Lok Sabha Adjourned Sine Die as Budget Session Draws to a Close

NEW DELHI, Apr 18: The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Saturday, formally bringing an end to the Budget Session that had been underway since January this year.

The House convened at 11 am, where Speaker Om Birla delivered his concluding remarks, summarising the session’s proceedings and legislative business. Shortly thereafter, he announced the adjournment of the House for an indefinite period.

The conclusion of the session came a day after a significant legislative development, as a proposed Constitution amendment bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies failed to secure passage. The bill, which sought to increase the strength of the Lower House from 543 to 816 seats to accommodate the quota by 2029, was defeated following a division of votes.

The final phase of the session witnessed a focused three-day sitting from April 16, during which Parliament deliberated extensively on the reservation proposal along with two other enabling draft legislations. The debates saw sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, reflecting deep divisions over the structure and implementation timeline of the proposed reform.

Despite the setback for the bill, the session overall saw the passage of several financial and policy measures, with the government highlighting its legislative agenda and economic priorities. The Budget Session is traditionally one of the most crucial parliamentary periods, involving detailed discussions on fiscal policies, expenditure plans, and national priorities.

With the adjournment, attention now shifts to future sessions where pending legislative matters, including proposals related to electoral reforms and social representation, are expected to be revisited.