The Indian Parliament is set to reconvene on March 10, 2025, for the second leg of its Budget Session, a period traditionally marked by rigorous debates and legislative scrutiny. This session is poised to address several contentious issues, setting the stage for intense discussions between the government and the opposition.
One of the primary topics expected to dominate the proceedings is the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. The Joint Parliamentary Committee has recently cleared the Waqf Amendment Bill, incorporating 14 modifications aimed at enhancing the management and transparency of Waqf properties across the country. These amendments are anticipated to streamline the administration of these properties, ensuring they serve their intended charitable and religious purposes more effectively.
Another significant issue on the agenda is the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recent activities. The ECI has scheduled a high-level meeting to review Delhi’s election preparedness, reflecting its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in the national capital. This move underscores the importance of electoral integrity and the continuous efforts to uphold democratic processes.
The session is also expected to witness debates on the imposition of Hindi as a national language, a topic that has historically sparked diverse opinions across the country’s linguistic landscape. Discussions are likely to revolve around the cultural and administrative implications of promoting Hindi, balancing national unity with regional linguistic diversity.
In the international arena, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent proposals on reciprocal tariffs have garnered global attention. In his address, Trump outlined a plan to reshape trade policies, emphasizing the need for reciprocal tariffs to protect domestic industries. This proposal has significant implications for global trade dynamics, including India’s economic engagements with the United States.
The Budget Session’s first part concluded on February 13, 2025, and the second segment is scheduled to run from March 10 to April 4. This period is crucial for passing the Union Budget and other legislative proposals, reflecting the government’s policy priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
As the session resumes, both the government and the opposition are preparing for robust debates on these pressing issues. The outcomes of these discussions will significantly influence the country’s legislative and policy landscape in the months to come.
