Budget Session begins on Friday, President to address

New Delhi, Jan 29 The Budget Session of Parliament commences on Friday and business of both the Houses will begin with President Ram Nath Kovind's address at 11 a.m. The session is being held in two parts this year due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Following tradition, the President will address the joint sitting of Parliament at the Central Hall. The speech highlights the government's plan and policy vision for the next financial year.

The president's speech also highlights the work carried out by the government in the past years.

Last year as well, President Kovind had addressed the joint sitting of Parliament from the Central Hall.

The two Houses will meet later separately for the tabling of the President's Address. The Economic Survey will also be tabled in both Houses in this 30-minute sitting after paying obituary references.

The first part of the Budget Session is scheduled to conclude on February 15 while the second part will commence on March 8 and is expected to end on April 8.

Given the Covid-19 outbreak, Parliament will sit in two shifts. The morning session is dedicated to the Rajya Sabha while the Lok Sabha will sit in the evening.

The Rajya Sabha will sit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the Lok Sabha will sit from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Zero Hour and Question Hour will be held.

All Covid protocols will be followed during this session on the same lines as the Monsoon Session last year.