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Lok Sabha: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Economic Survey for 2025–26 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, marking a key moment in Parliament’s ongoing Budget Session. The document is traditionally placed before the House a day ahead of the Union Budget and is closely watched for its assessment of economic conditions and future priorities.

Overview of the Economic Survey

The Economic Survey is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs within the Ministry of Finance. It is drafted under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser and serves as an official review of the country’s economic performance. The report analyses trends and indicators for the 2025–26 financial year, which runs from April to March, and outlines expectations for the fiscal period ahead.

Role of the Finance Ministry

As per the parliamentary agenda, Sitharaman will also lay additional papers related to the Ministry of Finance during the sitting. These documents typically include statutory reports and updates that are required to be formally placed before the House. The laying of such papers is a routine but essential process, ensuring transparency and parliamentary oversight of government functioning.

Civil Aviation Documents to Be Presented

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol will table documents linked to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India. These papers relate to regulatory and administrative matters overseen by the authority, which is responsible for determining tariffs and monitoring performance standards at major airports.

Review of AERA’s Performance

In addition to the regulatory documents, a formal statement reviewing the functioning of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India, New Delhi, for the year 2024–25 will be presented in the Lok Sabha. Such annual reviews provide lawmakers with an opportunity to assess how effectively statutory bodies have carried out their mandates over the previous year.

Proceedings Begin With Question Hour

The day’s business will begin with Question Hour, during which Members of Parliament raise questions addressed to the relevant ministers. The questions, listed separately in the agenda, cover a range of subjects and are answered on the floor of the House. Question Hour is followed by the laying of official papers by members of the Union Council of Ministers.

Legislative Business on the Agenda

A significant item scheduled for the sitting is the formal laying of eight Bills that have already been passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Sixth Session of the 18th Lok Sabha. These Bills have since received the President’s assent. The Secretary General of the Lok Sabha will place the enacted legislation on the table, completing the procedural requirements.

Committee Reports and Parliamentary Matters

The Lok Sabha will also see the presentation of the 13th Report of the Business Advisory Committee. According to the agenda, the report will be tabled by Kiren Rijiju and Kodikunnil Suresh. The Business Advisory Committee plays a key role in recommending how parliamentary time is allocated among various items of business.

Matters of Urgent Public Importance

Members will further be allowed to raise issues under Rule 377, a provision that enables MPs to bring matters of urgent public importance to the attention of the House. While these issues are not debated in detail, they are formally recorded and can prompt follow-up action by the government.

Timeline of the Budget Session

The Budget Session of Parliament began a day earlier and is planned to span 30 sittings over a total of 65 days. Proceedings are scheduled to conclude on April 2. There will be a recess from February 13 to March 9, during which Standing Committees will examine Demands for Grants submitted by various ministries.