The Delhi government has officially scheduled the winter session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, marking a shift in the capital's political calendar. The session is set to run for four days, from January 5 to January 8, as approved by the Delhi Cabinet in a meeting held on Tuesday.
Session Details and Unusual Timing
This upcoming session breaks from tradition in its timing. Historically, the winter session is convened later, but this will be the first time it is held in the month of January. The session will commence with the customary address by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Typically, the LG's address occurs during the budget session in February or March, making this January address a notable departure from standard procedure.
Officials clarified that according to Assembly rules, a session must be convened at least once every six months. Given that the previous session was held in August, the government had until February to call the winter session, allowing for this adjusted schedule.
Key Agenda: Revised Estimates of the Budget
A significant piece of business slated for the short session is the presentation of the Revised Estimates (RE) of the annual budget for the Assembly's approval. The Revised Estimates are a crucial financial document that outlines changes in expenditure and receipts during the ongoing financial year.
This document accounts for several factors, including additional fund allocations required for new government schemes and any savings generated from departments that have underspent their allocated budgets. The House's approval of the RE is a key step in the government's fiscal management.
Political Context and Potential Flashpoints
The session is poised to unfold against the backdrop of severe air pollution gripping the national capital. This pressing issue is expected to be a major point of contention, likely sparking heated exchanges between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Debates over the government's policies and actions to combat the toxic air quality could dominate the proceedings, adding a layer of intensity to the four-day assembly meeting. The session will be closely watched as a platform for political debate on one of Delhi's most persistent and critical challenges.
