Ahead of the Parliament session, the first in 2013, PM Manmohan Singh tells MPs that the conduct in Parliament will be a crucial determinant of the country's ability to cope up with formidable challenges.

The Budget Session starts today with President Pranab Mukherjee's first address to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. President Mukherjee will address both Houses of Parliament assembled together at 11 am in the Central Hall.

The Budget (Railways) for 2013-2014 will be presented to the Lok Sabha on February 26 immediately after Question Hour.  The Economic Survey of India will be laid in the Parliament on February 27.  The Budget (General) for 2013 - 2014 will be presented at 11 am on February 28.

To finalise the government business for the 2013Budget Session, Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath took a meeting with Secretaries/senior officers of various Ministries/Departments on February 15. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs co-chaired the meeting.  During the meeting, 71 items [55 Bills, 13 Financial items and 03 Non-legislative items] were identified for 2013 Budget Session.