New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday emphasized the work done by Congress-led Parliamentary Standing Committees during the recently concluded Budget Session, asserting that even in opposition, Congress remains committed to using democratic institutions to fight for people’s rights.
Taking to social media platform X, Gandhi shared key recommendations made by various Standing Committees chaired by Congress leaders.
“In the Budget Session of Parliament, Congress-led Standing Committees made several suggestions to improve the lives of Indians,” Rahul Gandhi posted, underscoring the constructive role the Opposition played in legislative proceedings.
Key Committee Recommendations
Gandhi outlined notable contributions across sectors:
- Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Charanjit Singh Channi, renewed its demand for a legal Minimum Support Price (MSP) and recommended additional compensation for stubble collection. The panel also proposed critical safeguards for farmers and fishermen.
- Under the leadership of Saptagiri Ulaka, the Committee on Rural Development advocated for the expansion and simplification of the MNREGA scheme, aiming to eliminate unnecessary administrative hurdles.
- Digvijaya Singh, heading the Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, called for:
- Recruitment of more teachers,
- Reforms to curb paper leaks, and
- Higher and timely-paid honorariums for Anganwadi workers.
- The External Affairs Committee, under Dr. Shashi Tharoor, emphasized the protection of Indian migrant workers abroad, recommending stronger safeguards in foreign employment contracts and diplomatic monitoring mechanisms.
“These are just a few examples of the Congress Party’s commitment to people’s welfare,” Gandhi noted. “Even while in Opposition, we will continue to use every democratic institution to fight for the rights and well-being of the people of India.”
Budget Session Overview
The Budget Session, which began on January 31, 2025, concluded on April 4. During this time, 10 new government bills were introduced and 16 bills passed, including the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill.
While the session saw heated debates on several issues—including rising unemployment, farmers’ demands, and minority rights—Gandhi’s post aimed to project the Congress as a constructive Opposition focused on policy, reform, and grassroots advocacy.
Looking Ahead
The dates for the Monsoon Session of Parliament have not yet been announced. However, with high-stakes legislation and social welfare issues dominating public discourse, Congress is expected to intensify its efforts both inside and outside Parliament.
Gandhi’s latest statement signals a strategy rooted in institutional resistance and policy-oriented activism, even as the Opposition faces a challenging political environment under a BJP-majority government.