The first day of the Parliament Budget Session 2026 commenced with a high-voltage address by President Droupadi Murmu, setting a defiant and ambitious tone for the year ahead. Speaking to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the President lauded the historic success of Operation Sindoor and outlined a roadmap for a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), even as the opposition benches erupted in protest over new rural labor reforms.
A Decisive Stand on National Security: Operation Sindoor
A major highlight of the President’s address was the mention of Operation Sindoor, the high-precision military strike conducted in May 2025 against terror infrastructure. Murmu emphasized that the operation showcased India's military valour and sent a "strong and decisive" message to global terror networks.
"With its own resources, our country destroyed terror hotbeds. My Government gave a strong message that the response to all attacks on India will be resolute," President Murmu stated, drawing loud cheers from the treasury benches.
She further confirmed that the Indus Water Treaty remains in abeyance as part of the ongoing fight against terrorism, and introduced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a new initiative aimed at further fortifying India’s security systems.
The VB-G RAM G Controversy: Replacing MGNREGA
While the President spoke of progress, the chamber witnessed significant chaos when she mentioned the VB-G RAM G Act (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin). This new law, which replaces the long-standing MGNREGA, has become a massive political flashpoint.
Key features of the VB-G RAM G Act mentioned include:
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Increased Employment: Guarantees 125 days of work, up from 100 days under the old system.
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Transparency: Integration of AI-based fraud detection and GPS monitoring.
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Seasonal Pause: A 60-day work pause during peak agricultural seasons to support local farm labor demand.
Opposition MPs raised slogans of "Vapas lo" (Take it back), arguing that the law dilutes the rights-based framework of the original MGNREGA.
Economic Milestones and Future Tech
Despite the disruptions, the President highlighted several economic victories that will define the Parliament Budget Session 2026:
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Defense Exports: Crossed a record ₹23,000 crore.
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Mobile Manufacturing: India is now the world’s second-largest mobile manufacturer.
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AI Revolution: One million youth are currently being trained in Artificial Intelligence.
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Space Aspirations: Following Subhanshu Shukla’s ISS achievement, India is moving toward building its own space station.
Conclusion: A Session of High Stakes
The first day concluded with both houses being adjourned until January 29. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget on February 1—notably a Sunday—all eyes are on how the government will navigate 50% Trump tariffs and a volatile global economy.
As the Parliament Budget Session 2026 progresses, the clash between the government’s "Reform Express" and the opposition’s demands for social safeguards is expected to intensify.
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