Govt convenes all-party meeting on Jan 31

New Delhi: Central Government has convened an all-party meeting on 31st of this month to ensure smooth functioning of the Budget Session of Parliament. The meeting has been convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi which will be held virtually in view of the Covid-19 situation. The floor leaders of political parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have been invited for the meeting.

The Budget Session of Parliament is to begin on the same day, the 31st of January with President Ram Nath Kovind's address to both the Houses of Parliament assembled together at 11 AM.

In a tweet, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister also said, the first part of the Budget Session will commence on 31st of this month, with the address of the President to both the Houses. He said, on 1st of next month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present



the Union Budget. Mr Joshi also informed that to ensure Covid safety protocol, the both the Houses of Parliament will function in shifts.

Both the Houses of Parliament will meet at separate times to ensure Covid distancing norms during the Budget Session. The new protocol will come into effect from 2nd of next month. Rajya Sabha proceedings will begin from 10 AM to 3 PM and Lok Sabha from 4 PM to 9 PM.

During sittings of Lok Sabha from 31st of this month to 11th of next month, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Chambers and their galleries will be used for sitting of Members in the wake of the pandemic.

During President's address on 31st of this month, seating arrangements for members have been made in Central Hall, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Chambers and their Galleries.