Winter Session of Parliament

The Winter Session of Parliament in India is held between the mid of November and mid of December every year. The winter session is the shortest session of all sessions of the Indian Parliament. During this session, the matters that could not be considered during earlier sessions are taken up. The other sessions of the parliament are Budget session and Monsoon session.

What is Budget session?

The Budgets session of Indian Parliaments is held between January and April every year. It is the most crucial sessions of all sessions. During this session the Finance Minister presents the Government’s financial plans and fund allocation to various schemes and projects. During this session, the members of the parliament discuss provisions of budget, matters related to taxation and then the finance minister presents his or her budget. Usually, the budget session is split into two periods with a gap of one month. The Budget session starts with the address of President.

What is Monsoon session?

The monsoon session is held between July and September every year. This session is held after a break of two months after the budget session. The matters of public interest are discussed during this session.

What are the constitutional provisions related to sessions of the Parliament?

Article 85 of the constitution speaks about sessions of the parliament, dissolution and prorogation of the Parliament. The article says the following:

• The President summons each house.
• There should be at least six months of gap between two sessions.
• The Parliament should compulsorily meet at least twice a year.
• The President may prorogue the house or dissolve the house.

Article 87: President addresses both the houses of the Parliament

What is the difference between Prorogation and Adjournment?

Prorogation means end of a session and not dissolution of the house. Adjournment means terminating the sitting of a house. The time between prorogation and reassembly is called Recess.

What are the concerns related to sessions of the parliament?

During the first two decades, the Parliament met for an average of more than 120 days. This has now come down to 70 days lately. One reason given for this reduction is the reduction in workload of Parliament by its Standing Committee.