Budget session from March 12

The Budget session will commence on March 12 with the customary address by President Pratibha Patil to both the Houses of the Parliament.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will unveil the union Budget on March 16, according to a statement issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat here today.

The Budget session, which generally starts in the third week of February, has been delayed this time due to the ongoing Assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh.

The model code of conduct is in force till March 9, before which the government is constraint to make any announcement.

Subject to exigencies of government business, the session is likely to conclude on May 22.

To enable the Standing Committees to consider the Demands for Grants of Ministries and prepare their reports, the House will adjourn on March 30 and meet again on April 24.

While the Rail Budget will be presented on March 14, the Economic Survey will be tabled on March 15.