PM Modi On Budget Session: 'I Want Qualitative Debate On Economy'

Ahead Of the crucial Budget Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for a ‘qualitative debate focusing on economy. “We all should make sure that in this session, we lay a strong foundation for this decade. This session will be focussed mainly on economic issues. I want that in both houses there are good debates on these issues,” PM Modi said. "Our government's identity has been of empowering Dalits, women, those who face exploitation. We want to continue these efforts. This session should be focussed mainly on economic issues. I want there to be good debates on these issues in both houses," he said. He also added that “we should make sure that in this session, we lay strong foundation for this decade.”

Prime Minister @narendramodi addresses media ahead of #BudgetSession of the Parliament #Budget2020 pic.twitter.com/5R0tGE1lPu

— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 31, 2020

The Opposition will try to corner the government on flailing economy. There are reports that the Congress MPs will sit together in the Central Hall wearing black bands during President's address. India is undergoing one of the worst phases of economic slowdown. India's economic growth slumped to an over six-year low of 5 per cent in the first quarter ended June this fiscal due to slower consumer demand and private investment amid deteriorating global environment.

The RBI, in October monetary policy review, had cut sharply its economic growth projection for the country for this fiscal to 6.1 per cent from 6.9 per cent earlier, expressing hope it will recover in the second half of 2019-20.

The government has recently announced a slew of measures, including cut in corporate tax rate, capital infusion into public sector banks, setting up a Rs 25,000 crore fund to boost realty sector, among others, to boost the economy.