March 25, New Delhi – The Parliament is holding the Budget Session 2026 in both houses – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
During Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha regarding the low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in secondary education, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that provisions under ‘Samagra Shiksha,’ an overarching program for the school education sector from pre-school to class 12, provide financial assistance to disadvantaged students, with many states implementing the scheme and operating their own open school systems.
He noted that the GER is close to 100 percent at the entry level but declines in higher classes due to various factors, adding that multiple measures are being taken to improve the GER in higher classes.
During Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw responded to members' questions concerning overcrowding on long-distance trains.
He stated that the railways primarily serve the poor and middle class, with affordable travel prioritized. Since COVID, 1,024 new trains have been launched, general coaches still account for 70 percent of the total, special trains operate during peak seasons, and 3 crore fake accounts have been removed to curb middlemen.
The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2026 today. The Bill implements the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2026–27.
During earlier discussions, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that India is progressing with reforms driven by conviction, clarity, confidence, and commitment, adding that the 2026-27 bill rests on five key principles.
(Video Caption: Parliament proceedings)