CHAIRMAN: Hon'ble Members, Greetings to you all as we commence the 270th Session of Rajya Sabha, the Budget Session of the Parliament. It is indeed heartening to witness that India continues to be the fastest growing major economy in the world and is poised to become the third largest soon.  Let us remind ourselves, at the onset of this Session, that India’s growing influence and stature in the global economy makes our role as Parliamentarians crucial in shaping the Nation’s economic direction.

Guided by the Hon’ble President’s Address to both Houses of Parliament, which has set the definitive tone for our national priorities, this House shall also have its share of contribution through its core legislative and deliberative duties. Over the course of 30 sittings, we will be thoroughly examining the Union Budget 2026-27 and legislative proposals of the government. Further, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees will have a thorough scrutiny of the Demands for Grants of the Ministries and Departments during the recess. I, therefore, call upon all Hon’ble Members to make impactful contributions to the deliberations in the House as well as in the Committees.

Alongside critical deliberations on budgetary proposals of the government, we have a lineup of important Bills that will be requiring a major share of transaction of business in the House. The magnitude of the legislative work underscores our solemn responsibility to utilize every minute of the scheduled business of the House to realise the aspirations of the people we represent.

I urge all Hon’ble Members to contribute to exercising robust Parliamentary oversight and maintaining the highest parliamentary decorum and order so as to enable the House to have a meaningful transaction of the listed business. Our democracy flourishes through diversity of views and spirited debate. Respectful exchange of opinions and constructive discussions should be the norm of our parliamentary discourse. Let us commit ourselves to a Session defined by decorum, discipline and dignified conduct.

I also urge Hon’ble Members to uphold the values of democracy, discipline and enlightenment as envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi Ji and I quote him, ‘Democracy - disciplined and enlightened, is the finest thing in the world’. Unquote. Our conduct in the House should reflect this discipline and enlightenment.   

I look forward to full co-operation of all Leaders of Parliamentary Parties and Members in making this Session productive and a solid stepping-stone in our journey towards a prosperous, self-reliant and Viksit Bharat.  Together, let us make this Budget Session a success, reflecting the highest standards of Parliamentary democracy.

****

RK​