I. Key Highlights Of The Proceedings:
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha commenced at 11:00 AM.
In the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) presided over the House and commenced the proceedings of the House with Question Hour.
Shri Arun Nehru (DMK, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu) sought details on the total funds released to Tamil Nadu over the last three years for major schemes like MGNREGA and PMAY-G and urged the Government to revise the cost-sharing pattern to a 60:40 ratio for all schemes, noting that some programs currently receive less than a 60% contribution from the Central Government. In response, Shri Kamlesh Paswan (MoS, Ministry of Rural Development; BJP, Uttar Pradesh) explained that for the new Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme, the cost-sharing ratio is set at 60:40, stating that this partnership strengthens the spirit of cooperative federalism and increases accountability.
Shri Darshan Singh Chaudhary (BJP, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh) sought information regarding the work done under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana(WDC-PMKSY). Shri Kamlesh Paswan (MoS, Ministry of Rural Development; BJP, Uttar Pradesh) replied that 6,376 projects have been completed, creating over 7.6 lakh water harvesting structures and bringing approximately 16.4 lakh hectares of additional land under protective irrigation.
Following Question Hour, Shri Kodikunnil Suresh (INC, Mavelikkara, Kerala) raised the issue of the suspension of eight Members from the Opposition. Shri Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; BJP, Arunachal Pradesh) stressed the need to uphold parliamentary discipline and maintain the “Laxman Rekha” of acceptable conduct. Subsequently, he moved a motion to revoke the suspension of the eight Members, which was adopted by the House.
Shri Piyush Goyal (Union Minister; BJP, Rajya Sabha) moved a motion seeking leave to withdraw The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, which was granted by the House and the Bill was subsequently withdrawn.
Thereafter, discussion commenced on the Demands for Grants under the Ministry of Railways for 2026-27.
Smt. Shatabdi Roy (AITC, Birbhum, West Bengal) raised concerns highlighting the absence of pantry cars and poor hygiene due to outsourced catering services and the withdrawal of senior citizen concessions.
Shri Rajmohan Unnithan (INC, Kasaragod, Kerala) raised concerns about rail track cracks and congestion in Kerala citing that trains were running at an average speed of about 45 km per hour.
Shri Sougata Ray (AITC, Dum Dum, West Bengal) criticized railway safety citing 678 deaths in railway accidents between 2014–15 and 2023–24 and delays of 6–8 hours in train services.
Shri Shankar Lalwani (BJP, Indore, Madhya Pradesh) supported the budget, highlighting a 90% reduction in train accidents due to the ‘Kavach’ safety system.
Shri Tapir Gao (BJP, Arunachal East, Arunachal Pradesh) highlighted that the Northeast railway budget increased from ₹2,100 crore to ₹11,000 crore. He further highlighted achievements in Mizoram, including 87 bridges and a 10.85 km tunnel, and ongoing projects such as the Dimapur–Kohima line.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister, Ministry of Railways; BJP, Odisha) responded to the debate, stating it reflected a shift toward “politics of performance.”
He highlighted the record allocation of ₹2.78 lakh crore for 2026–27 and noted that 35,000 km of tracks have been built since 2014, with electrification covering nearly the entire network. He emphasized safety through the rollout of the Kavach system across 20,000 km and underscored that sleeper and general coaches constitute 70% of total coaches to ensure affordability.
He noted strong freight growth, with cargo increasing from 1,055 million tonnes in 2013–14 to around 1,650–1,670 million tonnes, significantly enhancing logistics capacity and positioning Indian Railways among the largest freight carriers globally.
He highlighted modernisation initiatives including expansion of Vande Bharat services, Amrit Bharat trains, station redevelopment, and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.
He also raised concerns over delays in project implementation due to land acquisition issues in Opposition-ruled states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, leading to several stalled projects.
Following the discussion, the motion was passed and the Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Railways was approved.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) commenced the Question Hour.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) commenced the Question Hour.
Shri Govindbhai Laljibhai Dholakia (BJP, Gujarat) asked about the expansion of Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) to rural sectors. Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance, BJP, Karnataka) responded that the policy objective is to achieve “Insurance for All” by 2033 and noted that GST has been removed from individual health insurance premiums to improve affordability.
Smt. Swati Maliwal (AAP, NCT of Delhi) raised concerns about major food chains failing to display calorific values. Shri J.P. Nadda (Union Minister, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; BJP, Gujarat) responded that under FSSAI regulations, it is mandatory to display nutritional information and reported that in 2024-25, 164 out of 165 central establishments inspected were compliant.
The proceeding of the house was adjourned at 1:00 PM to reconvene at 2:00 PM.
The proceedings of the house resumed at 2:00 PM with Shri Harivansh (Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha; JD(U), Bihar) presiding over as the Chair. He took up the Union Minister’s reply to the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Rural Development, which had been held from 10th to 12th March, 2026.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Minister, Ministry of Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; BJP, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) responded to the discussion on the Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Rural Development.
He outlined the vision for Viksit Bharat G-RAM G framework with a central allocation of ₹95,692 crore, emphasising enhanced employment (up to 125 days), decentralised planning, and improved transparency.
He rejected allegations of discrimination against certain states, stating that funds to West Bengal were withheld due to irregularities identified through audits.
He highlighted the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, noting that the target of 3 crore women has been achieved ahead of schedule, with a revised goal of 6 crore.
He also highlighted the empowerment resulting from these missions, noting that in Madhya Pradesh alone, 17,000 women from self-help groups have been elected to various positions.
He described the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as a visionary scheme that provides free electricity with dignity and self-respect, noting that this benefit will now also be extended to the poor living in PM Awas Yojana houses.
He also noted that to ensure no one is left behind, the government has introduced four major changes to the eligibility criteria for the PM Awas Yojana: Income Limit (increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000), Two-Wheelers (families with two wheelers not excluded), Mobile Phones (owning a mobile phone is no longer a bar to receiving a home) and land ownership (farmers with up to 2.5 acres of irrigated land or 5 acres of unirrigated land will now also be eligible for the PM Awas Yojana).
Thereafter, discussion commenced on the Appropriation Bill, 2026.
Shri Rajiv Shukla (INC, Chhattisgarh) emphasised the need for greater accountability in fund utilisation, raising concerns that rising economic inequality may undermine the equitable impact of government spending and calling for closer scrutiny of outcomes.
Shri Saket Gokhale (AITC, West Bengal) highlighted pending dues under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and questioned transparency in public expenditure, stressing delays in payments to states and beneficiaries.
Smt. Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT, Maharashtra) questioned the adequacy of parliamentary scrutiny of the Appropriation Bill, expressing concern that limited debate may weaken legislative oversight over public finances.
Smt. Mahua Maji (JMM, Jharkhand) questioned whether the Bill adequately ensured equitable distribution of resources for mineral-rich states and emphasized the need for greater investment while expressing support for the Bill.
Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade (BJP, Goa) supported the Bill stating that it authorises over ₹2.81 lakh crore to sustain development and reflects strong economic management.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance; BJP, Rajya Sabha), replying to the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2026, addressed concerns on the Supplementary Demands for Grants, noting that several Members had focused more on the upcoming Budget rather than the demands under consideration.
She outlined major allocations, including ₹57,381.84 crore for the Economic Stabilization Fund, ₹41,430 crore for defence with ₹6,140 crore for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), ₹37,886 crore in transfers to States, and ₹30,000 crore for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to clear dues.
She emphasised strong macroeconomic fundamentals, highlighting the rise in capital expenditure from ₹2.63 lakh crore (2017–18) to ₹12.20 lakh crore (2026–27), alongside fiscal consolidation with deficit reduced to 4.4% and repayment of ₹2.92 lakh crore in oil bonds.
She highlighted energy transition and infrastructure push, noting installed power capacity at 520.5 GW with over 52% from non-fossil sources, and reaffirmed transparency and parliamentary oversight.The Bill was subsequently passed by voice-voting.
The proceedings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned at 08:26 PM and 07:50 PM, respectively, to reconvene at 11:00 A.M on Wednesday, 18th March, 2026.
II. Lok Sabha Proceedings:
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha commenced at 11:00 AM.
Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) presided over the proceedings of the House and commenced the proceedings of the House with Question Hour.
Shri Arun Nehru (DMK, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu) sought details on the total funds released to Tamil Nadu over the last three years for major schemes like MGNREGA and PMAY-G, specifically asking if any dues are pending and how they might be affecting the state’s progress. He further urged the government to revise the cost-sharing pattern to a 60:40 ratio (Centre-State) for all schemes to ensure parity, noting that some programs currently receive less than a 60% contribution from the Central Government.
Shri Kamlesh Paswan (MoS, Ministry of Rural Development; BJP, Uttar Pradesh) explained that for the new Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme, which is replacing MGNREGA, the cost-sharing ratio is set at 60:40 between the Centre and States. He stated there is currently no plan to change this ratio. He noted that sharing costs between the Centre and States has been a standard practice in past rural employment programs like National Rural Employment Programme (NREP), Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY), and Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY). The Minister emphasized that this 60:40 partnership strengthens the spirit of cooperative federalism and increases the accountability of all parties involved.
Shri Darshan Singh Chaudhary (BJP, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh) sought information about the work done under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) for developing rainfed and degraded lands. He also inquired if the scheme has successfully increased farmers’ income, improved water conservation, and created rural jobs.
Shri Kamlesh Paswan (MoS, Ministry of Rural Development; BJP, Uttar Pradesh) replied that the scheme is being effectively implemented to develop degraded land and strengthen farmer livelihoods. Under WDC-PMKSY 1.0, a total of 6,382 projects were approved to cover 2.95 crore hectares across the country, with 6,376 projects already completed. Key achievements include the creation of over 7.6 lakh water harvesting structures and bringing approximately 16.4 lakh hectares of additional land under protective irrigation.
Shri Rajeev Rai (SP, Ghosi, Uttar Pradesh) inquired whether the Government has studied the condition of small-scale farmers, specifically those holding very small plots of half to one acre, who often face debt due to crop losses from floods or droughts in traditional farming. He asked if there is a plan to provide training in alternative farming, particularly for small farmers in the Purvanchal region, to help them get better prices for their products and improve their living standards.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; BJP, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) responded that the government is promoting alternatives to tobacco to protect both health and farmer income. He identified specific crop shifts such as hybrid maize, chili, sweet potato, cotton, and ragi for tobacco-growing areas, and sugarcane, soybean, and groundnut for bidi-tobacco regions. To support farmers with small landholdings, the government has introduced Integrated Farming Models. These models encourage farmers to diversify beyond single crops into a mix of grain, vegetables, fruits, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, and agroforestry to ensure that small-scale farming becomes a profitable and sustainable business.
Shri Murari Lal Meena (INC, Dausa, Rajasthan) raised concerns regarding reports of large-scale fraud in crop insurance, specifically mentioning a case in Salasar, Churu district, and questioned the gap between the high premiums collected by insurance companies and the relatively low claims received by farmers in Rajasthan.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; BJP, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) responded by stating that the Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and actively identifies irregularities. He highlighted that in the last three years, ₹ 9,930 crore was paid out to 2.5 crore farmers in Rajasthan and emphasized the role of the ‘Krishi Rakshak Portal’, which has registered 2,71,708 complaints to date. The Minister assured the House that every complaint is investigated and strict action is taken against anyone found guilty of misconduct to ensure farmers receive their rightful dues.
Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun (INC, Davanagere, Karnataka) inquired whether the financial assistance for specially-abled persons has been revised recently to account for rising costs and sought the current status of job reservations for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Government sectors.
Dr. Virendra Kumar (Union Minister, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; BJP, Tikamgarh (SC), Madhya Pradesh) responded that the government is focusing on economic empowerment through skill development and low-interest loans from the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC). To help rural and slum-dwelling artisans sell their products, the government has organized 30 Divya Kala Melas across the country. Regarding reservations, the Minister informed the House that the quota for PwDs in Government-recognized schools has been increased from 3% to 5%, and in Government jobs, it has been raised from 3% to 4%.
After Question Hour, Shri Kodikunnil Suresh (INC, Mavelikkara, Kerala) raised the issue of the suspension of eight Members from the INC and CPI(M) the previous day refuting the claim that any banners were displayed at the Makar Dwar and requested the Chair to ensure equal opportunity for the Opposition, following which Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) allowed a discussion on the matter.
Shri Dharmendra Yadav (SP, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh) supported the proposal for revocation and called upon both the Opposition and the Treasury Benches to cooperate for the smooth functioning of the House.
Shri Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; BJP, Arunachal Pradesh) stressed on the need to uphold parliamentary discipline and decorum, invoking Rule 374(2) which empowers the Chair to act against disorderly conduct. He stated that repeated disruptions undermine the functioning of the House and the dignity of Parliament, and emphasised that members are elected to engage in debate rather than create disorder. He urged both the Treasury and Opposition benches to respect the authority of the Chair, adhere to the established procedures, and maintain the “Laxman Rekha” of acceptable conduct to ensure smooth legislative functioning.
Shri Om Birla Ji (Speaker, Lok Sabha; BJP, Kota, Rajasthan) directed that no fake or AI-generated images, banners, or placards be used, and urged Members to support the proceedings of the House.
Shri Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; BJP, Arunachal Pradesh) moved a motion to revoke the suspension of eight Members, which was adopted by the House, thereby revoking their suspension.
Following this, papers and reports were laid on the table.
Shri Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; BJP, Arunachal Pradesh) and Shri Kodikunnil Suresh (INC, Mavelikkara, Kerala) moved a motion that the House agree with the 15th Report of the Business Advisory Committee, which had been presented to the House the previous day, outlining the allocation of time and scheduling of legislative business. The resolution was taken up for consideration and subsequently passed.
Matters under Rule 377 were laid on the Table of the House.
Shri Piyush Goyal (Union Minister; BJP, Rajya Sabha) moved a motion seeking leave to withdraw The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, as reported by the Select Committee, aimed at decriminalising and rationalising offences to promote trust-based governance and ease of living and doing business. The House granted leave, and the Bill was withdrawn.
In furtherance to this, the debate on the Demands for Grants under the control of the Ministry of Railways for 2026-27 commenced.
Smt. Shatabdi Roy (AITC, Birbhum, West Bengal) raised concerns regarding passenger amenities, highlighting the absence of pantry cars and poor hygiene due to outsourced catering services. She cited figures such as ₹1,229.8 crore earned from cancellation charges (2021–2024), ₹133.13 crore from dynamic pricing, ₹1,669 crore from Tatkal, and ₹163 crore from Premium Tatkal to argue that passengers able to pay premium fares receive better services, while ordinary passengers face difficulties. She also referred to the withdrawal of senior citizen concessions generating about ₹8,913 crore, and raised concerns regarding inadequate seat allocation for elderly passengers, urging more inclusive measures.
Shri Arun Bharti (LJP (RV), Jamui, Bihar) supported the Government and highlighted contributions of former railway ministers from Bihar such as Shri Jagjivan Ram, Shri Nitish Kumar, and Shri Ram Vilas Paswan. He stated that track construction increased from 4.4 km per day during the UPA period to about 8.5 km per day currently, and that 164 Vande Bharat Express trains are now operational. He noted improvements in railway infrastructure, including increased track construction and expansion of Vande Bharat services, and requested stoppages at Jamui while also urging that the proposed Banaras–Siliguri high-speed corridor include connectivity to Patna.
Shri Rajmohan Unnithan (INC, Kasaragod, Kerala) stated that trains in Kerala were running at an average speed of about 45 km per hour, citing rail track cracks and congestion. He raised concerns about inadequate services in Kasaragod and demanded better scheduling, new train services, stoppages for the Parashuram Express and daily operation of the Antyodaya Express, along with faster implementation of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti (TDP, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) welcomed the ₹2.93 lakh crore railway allocation, highlighting 100% electrification progress, ₹2,200 crore projects for Amaravati, and modernization of 73 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh. He stated that 17 stations in the state would be connected by Vande Bharat Express and called for better connectivity to cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai to boost tourism and IT-sector travel.
Shri Abdul Rashid Sheikh (Ind., Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir) emphasized the importance of rail connectivity in North Kashmir, noting that about 5 lakh security personnel are deployed in the region. He praised the engineering achievement of the Chenab Rail Bridge and called railways the “airplane of the poor,” urging expansion of connectivity in the region.
Shri Malvinder Singh (AAP, Anandpur Sahib, Punjab) thanked the Railway Minister for the development of a modern railway station in the region and acknowledged the ₹900 crore allocation for the Mohali semiconductor initiative. He highlighted that Chamkaur Sahib remains unconnected to the railway network and urged that it be linked at the earliest. He also called for faster and more frequent train services for devotees visiting Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Shri Sougata Ray (AITC, Dum Dum, West Bengal) criticized railway policies and raised concerns over safety, stating that 678 people died in railway accidents between 2014–15 and 2023–24, while questioning the claim that only 18 deaths occurred in 2024–25. He highlighted delays of 6–8 hours in train services, poor sanitation in trains and stations, and inadequate services for ordinary passengers. He urged the Government to focus more on improving services for common people rather than prioritizing high-speed and premium trains.
Shri Kanwar Singh Tanwar (BJP, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh) welcomed the Railway Budget exceeding ₹2 lakh crore for 2025–26 and noted that capital expenditure had reached a record ₹2.93 lakh crore. He stated that railway connectivity has expanded from 21,014 km earlier to about 99.4% coverage. He highlighted an investment of ₹20,012 crore in Uttar Pradesh’s railway sector and referred to projects such as the Varanasi–Siliguri railway network, while requesting longer halts for trains like the Faridabad Express and Ranikhet Express.
Shri G. Kumar Naik (INC, Raichur, Karnataka) criticized the Railway Budget, stating that the claimed 98% performance does not reflect real improvement and that nearly 80% of earlier railway projects remain incomplete. He raised concerns about regional disparities, stating that Karnataka received about ₹7,500 crore while Uttar Pradesh received over ₹10,000 crore. He called for the establishment of a Gati Shakti cargo terminal in Raichur, improved passenger facilities, and a survey for the Almatti railway line.
Shri Anand Bhadauria (SP, Dhaurahra, Uttar Pradesh) raised concerns about railway connectivity in the Sitapur and Lakhimpur Kheri regions. He proposed new rail lines including Jharekhapur (Sitapur)–Bahraich via Laharpur and Isanagar and Gola Gokarannath–Shahjahanpur via Mohammadi. He noted that the region has a population of nearly 1 crore, 17 Assembly constituencies, and 5 Members of Parliament, yet lacks direct connectivity to Delhi.
Shri Shankar Lalwani (BJP, Indore, Madhya Pradesh) supported the Railway Budget and highlighted national achievements such as 99.4% electrification of the railway network, a 90% reduction in train accidents over the past 11 years due to the ‘Kavach’ safety system, and modernization of over 1,300 railway stations. He stated that currently, more than 80% of Indian railway tracks are capable of supporting train speeds of 110 kmph and above. According to a recent survey, the operation of trains on these high-speed tracks is saving passengers approximately one lakh hours every single day.
Shri Tapir Gao (BJP, Arunachal East, Arunachal Pradesh) highlighted major railway expansion in the Northeast, noting that the region’s railway budget increased from around ₹2,100 crore earlier to ₹11,000 crore now. He referred to engineering achievements in Mizoram, including 87 bridges and a 10.85 km tunnel, and noted ongoing projects such as the Dimapur–Kohima line, rail connectivity towards Byrnihat in Meghalaya, and expansion of rail infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. He also mentioned survey work for a rail link from Silchar towards the international border near Maungdaw.
Adv. K. Francis George (KEC, Kottayam, Kerala) criticised the gap between railway targets and actual performance, noting that only 573 km of track doubling had been completed against a 2,000 km target (22%), while progress on new lines was about 50%. He raised concerns over the operating ratio exceeding 98%, declining net earnings, and growing dependence on budgetary support and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He also highlighted delays in Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) due to land acquisition issues and limited implementation of the Kavach system. He demanded development of Kottayam as a terminal station, a Mumbai–Kanyakumari high-speed rail corridor, and early construction of the Angamaly–Sabarimala line for better access to Sabarimala Temple.
Smt. Jyotsna Charandas Mahant (INC, Korba, Chhattisgarh) criticised the imbalance between freight revenue and passenger facilities, stating that railways function as a “profit line” in her region due to heavy coal freight traffic. She said passenger trains are often delayed because freight trains are prioritised. While noting that Korba and Baikunthpur stations were included under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, she criticised slow implementation and demanded operationalisation of the Korba pit line, extension of trains like Narmada Express, and additional stoppages for Humsafar Express and Jan Shatabdi Express.
Shri Dilip Saikia (BJP, Darrang–Udalguri, Assam) highlighted the long-pending Sarbhog–Abhayapuri railway line, noting that it has received Railway Ministry approval and is awaiting Cabinet clearance, and expressed hope for its approval in the near future. He urged the sanctioning of ROBs at Mazbat, Tangla, and Khairabari to improve safety and reduce congestion, and raised concerns regarding land encroachment delays in sections such as Nagaon–Tangla. He also emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity in the region and appreciated ongoing railway expansion and station redevelopment initiatives in the Northeast.
Dr. Nishikant Dubey (BJP, Godda, Jharkhand) reflected on the transformation of Indian Railways, contrasting its colonial legacy and uneven post-independence expansion with recent efforts to improve connectivity in backward and tribal regions of Jharkhand. He highlighted the state’s significant contribution to railway revenues through mineral transport while noting its historical neglect, and emphasised reforms such as merit-based recruitment, increased investment after the Railway Budget merger, and technological advancements like faster trains. He also underscored the importance of improved rail connectivity for regional development and access to essential services, citing developments in areas like Deoghar as corrective steps toward addressing past imbalances.
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister, Ministry of Railways; BJP, Odisha), addressing the House on the Demands for Grants for Railways, responded to Members’ observations and outlined the Government’s approach to railway development and policy priorities.
Addressing the House on the Demand for Grants For the Ministry Of Railways, he highlighted the participation of over 210 Members and stated that the debate reflected a shift toward “politics of performance” under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, with members across parties acknowledging development in their constituencies.
He highlighted the merger of the Railway Budget with the General Budget as a key reform that enabled a significant rise in funding from ₹24,000–30,000 crore earlier to over ₹ 2.72 lakh crore, along with continuous project approvals and improved transparency through IT-based monitoring. He stated that a record allocation of ₹2.78 lakh crore for 2026–27 has been provided, benefiting all states.
He emphasised improvements in financial management, noting transparent accounting practices and major expenditure heads including staff, energy, and pensions, while maintaining a modest surplus. He highlighted strong growth in freight performance, with cargo increasing from 1,055 million tonnes in 2004–14 to around 1,650 million tonnes, positioning Indian Railways among the largest freight carriers globally.
He further detailed infrastructure expansion, stating that 35,000 km of tracks have been built since 2014 and electrification has reached over 47,000 km, covering nearly the entire network, along with significant increases in ROBs, RUBs, and Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches, and completion of major projects such as the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and strategic bridges like the Chenab Bridge and Anji Bridge.
He emphasised the scale of technological advancement and operational capacity, noting that over 2 lakh wagons have been inducted in recent years compared to 1.33 lakh in 2013-14, which has significantly enhanced freight capacity, efficiency, and logistics movement across the railway network.
He also highlighted the rapid expansion of tunnel infrastructure, stating that 486 km of tunnels have been constructed since 2014 compared to just 125 km earlier, enabling improved connectivity in geographically challenging regions such as the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir and facilitating strategic and economic integration.
He highlighted modernisation initiatives including the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, large-scale station redevelopment, expansion of Vande Bharat services, and the introduction of Amrit Bharat trains as affordable options for common passengers. On safety, he emphasised the rollout of the Kavach system across 20,000 km and 8,000 locomotives, noting a significant reduction in accidents. He also underscored inclusivity, stating that general and sleeper coaches constitute around 70% of total coaches and that substantial subsidies ensure affordable fares for passengers.
On employment, he stated that 5 lakh jobs have been provided in the last decade, with 1.43 lakh recruitments underway and a new annual recruitment calendar ensuring transparency. He also raised concerns regarding delays in project implementation due to land acquisition issues in certain states.
He raised concerns regarding delays in project implementation in Kerala, stating that out of 476 hectares required for railway projects, only 65 hectares (around 14%) have been acquired, and noted that over 100 ROBs and RUBs projects have remained pending for more than 15 years due to lack of permissions and land acquisition from the State Government.
He also highlighted slow progress in Tamil Nadu, stating that only about 24% of the required 4,326 hectares of land has been acquired, and pointed to several stalled projects such as Tindivanam–Tiruvannamalai, Attipattu–Puttur, Mannargudi–Pattukkottai, and Thanjavur–Pattukkottai, where land acquisition remains minimal or yet to commence.
He raised concerns regarding delays in railway and metro projects in West Bengal, stating that around 60 projects remain stalled due to lack of land acquisition and permissions from the State Government. He highlighted that while only 28 km of Kolkata Metro was completed between 1972 and 2014, around 45 km has been developed post-2014, and pointed to specific bottlenecks such as delays at Chingrighata on the New Garia–Airport line due to pending state approvals, urging greater cooperation to expedite infrastructure development.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to transforming Indian Railways into a world class network by 2047 while acknowledging the contributions of railway employees and emphasising continued focus on safety, affordability, and infrastructure expansion.
The Speaker placed the Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Railways for the year 2026-2027 before the House for a vote. Despite some interruptions, the motion was moved to authorize the payment of specific sums from the Consolidated Fund of India to the President of India to cover expenses for revenue and capital accounts ending March 31, 2027. The motion was adopted, and the Demands for Grants for the Ministry of Railways were passed by the House.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned at 08:26 PM to reconvene at 11:00 A.M on Wednesday, 18th March, 2026.
III. Rajya Sabha Proceedings:
The proceedings of the Rajya Sabha commenced at 11:00 AM.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) presided over the proceedings of the House, and Papers were laid on the Table.
Following this, matters raised with permission were taken up.
Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade (BJP, Goa) raised a matter regarding the depiction of tobacco use in media, noting its influence on youth and the glamorization of smoking. He cited studies linking such exposure to increased smoking initiation, and urged the Government to introduce stricter regulations to curb content that normalizes tobacco use.
Shri Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD, Bihar) raised a public health concern regarding the unregulated sale of prescription medicines through online platforms. He cited reports indicating that restricted drugs are being sold on the basis of fake or inadequate prescriptions, leading to risks of self-medication and substance abuse. He pointed out that E-pharmacy rules have been pending since 2018 and called for a robust regulatory framework for online consultations and drug sales. He urged the Government to implement stricter regulations to ensure public safety.
Shri Mohammad Ramzan (J&KNC, Jammu and Kashmir) raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over the safety of Indians in West Asia, urging the Government to ensure their security and relocation from conflict zones. He also expressed concern over escalating tensions in the region and called for adherence to India’s traditional policy of peace and non-alignment.
Following this, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) commenced the Question Hour.
Shri Govindbhai Laljibhai Dholakia (BJP, Gujarat) asked about the lack of health insurance in rural and unorganized sectors, asking if the government plans to expand the reach of Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) to these remote areas.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance, BJP, Karnataka) responded by stating that health insurance is a key priority, with a policy objective to achieve “Insurance for All” by the year 2033. She noted that in December 2025, legislation was introduced to increase FDI coverage to 100% to deepen market penetration. Regarding rural application, she informed the House that the Gram Panchayat has been designated as the primary unit of measurement for coverage, with 25,000 Gram Panchayats to be covered in the current phase to provide insurance to the farthest rural regions.
Smt. Rajani Ashokrao Patil (INC, Maharashtra) raised concerns from medical bodies regarding the lack of large-scale clinical trials for AYUSH therapies and flagged international safety advisories over heavy metals like lead and mercury in Ayurvedic products. She sought clarity on the Government’s scientific evaluation and regulatory steps to ensure the safety and global credibility of these traditional medicines.
Shri Prataprao Ganpat Jadhav (MoS, Ministry of Ayush, SS, Buldhana, Maharashtra) responded that the regulation of practitioners is covered under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act 2020 and the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Act 2020, though enforcement remains a State subject. He informed the House that a three-tier Pharmacovigilance system has been established to monitor adverse effects. He explained that Ayurvedic medicines containing heavy metals undergo intensive purification using scientific methods and are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. He concluded by highlighting that five central research councils, including Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), continuously conduct clinical and toxicity studies to ensure the scientific efficacy and global reliability of Ayush systems.
Shri Mahendra Bhatt (BJP, Uttrakhand) asked about the status of Non-Performing Asset (NPAs) under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, the reasons for defaults, and if any relief policies are planned for small industries.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance; BJP, Karnataka) replied that the scheme is highly popular, having sanctioned ₹39.48 lakh crore across 57.26 crore loans since its launch without requiring collateral. Addressing the default concerns, she clarified that the figures represent outstanding amounts that banks are currently pursuing. As of 31st March 2025, the outstanding amounts as a percentage of total lending stood at 12.4% for the Shishu category, 9.48% for Kishore, and 7.92% for Tarun. She emphasized that these are outstandings rather than final NPAs and that the banks are actively working to recover them.
Kum. Swati Maliwal (AAP, NCT of Delhi) raised concerns that major food chains like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Haldiram are violating laws by failing to display calorific values on their menus, noting that a single pizza can contain up to 2,000 calories.
Shri J.P. Nadda (Union Minister, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; BJP, Gujarat) responded that under FSSAI regulations from 2020, it is mandatory for establishments to display nutritional information, including calories and allergens, on menu cards or websites. He explained that the Central Government oversees chains with more than 10 outlets and reported that in 2024-25, out of 165 central establishments inspected, 164 were compliant and only one was issued a notice. He assured the House that a regular monitoring system, aligned with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines, is in place to ensure these food chains provide accurate information to consumers.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) informed the House that the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Rural Development, initiated on 10th March, 2026 and concluded on 12th March, 2026, was pending the reply of the Minister of Rural Development. He stated that, with the consent of the House, the Minister would reply at 2:00 PM, after which the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2026 would resume.
The proceeding of the house was adjourned at 1:00 PM to reconvene at 2:00 PM.
The proceedings of the house resumed at 2:00 PM with Shri Harivansh (Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha; JD(U), Bihar) presiding over as the Chair. He took up the Union Minister’s reply to the discussion on the working of the Ministry of Rural Development, which had been held from 10th to 12th March, 2026.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Minister, Ministry of Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; BJP, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) noted in his response to the discussion on the Demands for Grants (2026–27) pertaining to the Ministry of Rural Development that the discussion spanned nearly four days and thanked the 54 participating members. He assured that constructive suggestions would be considered and stressed the importance of meaningful debate.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Minister, Ministry of Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; BJP, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) responded to Opposition criticism alleging dilution of MGNREGA and discrimination against certain states. He rejected these claims, citing increased expenditure from ₹ 2,12,409 crore (2006–14) to over ₹8.58 lakh crore, and stated that funds to West Bengal were withheld due to irregularities such as fake job cards and misuse of funds identified through audits. He also outlined the VB G-RAM G framework, highlighting a central budget allocation of ₹95,692 crore, support from multiple states except Karnataka, extension of employment up to 125 days, and a focus on decentralised planning, transparency, and improved monitoring.
He further addressed concerns regarding labour availability, stating that provisions allow states to pause work during peak agricultural seasons to support small and marginal farmers. He cited a rise in rural development expenditure from ₹ 4.90 lakh crore (2004–14) to about ₹ 15.20 lakh crore since 2014, and highlighted infrastructure expansion under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, along with improved connectivity in border, tribal, and Left Wing Extremism affected areas as part of a broader push toward inclusive rural development.
Focusing on women-led development, he highlighted the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, noting that the initial target of creating 3 crore women earning over ₹1 lakh annually has been achieved ahead of schedule, with a revised goal of 6 crore. He stated that efforts are underway to enable women to transition into entrepreneurs through large-scale bank linkages and financial support, and emphasized that this has led to increased participation of women in local governance.
The Minister also highlighted welfare and housing initiatives, stating that assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, combined with convergence benefits, provides comprehensive support for rural housing. He outlined expanded eligibility criteria, including higher income limits and relaxed asset conditions, and stressed the need for states to ensure land availability for beneficiaries. He further underscored the role of schemes related to clean cooking, electrification, financial inclusion, and direct benefit transfers, positioning these efforts as aligned with the broader vision of inclusive growth and improved living standards in rural India.
Shri Rajiv Shukla (INC, Chhattisgarh) initiated the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2026, emphasising that while it authorises substantial additional expenditure, greater accountability is required in fund utilisation, along with concerns regarding defence preparedness, misuse in welfare schemes, and rising economic inequality.
Shri Saket Gokhale (AITC, West Bengal) noted that the scale of supplementary demands indicates shortcomings in initial budget estimates. He questioned the legal and institutional framework of the Economic Stabilization Fund and raised concerns regarding energy security, fertilizer subsidies, pending MGNREGA dues, and overall transparency in public expenditure.
Dr. Kanimozhi NVN Somu (DMK, Tamil Nadu) raised concerns over rising unemployment and uneven job creation, questioning whether fiscal allocations are translating into tangible livelihood gains. She criticised the impact of demonetisation and GST on MSMEs and the informal sector, and highlighted issues of centralisation and weakening consultative processes, calling for greater transparency, federal cooperation, and more inclusive development.
Smt. Priyanka Chaturvedi (SS-UBT, Maharashtra) drew attention to the legislative process, noting that the Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha within a short duration without detailed discussion. She expressed concern over the adequacy of parliamentary scrutiny and questioned allocations, particularly in relation to economic stabilization and rural support.
Shri Mahendra Bhatt (BJP, Uttarakhand) supported the Bill, stating that supplementary grants are a standard fiscal instrument to address evolving requirements. He highlighted allocations towards fertilizer subsidies, LPG support, defence, agriculture, and infrastructure, and emphasised the Government’s commitment to fiscal discipline alongside development.
Shri Ramji (BSP, Uttar Pradesh) focused on the education sector, noting that public expenditure remains below recommended levels. He highlighted issues such as teacher shortages, dropout rates, and access to education, and called for increased investment in line with policy targets.
Shri Deepak Prakash (BJP, Jharkhand) emphasised the resilience of the Indian economy, citing growth in GDP, foreign exchange reserves, infrastructure, and digital transactions. He stated that the provisions under the Bill would support continued economic stability and development.
Shri Haris Beeran (IUML, Kerala) raised concerns regarding the implications of the West Asia crisis on India’s economy, particularly in relation to energy supplies, remittances, and the welfare of Non-Resident Indians. He also highlighted issues relating to agricultural distress and the need for more effective implementation of welfare measures.
Smt. Mahua Maji (JMM Jharkhand) questioned whether the Appropriation Bill adequately ensured equitable distribution of resources for mineral-rich states like Jharkhand. She highlighted pending dues, GST-related revenue losses, and the financial burden of security deployments, while emphasising the need for greater investment in tribal areas, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and called for addressing regional disparities even as she expressed support for the Bill.
Shri Sadanand Mhalu Shet Tanavade (BJP, Goa) supported the Appropriation Bill, stating that it authorises over ₹2.81 lakh crore to sustain development and reflects strong economic management. He highlighted allocations for agriculture, railways modernisation, defence, healthcare, and energy resilience, and emphasised transparency in welfare delivery, stating that the Bill advances the goal of a self-reliant and developed India.
Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla (BJP, Nominated) supported the Appropriation Bill, highlighting strong macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth, low inflation, and robust foreign exchange reserves. He outlined that the Bill authorises ₹2.81 lakh crore with a focus on fiscal discipline, and emphasised key allocations for fertilizers, food security, defence, infrastructure, and rural employment, stating that it reflects balanced and responsive fiscal management.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister, Ministry of Finance; BJP, Rajya Sabha), replying to the discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2026, addressed concerns on the Supplementary Demands for Grants, noting that several Members had focused more on the upcoming Budget rather than the demands under consideration.
She outlined major allocations, including ₹57,381.84 crore for the Economic Stabilization Fund, ₹41,430 crore for defence services with ₹6,140 crore for the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), clarifying that ex-servicemen are not being denied treatment and that delays are due to billing issues being addressed. She also noted ₹37,886 crore in transfers to States, ₹19,230 crore for fertilizer subsidy, ₹5,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir, ₹3,000 crore via SIDBI for MSMEs, and ₹30,000 crore for MGNREGA to clear dues, with ₹95,000 crore to follow from April.
She emphasised that India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong despite global challenges, supported by rising capital expenditure from ₹2.63 lakh crore (2017–18) to ₹12.20 lakh crore (2026–27), and highlighted Aatmanirbhar Bharat, including measures such as a 25% increase in domestic LPG production to strengthen energy security.
She highlighted energy and fiscal progress, stating that installed power capacity has reached 520.5 GW, with non-fossil sources at 271.97 GW (over 52%), achieving targets ahead of schedule, alongside record renewable expansion and solar tariffs declining to about ₹2.15 per unit.
She noted that ₹2.92 lakh crore in oil bonds has been repaid and fiscal deficit reduced to 4.4%, while allocations across education, health, rural development, and centrally sponsored schemes have increased, with spending on key sectors exceeding cess collections.
She also highlighted employment and welfare measures, noting provisions for gig workers under labour codes and the creation of a Social Security Fund, with plans to register around 1 crore gig workers on the e-Shram portal using unique IDs to extend coverage.
She further emphasised improvements in infrastructure and service delivery under the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that ₹67,670 crore has been allocated for 2026–27, with the total outlay enhanced to ₹8.69 lakh crore and central assistance increased to ₹3.59 lakh crore to expand rural tap water coverage.
She also referred to banking sector strengthening, noting that around ₹2.8 lakh crore was infused for recapitalisation, enabling banks to return to profitability and support increased lending and welfare expenditure.
She clarified the distinction between the Economic Stabilization Fund and the Contingency Fund, emphasising transparency and parliamentary oversight.
Following her reply, the motion to consider the Appropriation Bill, 2026, as passed by the Lok Sabha, was adopted. The House then took up clause-by-clause consideration, during which the clauses and the Schedule were put to vote and adopted. Thereafter, the Bill was passed by voice vote.
Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Ji (Chairman, Rajya Sabha) informed the House that there are 14 permitted Special Mentions for the day, and stated that the Special Mentions of members present would be deemed to be laid on the Table of the House.
The proceedings of Rajya Sabha were adjourned at 07:50 PM to reconvene at 11:00 A.M on Wednesday, 18th March, 2026
III. Events Outside The Parliament:
Shri Ramdas Athawale (MoS, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; RPI (A), Maharashtra), during the discussion on Rajya Sabha elections and related allegations, dismissed Opposition claims of malpractice, stating that parties should focus on managing their own MLAs rather than attributing blame to others.
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Union Minister, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; JD(U), Munger, Bihar), responding to remarks made by Shri Tejashwi Yadav on electoral conduct, asserted that recent Assembly election results had already provided a clear public mandate rejecting such allegations.
Shri Amar Singh (INC, Fatehgarh Sahib (SC), Punjab) accused BJP of using tactics like intimidation and inducement to influence outcomes, citing recent developments in West Bengal as an example of administrative changes being driven by political motives.
Shri Ravi Kishan (BJP, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh) speaking on Parliamentary functions stated that it should function with mutual respect, calling it the country’s biggest Panchayat. He emphasized that it is a platform for debate and ideas, where members must avoid personal remarks and focus on public issues.
Shri S. P. Singh Baghel (MoS, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; BJP, Uttar Pradesh), in the context of allegations regarding Rajya Sabha election integrity, stated that the electoral process is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, rejecting claims of malpractice or external influence.
Shri Manish Tewari (INC, Anandpur Sahib, Punjab), speaking on concerns arising from recent Rajya Sabha elections, highlighted instances of cross-voting and alleged horse-trading, and called for a review of the anti-defection law to preserve democratic norms.
Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (INC, Wayanad, Kerala), in the context of the suspension of eight Opposition Members from the Lok Sabha over disorderly conduct, welcomed the decision to revoke the suspension, stating that it was essential for restoring normal parliamentary functioning.
Shri Shashi Tharoor (INC, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala), also referring to the revocation of suspension of Opposition MPs, described the move as a positive step, emphasising the importance of allowing elected representatives to raise public issues freely in Parliament.
Smt. Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra), during the discussion on Rajya Sabha elections, alleged widespread horse-trading and the increasing influence of money power, warning that such practices undermine institutional credibility.
Shri Sougata Roy (AITC, Dum Dum, West Bengal), in the context of administrative changes ahead of elections in West Bengal, criticised the midnight transfer of key officials, stating that such actions raise concerns about procedural fairness and neutrality.
Shri Nishikant Dubey (BJP, Godda, Jharkhand), responding to Opposition criticism during the broader political discussion, criticised the Congress party’s past governance, alleging institutional weakening while highlighting India’s recent economic progress.
Shri K. Suresh (INC, Mavelikkara, Kerala), referring to consultations between the Government and Opposition following disruptions, stated that consensus was reached to revoke the suspension of eight Opposition MPs, and stressed the need to maintain decorum in the House.
Shri Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP, Paschim Champaran, Bihar), in the context of Opposition criticism over electoral processes, alleged lack of coordination and leadership within Opposition parties, citing their absence during key political developments.
Smt. Sagarika Ghose (AITC, West Bengal), referring to election-related developments in West Bengal, alleged bias in decisions taken by the Election Commission, particularly in administrative matters, and expressed confidence in public support for her party.
Annexure I - Matters Raised Under Rule 377 in The Lok Sabha
Annexure II - Members Who Participated In The Discussion On Demands Of Grants Under Ministry of Railways In The Lok Sabha.
Annexure III - Reports And Statements Presented In The Lok Sabha
Annexure IV - Matters Raised With Permission In The Rajya Sabha
Annexure V - Reports And Statements Presented In The Rajya Sabha
Annexure VI - Members Who Participated In The Discussion On The Appropriation Bill, 2026 In The Rajya Sabha
Annexure VII - Special Mentions In The Rajya Sabha