Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the members of Parliament to the Budget Session and urged them to hold high quality discussions with an open mind to put the nation on the path of development.

Referring to the Assembly elections being held in five states, PM Modi  said, "It is true that polls affect Parliament sessions and discussions. Elections will go on, but the Budget Session draws a blueprint for the entire year. The more fruitful we make this session, the better opportunity rest of the year becomes to take the country to bigger economic heights," the Prime Minister said.

The comments assume significance as several working hours of both the Houses were lost amid unruly walkouts by the Opposition in the winter and monsoon sessions last year.

In today's global situation, there are a lot of opportunities for India. These sessions instil confidence in the world regarding the country's economic progress, the success of the our vaccination program and Made in India vaccines, PM Modi explained.

"In this session too, issues taken up for discussions and open-minded debates can become an important opportunity for global impact. I hope that all MPs, political parties will have quality discussions with an open mind and help take the country on the path to development swiftly," he added.

With the Budget Session of Parliament commencing on Monday, the government is all set to lay Economic Survey 2021-22 along with Statistical Appendix in both Houses.

Economic Survey 2021-22 and the Statistical Appendix will be laid on the table of the Lok Sabha at around 12.45 pm by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while it will be tabled in the Upper House a few minutes after the House assembles at 2.30 pm.

Sitharaman will present her fourth Budget on February 1, 2022.

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