GUWAHATI: The Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly is set to begin from February 5 to February 28, marking the third such session under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Finance Minister Ajanta Neog will table the budget on February 12.
The Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat has outlined a packed schedule for the budget with discussions, presentations, and debates on important issues.
The proposed Bills aiming to ban polygamy and declare Majuli, Batadrava, and Barpeta as a “protected belt and block” are expected to be cleared during the session.
Addressing the press at Lok Sewa Bhawan on Thursday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism about the impending polygamy ban, stating, “We are working very hard on it.”
The session commences on February 5 with the Governor’s Address, followed by tributes to deceased members and a Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s speech.
Subsequently, the Speaker will announce the session’s agenda, including committee formations and the introduction of government bills.
February 6 and 7 are dedicated to questioning sessions and further deliberation on the Motion of Thanks.
February 8 shifts the focus to the budget, involving questions, voting on supplementary demands for grants, and the presentation of the Assam Appropriation Bill.
The following week is deep in budget-related activities, with February 12 allocated for questions and the presentation of the Annual Report of the Government of Assam.
The Financial Pro-Statement (Prospective Budget) is unveiled on February 13, followed by two days of general discussions on the budget.
From February 15 to 20, departmental discussions take precedence, with each department facing scrutiny and questions from legislators.
A brief recess for committee meetings precedes the resumption of questioning and voting on demands for grants on February 21 and 22.
The final week of the session is characterised by further deliberations, the consideration and passage of bills, and the pursuit of non-government members’ agendas, including questions, member’s time, and resolutions.
The session culminates on February 28 with final proceedings involving questions, the consideration of government bills, and the adjournment of the House indefinitely.
