videshi chingari' (foreign interference) in our affairs, in which no foreign forces tried to ignite a fire. I had noticed this before every&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/WWPDw0LGmS">pic.twitter.com/WWPDw0LGmS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1885192863765717361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Speaking to the media before heading into Parliament, PM Modi said, "You must have noticed, since 2014, this is the first Parliament session, which saw no 'videshi chingari' (foreign interference) in our affairs, in which no foreign forces tried to ignite a fire. I had noticed this before every budget session. And many in our country leave no stone unturned to fan these sparks. This is the first session without any foreign meddling."
Focusing on the government's priorities for its third term, PM Modi emphasized that the key areas of "Innovation, inclusion, and investment" have been crucial in the nation&rsquo;s economic progress.&nbsp;
He noted, "In the third term, in the Mission MODE, we will make the country head towards all-round development, whether it is geographical, social, or economic. We are heading towards Mission MODE. Innovation, inclusion and investment have been primary in our economic growth."
He further reiterated the importance of reform, performance, and transformation. "Reform, perform and transform. When we have to achieve the pace of development, the most emphasis is on reform, and central and state governments have to perform, and transformation can be witnessed through public participation," the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister also touched on the key legislative business expected during the session.&nbsp;
"In this session, as always, many historic bills will be discussed in the House, and after extensive brainstorming, they will become laws that will strengthen the nation. Specially to re-establish the pride of women power, to ensure that every woman gets a respectable life and equal rights without any discrimination of caste and creed; many important decisions will be taken in this session in this direction," he stated.
PM Modi also expressed optimism about the young generation benefiting the most from the vision of Viksit Bharat. "Ours is a young nation, and today 20-25-year-olds will be the greatest beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat by the time they will be 50 years old... They will be at the helm of policymaking... The efforts to fulfil our vision of Viksit Bharat will be a huge gift for our young generation."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BudgetSession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BudgetSession</a> | PM Modi says, "Ours is a young nation, and today 20-25-year-olds will be the greatest beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat by the time they will be 50 years old...They will be at the helm of policymaking... The efforts to fulfil our vision of Viksit Bharat&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/H7vtn4huNF">pic.twitter.com/H7vtn4huNF</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1885193282311119064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He went on to describe this Budget session as a "golden opportunity" for MPs, especially young ones, to contribute to strengthening Viksit Bharat.&nbsp;
"In this budget session, all MPs will contribute to strengthening Viksit Bharat, especially the young MPs, since it is a golden opportunity for them. They will be witness to Viksit Bharat... I hope that we will stand up to the hopes and expectations of people..." he said.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Modi says, "In this budget session, all MPs will contribute to strengthening Viksit Bharat, especially the young MPs, since it is a golden opportunity for them. They will be witness to the Viksit Bharat... I hope that we will stand up to the hopes and expectations of&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/2s9VHJnrLp">pic.twitter.com/2s9VHJnrLp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1885194059444339102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Before the start of the session, the Prime Minister also paid his respects, saying, "Ahead of the Budget Session, I bow down to Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity..."
The Budget session of Parliament will begin with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of both Houses. Following this, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey ahead of the Union Budget, which will be presented on Saturday.&nbsp;
The Economic Survey, prepared by the Ministry of Finance's Economic Division under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser, will provide insights into the current state of the economy, along with outlooks for the fiscal year 2024-25.
Several significant bills are expected to be discussed, including the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to strengthen banking oversight, and the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, focusing on improving the efficiency of Indian Railways. Other notable bills include the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, the Boilers Bill, 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, and the Finance Bill, 2025.
The first part of the Budget session will continue until February 13, after which Parliament will reconvene on March 10 following a recess, with the session concluding on April 4.

The Budget Session of Parliament 2025 kicks off with President Droupadi Murmu’s address, followed by the presentation of the Economic Survey by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Budget session begins today; Finance Minister to present Economic Survey

The Budget Session of Parliament 2025 kicks off with President Droupadi Murmu&rsquo;s address, followed by the presentation of the Economic Survey by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Budget Session of Parliament begins today, with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of both Houses at 11 AM. Following this, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Economic Survey ahead of the Union Budget announcement on Saturday. The survey will be tabled in the Lok Sabha at noon and in the Rajya Sabha at 2 PM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla have arrived at Parliament as the session gets underway.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delhi | PM Modi arrives in Parliament as the Budget session begins today <a href="https://t.co/Iz00rcnw5r">pic.twitter.com/Iz00rcnw5r</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1885189001453461874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Several Union Ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, are also present.
The Economic Survey, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the supervision of the Chief Economic Adviser, provides an analysis of the economy's performance for 2024-25 and offers projections for the next fiscal year. This session is expected to take up several key legislative proposals, including the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at enhancing banking regulations, and the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to improve railway operations.
Other notable bills on the agenda include the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to bolster disaster response mechanisms, and the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, alongside the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, both of which propose reforms in religious endowment management. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, will introduce updates to oil exploration laws, while the Boilers Bill, 2024, focuses on strengthening industrial safety standards.
Additionally, the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, seeks to restructure assembly constituencies for better tribal representation. Maritime laws will also see reforms with the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024, Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. The Finance Bill, 2025, remains a crucial legislative item, as it will implement budgetary proposals and tax reforms announced by the Finance Minister on February 1.
Other key bills include the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, which aims to safeguard aviation-related financial interests, and the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which will introduce changes to immigration laws.
The session will also feature discussions on the Demands for Grants for 2025-26, which outline government spending plans across various sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and defense. Following the discussions, the Appropriation Bill will be introduced and passed to authorize these expenditures. Additionally, the Second and Final Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2024-25 will be reviewed to accommodate unanticipated government expenses.
Further, the session will address the Demands for Excess Grants for 2021-22, covering additional funds required beyond initial budget allocations. These demands will undergo discussion, voting, and approval through an accompanying Appropriation Bill.
Following an all-party meeting on Thursday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that "tentatively 16 items of legislative business and three items of financial business have been identified for being taken up during this session." He also confirmed that the government is prepared to discuss any other pressing issues as per parliamentary procedures.
The first phase of the Budget Session will run until February 13, after which both Houses will reconvene on March 10 following a recess. The session is scheduled to conclude on April 4.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 on February 1 at 11 a.m., continuing the paperless tradition.

Budget 2025: When and were to watch Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's 8th consecutive budget

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 on February 1 at 11 a.m., continuing the paperless tradition.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2025 on Saturday, February 1, marking her 8th consecutive budget.
This will also be the second full-fledged financial budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in its third term.
Following the trend set in recent years, the Union Budget will be entirely paperless, reflecting the government&rsquo;s commitment to digitization.
<h3>What is the Union Budget?</h3>
The Union Budget is the government's financial blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year, detailing expected revenues, expenditures, and fiscal policies.
Covering the period from April 1 to March 31, the budget shapes the nation&rsquo;s economic priorities, allocates resources across sectors, and proposes changes to key legislation such as the Income-tax Act of 1961.
Often referred to as the "bahi-khaata" since 2019, the budget also reflects broader fiscal strategies and economic policies.
<h3>Date, Time, and Venue</h3>
The Union Budget 2025 will be presented in Parliament at 11 a.m. on February 1 by Finance Minister Sitharaman, continuing the tradition of annual budget presentations in the Lok Sabha.
<h3>Budget Preparation Timeline</h3>
Work on the Union Budget 2025 began in October 2024, with extensive consultations between the Finance Ministry and various government departments to finalize financial estimates and priorities.
In December 2024, Prime Minister Modi held discussions with economists and industry leaders to gather insights and refine the budget framework.
<h3>Where to watch the Union Budget Presentation</h3>
The live presentation of the budget can be viewed on:
Television: Doordarshan, Sansad TV, and other official government channels Online Streaming: Government and other media YouTube channels Live Blogs: Websites that provide real-time updates and analysis
<h3>Digital Access to Budget Documents</h3>
The full set of budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement, Finance Bill, and Demand for Grants, will be available for download on the official Union Budget website (<a href="https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/" target="_blank">www.indiabudget.gov.in</a>) and through the Union Budget Mobile App. Users can access the documents in both Hindi and English for convenience.
<h3>Halwa Ceremony</h3>
The Halwa Ceremony, an annual tradition, marks the commencement of the "lock-in" phase for budget preparation. Held at the North Block, this ceremony involves the preparation of the Indian sweet dish halwa in a large kadhai.
The Finance Minister leads the ceremony by stirring the kadhai and serving the halwa to the officials involved in drafting the budget. This gesture is a token of appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Finance Ministry team.
The Halwa Ceremony also signifies the start of printing budget documents, paving the way for their presentation in Parliament. It is a symbolic and celebratory moment in the budget-making process.
This year, the ceremony was held on January 24, where the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, inspected the Budget Press facilities, and conveyed her best wishes to the officials involved in the process.
<h3>Significance of the Ceremony</h3>
The halwa ceremony holds great significance as it marks the commencement of the finance ministry's lockdown period.
During this phase, officials involved in budget preparation remain within the ministry compound and are only allowed to leave after the Union Budget is officially presented in Parliament.
Since 1980, the printing of the budget has been a secured process conducted in the basement of the North Block.
The 2025 budget session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on January 31 and conclude on April 4. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on February 1.
On January 31, President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint session of both houses of Parliament. Following an inter-session break from February 14, the two houses will reconvene on March 10 to continue their sittings.

Arvind Kejriwal criticizes the marginalization of the middle class in India and calls for the next budget to prioritize their needs. He demands increased funding for education and healthcare, tax exemptions, and better support for senior citizens.

Kejriwal slams 'tax terrorism' on middle class, presents seven demands ahead of budget session

Kejriwal slams "tax terrorism" on middle class, presents seven demands ahead of budget session

Arvind Kejriwal criticizes the marginalization of the middle class in India and calls for the next budget to prioritize their needs. He demands increased funding for education and healthcare, tax exemptions, and better support for senior citizens.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns about the plight of the middle class in Delhi on Wednesday, criticizing the political landscape that he believes marginalizes this group.&nbsp;
He pointed out that the middle class is caught between the "notebank" and "votebank" that other parties have created. Kejriwal emphasized that the middle class has become the victim of what he called "tax terrorism."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiElections2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiElections2025</a> | Delhi: AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal says, "... We demand that the next Budget of the country be dedicated to the middle class. Today, I am making 7 demands to the central government... 1st, the education budget should be increased to 10%&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/Xg0AifPAL8">pic.twitter.com/Xg0AifPAL8</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1881960652400697696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In a video message, he stated, "Some parties have created their votebank in the name of religion and caste and they make promises for a few industrialists so that they donate money. Between this notebank (industrialists) and votebank (others), the middle class is nowhere to be seen. The middle class has been crushed between them. The middle class of India has become the ATM of the government. The truth remains that the Indian middle class is the victim of tax terrorism."
Kejriwal also highlighted a worrying trend of emigration, noting that "In 2023 itself (approximately) 2.16 lakh people have left the country." He reassured the public that his government had made efforts to ease the burdens on the middle class, such as increasing the education budget, reducing electricity and water bills, and planning to implement the Sanjeevani Yojana after the elections, which would provide free treatment to the elderly.
He promised that AAP would serve as a voice for the middle class, pledging to address their concerns in the upcoming budget session of Parliament, which is set to begin in two weeks.&nbsp;
Kejriwal outlined seven key demands ahead of the session, stressing that the next budget should be focused on the middle class. "We demand that the next budget of the country be dedicated to the middle class," he declared.
Among his key demands were an increase in the education budget from two percent to 10 percent, along with the regulation of private school fees and subsidies for higher education. He also called for an increase in the health budget to 10 percent and the removal of taxes on health insurance.&nbsp;
Kejriwal further advocated for an increase in the income tax exemption limit from seven lakh rupees to 10 lakh rupees and the abolition of GST on essential commodities.
Additionally, he urged the central government to restore the 50 percent railway concession for senior citizens and called for comprehensive retirement plans and pension schemes for senior citizens.&nbsp;
"Strong retirement plans and pension schemes should be made for senior citizens and senior citizens should be given free and good treatment in all government and private hospitals across the country," Kejriwal added.

The banners contained messages regarding "unemployment", "law and order", "sugarcane dues", and "bulldozers".

UP Assembly: 'Governor Go Back' slogans by Opposition MLAs; protest with banners inside and outside House

The banners contained messages regarding "unemployment", "law and order", "sugarcane dues", and "bulldozers".

Slogans, placards, and disruption - the Uttar Pradesh Assembly began on a stormy note on 20 February 2023 as Opposition legislators staged a protest during the Governor's address.
Opposition MLAs brandished placards and shouted slogans of "Rajyapal (Governor) Go Back" as Anandiben Patel gave a speech at the commencement of the Budget Session.
Earlier, MLAs had staged a protest outside the Assembly. The banners contained messages regarding "unemployment", "law and order", "sugarcane dues", and "bulldozers".
A tussle also broke out between the protesting lawmakers and security personnel as they were removed from the site.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/rajasthan-cm-read-old-budget-excerpts-in-speech-claims-opposition-session-disrupted-1676011216544">Rajasthan CM read old Budget excerpts in speech, claims Opposition; session disrupted</a>

RS Chairman, who had earlier in the day indicated that action would be taken against those who had filmed a ruckus during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Thursday, asked leaders of political parties to express their views on the issue.

Congress MP Rajani Ashokrao Patil suspended for remainder of Budget Session

RS Chairman, who had earlier in the day indicated that action would be taken against those who had filmed a ruckus during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Thursday, asked leaders of political parties to express their views on the issue.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday suspended Congress MP Rajani Ashokrao Patil for the remainder of the current Budget Session for filming House proceedings.
Dhankhar, who had earlier in the day indicated that action would be taken against those who had filmed a ruckus during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Thursday, asked leaders of political parties to express their views on the issue.
Thereafter, a motion was adopted to suspend Patil for the remainder of the Budget Session, pending a report from the parliamentary privileges committee on the issue
(PTI)

Floor leaders of all Opposition parties in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been invited to the meeting.

Adani row: Opposition's plan after weekend break - joint strategy meet, protest in Parliament

Floor leaders of all Opposition parties in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been invited to the meeting.

The Budget Session of the Parliament might continue to witness stormy scenes when the Houses reconvene on 6 February 2023 after a weekend break.
An Opposition meeting has been called at 9:30 am to discuss a joint strategy before the proceedings resume, according to news agency ANI. Floor leaders of all Opposition parties in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been invited to the meeting.
Opposition MPs will also hold a protest in front of the MK Gandhi statue after the meeting, as per the report.
This follows 2 days of disruption and wash-out of the Parliament session over the Adani-Hindenburg controversy. Opposition parties have demanded either a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe, or an inquiry monitored by the Chief Justice of India, into the issue.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/pervez-musharraf-s-death-bjp-v-congress-after-shashi-tharoor-tags-pakistan-ex-dictator-force-for-peace-1675597470395">Pervez Musharraf's death: BJP v Congress after Shashi Tharoor tags Pakistan ex-dictator 'force for peace'</a>
They have accused the Narendra Modi government of pressurising institutions like LIC and SBI to invest in Adani, putting the savings of crores of Indians at risk following the company's stock rout.

It will include 27 sittings spread over 66 days with the traditional recess period in-between.

Parliament Budget Session dates confirmed: 27 sittings between 31 Jan and 6 April with recess in-between

Parliament Budget Session dates confirmed Session from 31 Jan to 6 April: Union minister 27 sittings over 66 days with recess in between

Parliament Budget Session dates confirmed: session from 31 Jan to 6 April, says Union minister

It will include 27 sittings spread over 66 days with the traditional recess period in-between.

The dates for the Parliament's 2023 Budget Session were confirmed by Union minister Pralhad Joshi on 13 January 2023.
The session will begin on 31 January and end on 6 April. It will include 27 sittings spread over 66 days with the traditional recess period in-between.
The Union Budget is expected to be presented on 1 February.
"Amid Amrit Kaal, looking forward to discussions on Motion of Thanks on the President&rsquo;s Address, Union Budget, and other items," the minister tweeted.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/caste-census-in-bihar-sc-to-hear-plea-on-jan-20-against-govt-s-decision-1673514167373">Caste census in Bihar: SC to hear plea on Jan 20 against govt's decision</a>

Budget session: On Pegasus row, Modi govt says 'wait for SC order'
 

Budget session 2022: On Pegasus spyware row, Modi govt says 'wait for SC order' as Congress moves privilege motion

A recent New York Times article had claimed that in 2017, India had bought the Pegasus spyware from Israel as part of a $2 billion defence deal.

Budget session: On Pegasus row, Modi govt says 'wait for SC order'

With the Pegasus spyware controversy getting reignited as the Budget session begins, will the Parliament see stormy scenes once again? Union minister of parliamentary affairs Pralhad Joshi hinted that there was no need to raise the issue in Parliament until the Supreme Court announces a decision in the matter. He made the comments after an all-party meeting involving at least 25 parties. This came after Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury moved a Privilege motion against Union minister Ashwini Vaishaw over the Pegasus issue. A recent New York Times article had claimed that in 2017, India had bought the Pegasus spyware from Israel as part of a $2 billion defence deal. The Congress is now questioning Vaishnaw's statement in Parliament regarding the spyware. In 2021, an international investigative consortium had named many Indians as potential targets of the phone hacking and snooping software. Subsequently, Union Electronics and Information Technology minister Vaishnaw had told Parliament that the report was unsubstantiated and full of inconsistencies. When a petition was filed in the Supreme Court about the same, the top court had set up an expert panel to look into the allegations.
&nbsp;
 BYTE PRALHAD JOSHI, UNION MINISTER ANI RECORDED - 31 JAN 2022 - Encoder 1 17-50-24
(4:51 - 5:00) ANI RECORDED - 31 JAN 2022 - Encoder 1 17-55-24
(0:00 - 1:12) ANI RECORDED - 31 JAN 2022 - Encoder 1 17-50-24
(2:05 - 2:28, 3:10 - 3:19)
&nbsp;
TRANSLATION - Many parties have raised the Pegasus issue, but we specified in the BAC (Business Advisory Committee) meeting that the Supreme Court is investigating the matter after they approached the court. The SC has constituted a committee. Now, we should discuss Budget and President's speech, and points can be raised in that. When next part of the session is held from March 14, then maybe Supreme Court would have reached a decision.
REPORTER: Privilege motion has been moved against Ashwini Vaishnaw.
I haven't looked into that. Ashwini Vaishnaw placed facts in Parliament. The Speaker will verify the privilege motion, and decide.
REPORTER: Will the Opposition not disrupt the proceedings?
Yes, they have given assurance. We have told them that they can raise any issue. The Prime Minister himself would have to reply during discussion on Motion of Thanks on President's Address.
On behalf of the government, Rajnath Singh told the Opposition that first half of Budget session should see discussion on President's Address and the Budget. In that, all issues can be raised.
I hope, on behalf of the government, that Parliament will run smoothly in this session.

<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff;">A recent New York Times article had claimed that in 2017, India had bought the Pegasus spyware from Israel as part of a $2 billion defence deal.</div>

With the Pegasus spyware controversy getting reignited as the Budget session begins, will the Parliament see stormy scenes once again?
Union minister of parliamentary affairs Pralhad Joshi hinted that there was no need to raise the issue in Parliament until the Supreme Court announces a decision in the matter.&nbsp;He made the comments after an all-party meeting involving at least 25 parties.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/union-minister-vk-singh-slams-nyt-report-on-pegasus-spy-software-calls-it-supari-media-1643465883928" target="_blank">Union minister VK Singh slams NYT report on Pegasus spy software, calls it 'supari media'</a>
This came after Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury moved a Privilege motion against Union minister Ashwini Vaishaw over the Pegasus issue.
A recent New York Times article had claimed that in 2017, India had bought the Pegasus spyware from Israel as part of a $2 billion defence deal.
The Congress is now questioning Vaishnaw's statement in Parliament regarding the spyware.
In 2021, an international investigative consortium had named many Indians as potential targets of the phone hacking and snooping software.&nbsp;Subsequently, Union Electronics and Information Technology minister Vaishnaw had told Parliament that the report was unsubstantiated and full of inconsistencies.&nbsp;When a petition was filed in the Supreme Court about the same, the top court had set up an expert panel to look into the allegations.

Union Budget Session 2022: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present Budget on Tuesday First part of the Budget Session will be held from January 31 to February 11 

Parliament's Budget Session 2022 begins today: what to expect

The Budget session of Parliament starting Monday is likely to be stormy with opposition parties all geared up to raise the Pegasus snooping allegations, farmers' issues and the border row with China.

Parliament's Budget Session begins today: what to expect

The Budget session of Parliament starting Monday is likely to be stormy with opposition parties all geared up to raise the Pegasus snooping allegations, farmers' issues and the border row with China.
The Union Budget which will be presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala&nbsp;Sitharaman on February 1 will be the mainstay of this session which&nbsp;is being held in the midst of crucial assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is locked in a bitter electoral contest with its rivals. With the campaigning in full swing, it will have an effect on Parliament proceedings.
The opposition is preparing to unitedly take on the government on the Pegasus snooping row after the New York Times claimed that India purchased the snooping spyware as part of a defence deal with Israel in 2017.
The Pegasus row had led to a washout of the last Monsoon session when a united opposition did not allow both houses to function and sought a discussion on the matter.
The principal opposition Congress has said that it will reach out to like-minded parties to raise issues such as farm distress, Chinese "incursions", demand for a relief package for Covid-19 victims, sale of Air India, and the Pegasus snooping row during the session.

The Pegasus row had led to a washout of the last Monsoon session when a united opposition did not allow both houses to function and sought a discussion on the matter.

Union Budget Session 2022: The Budget session of Parliament starting Monday is likely to be stormy with opposition parties all geared up to raise the Pegasus snooping allegations, farmers' issues, and the border row with China.
The <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/budget" target="_blank">Union Budget</a> which will be presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala&nbsp;Sitharaman on February 1 will be the mainstay of this session which&nbsp;is being held in the midst of crucial assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is locked in a bitter electoral contest with its rivals. With the campaigning in full swing, it will have an effect on Parliament proceedings.
The opposition is preparing to unitedly take on the government on the Pegasus snooping row after the New York Times claimed that India purchased the snooping spyware as part of a defence deal with Israel in 2017.
Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha has already written to Speaker Om Birla for moving a privilege motion against the government and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw&nbsp;for "misleading" the House, as the government had denied the charges of "spying" in a statement in Parliament last year.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/india-bought-pegasus-spyware-in-2017-nyt-report-causes-fresh-storm-1643450288441" target="_blank">'India bought Pegasus spyware in 2017': NYT report causes fresh storm</a>
The <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/pegasus-row-poland-s-most-powerful-leader-admits-buying-israeli-surveillance-software-1641552731125" target="_blank">Pegasus row</a> had led to a washout of the last Monsoon session when a united opposition did not allow both houses to function and sought a discussion on the matter.
The principal opposition Congress has said that it will reach out to like-minded parties to raise issues such as farm distress, Chinese "incursions", demand for a relief package for <a href="editorji.com/coronavirus" target="_blank">Covid-19</a> victims, sale of Air India, and the Pegasus snooping row during the session.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/budget/debate-with-open-mind-to-take-india-forward-pm-modi-ahead-of-budget-session-1643607886740" target="_blank">Debate with open mind to take India forward: PM Modi ahead of budget session</a>

budget session

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