New Delhi | The second day of the Budget Session witnessed intense political activity, with the tabling of Manipur’s budget and protests by DMK MPs over the Union Education Minister’s remarks on the three-language policy. Additionally, Congress leaders staged demonstrations in support of ASHA workers, while the opposition prepared for a showdown over the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Manipur Budget Presented Amid Criticism
The budget for Manipur was presented in Parliament by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, despite the state being under President’s Rule. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi strongly criticized the move, accusing the Centre of being out of touch with ground realities and focusing solely on headline management.
The Manipur budget for 2024-25 amounts to ₹35,103.90 crore, with key allocations including:
- ₹15 crore for temporary shelters
- ₹35 crore for housing projects
- ₹100 crore for relief measures in violence-affected areas
- ₹2,866 crore for incentives to police personnel deployed in sensitive zones
Gogoi also targeted the government over GST, claiming that it has become a tool of harassment instead of benefiting the economy.
DMK MPs Protest Over Three-Language Policy
Outside Parliament, DMK MP Kanimozhi and other party members staged a protest against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over his controversial remarks on the three-language policy. The DMK has long opposed the imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu, arguing that the Centre is deliberately pushing a linguistic agenda that disregards regional languages.
The protest comes amid growing tensions between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over the New Education Policy (NEP). The policy proposes a three-language formula where students must learn English and Hindi in addition to their regional language. Tamil Nadu’s government has rejected this, calling it an attempt to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states.
In response to the protests, Dharmendra Pradhan lashed out at the DMK, calling them “dishonest” and accusing them of creating language-based divisions for political gain.
Congress MPs Protest for ASHA Workers’ Rights
Meanwhile, Congress MP KC Venugopal raised concerns over the poor working conditions and low wages of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers. Addressing the protest, he highlighted that ASHA workers in Kerala—who are essential to the health sector—are being paid only ₹233 per day and often face delays in salary payments.
“They work 24×7, yet they are deprived of basic retirement benefits. For the last 30 days, they have been agitating outside the Kerala Secretariat, demanding their rights. That is why we are holding this protest in Parliament today,” said Venugopal.
Clash Over Waqf Amendment Bill Expected
The government’s push to pass the Waqf Amendment Bill in this session has further fueled tensions. Opposition parties, including the Congress, are strategizing to block the bill, arguing that it is being rushed without proper consultation.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that the INDIA alliance will adopt a joint strategy to oppose the bill. He also accused the government of manipulating electoral processes, claiming that elections in India are no longer free and fair, but are being controlled by the ruling party.
With the ongoing conflicts over Manipur’s budget, language policies, ASHA workers’ rights, and the Waqf Bill, the remaining days of the Budget Session are expected to be highly contentious and politically charged.
