Parliament Budget Session Resumes: Key Reports and Railways Grant on Agenda
Team Finance Saathi
17/Mar/2025

What's covered under the Article:
- Parliament resumes discussions on key legislative matters, including reports from committees on Defence, External Affairs, and Social Justice.
- Controversies dominate the session, with debates on voter ID duplication, NEET paper leaks, and the revocation of train ticket fare concessions.
- Tensions rise over Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks, leading to heated exchanges between opposition and government members in Rajya Sabha.
The Budget Session of Parliament resumed on Monday, March 17, 2025, following a break for Holi. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are set to discuss crucial legislative matters, including key reports from standing committees on Defence, External Affairs, and Social Justice and Empowerment. The session will also witness deliberations on the Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Railways for the 2025-26 financial year.
The Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, is scheduled to move a motion for the election of two members to the University of Delhi court. Additionally, the government is expected to clarify its stance on the National Education Policy (NEP) after opposition allegations of imposing Hindi on Tamil Nadu. Pradhan has already refuted these claims, reaffirming the government’s commitment to regional languages, particularly Tamil.
Key Agendas and Controversies in the Budget Session
1. Railways Grant and Legislative Discussions
One of the session’s primary focuses is the approval of the Railways budget. Parliament will discuss allocation of funds, new railway projects, and infrastructure development. MPs are expected to raise concerns about passenger safety, modernization efforts, and fare structures.
2. Controversy Over Mallikarjun Kharge’s "Thokenge" Remark
A major flashpoint in the Rajya Sabha session has been Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s controversial remark, in which he used the word "thokenge" (which translates to “crush” or “eliminate”). The statement, directed at the ruling BJP government, led to uproar from BJP members, demanding an apology. Kharge later clarified his remarks, but tensions persist in the upper house.
3. Key Adjournment Motions Filed by Opposition MPs
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Duplicate Voter ID Issue:
- TMC MP Derek O’Brien has demanded a parliamentary debate on the issue of duplicate voter IDs, calling it a serious threat to democratic elections. His motion seeks clarity from the government on electoral transparency.
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Exam Paper Leaks and NEET Controversy:
- Congress MP Manickam Tagore has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha to discuss repeated exam paper leaks, including those affecting NEET and other national-level exams. The opposition is likely to demand stricter anti-cheating measures and government accountability in safeguarding examination processes.
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Revocation of Train Ticket Concessions:
- Kanyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth has introduced a motion seeking the restoration of fare concessions on train tickets, particularly for senior citizens, students, and disabled individuals. The government’s withdrawal of these concessions in recent years has faced public backlash, with demands for reconsideration.
Political Tensions and Legislative Priorities
With the 2025-26 budget still under review, both the government and the opposition are expected to engage in heated debates over spending allocations and policy decisions. The ruling BJP aims to pass key financial bills, while the opposition continues to press for transparency, reforms, and accountability.
As parliamentary proceedings unfold, discussions are expected to intensify around electoral integrity, education policies, railway infrastructure, and controversial political statements. The session’s outcome will be crucial in shaping India’s policy directions ahead of the next general elections.
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