Budget session Day 1 Highlights: Rajya Sabha adjourned till February 1

The Budget session of Parliament began on Friday with the address of President Ram Nath Kovind. Several political parties were seen holding protests during his address against the three farm laws that were passed during the Monsoon session last year.
Following the president’s address, it was announced that the Rajya Sabha will resume at 3 pm. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey that details the state of the economy ahead of the government’s Budget for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2021. Following the presentation, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 11 am on Monday
Notably, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Winter session of Parliament was not held. Following the COVID-19 protocols similar to last time, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha will meet in shifts of five hours each. Question Hour will make a comeback in this session. Unlike the Monsoon session, Parliament will not sit on weekends.