Parliament Budget Session 2026 LIVE: Lok Sabha Passes The Transgenders Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026

Both the Houses of Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, have been adjourned till 11 AM on March 25, 2026.

Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed The Transgenders Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026. The bill was moved in the lower house by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar. It amends the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar, who moved the bill in the lower house said that the purpose of this law is "solely to protect those individuals who face severe social exclusion due to their biological condition". "This Act is committed to the rights of transgender persons and their welfare. Following this amendment, upon the recommendation of the Medical Board, the District Magistrate will issue an identity certificate as a transgender person," Kumar said.

Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament from Ghosi, Rajeev Rai presented the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Reports of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation in the Lok Sabha.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday met the Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav at Parliament House. A Lok Sabha secretariat spokesperson said that during the meeting, discussions were held on various matters of mutual interest.

As the Lok Sabha on Tuesday took 'The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026' for discussion, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the bill should have been sent to the standing committee. The Congress MP further said that the government should have consulted the transgender community before passing the bill.

"I really think that it's unfortunate that they are not sending it to the standing committee. What the community feels is that this bill is going to obliterate their identity, and therefore it was very, very important that they should have been consulted and that this bill that is being brought about should have taken place or should have been passed after proper consultation,” Vadra said while talking to reporters outside the parliament.

“I think it's very unfair that the entire community feels like they have not been consulted, and such a big decision is being taken in their context. I wish the government had listened and put it on the standing committee," she added.

Discussion begins in Lok Sabha on ''The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026''. Three hours have been allocated for the discussion on this bill. The bill was moved in the lower house by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar. The Bill seeks to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

The Congress on Tuesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his statement on the West Asia situation in the Rajya Sabha, saying it was a “prepared text full of self-praise” for all that he claims to have accomplished in the last 11 years. Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, said the prime minister spoke on West Asia in the Rajya Sabha for about 20 minutes on Tuesday afternoon.

Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the government has launched a project worth approximately Rs 70,000 crore to build Made In India ships to boost trade.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, the PM said that more than 90% of India's trade happens via foreign ships.

“This situation makes India's position even more serious in the face of a global crisis. Therefore, the government has launched a project worth approximately ₹70,000 crore to build Made in India ships,” he said.

BJP MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal on Tuesday lashed out at the Opposition over its criticism of PM Modi's address in the Lok Sabha the preceding day saying it had become a habit of the opposition to comment on everything.

"It has become a habit of the opposition to comment on everything. I feel that the Prime Minister has appealed to the world and the country about so many positive things, and the world and the country are accepting it. But the opposition is still not able to accept it,” he said.

Singh said that the opposition “should learn to digest it”. “He(PM Modi) has given importance to every single thing. He has also told the world that they are sending a message through the Lok Sabha: that there is peace in the world," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the Rajya Sabha that the government has constituted seven empowered groups to evolve strategies on fuel, supply chains, fertilisers, among others amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. "Fundamentals of economy remain strong; govt working strategically to address short, medium and long-term effects of crisis," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking in the Rajya Sabha over the ongoing West Asia conflict, warned miscreants against taking advantage of crisis and asked state governments to check black marketing, hoarding. "Irrespective of crisis, maintaining high economic growth is our responsibility," the PM said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the ongoing West Asia war has created a serious energy crisis. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi said the crisis has shaken the economy of the entire world and it will take the world quite some time to recover from the damage that has occurred in West Asia so far.

"Continuous efforts are being made to ensure that India experiences at least the adverse effects of this. The fundamental foundations of our economy are strong, and the government is keeping an eye on the changing situation every moment," he said.

The PM said that the war has created a serious fuel issue in the world and the situation in India was worrying too. "This has impacted our ways of business," he said.

The PM said that West Asia crisis was a cause of concern for India adding that India wants peace in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy. “Our aim is de-escalation; opening of Strait of Hormuz. India's attempt is to encourage all sections to peacefully resolve all issues,” he said.

PM Modi said that in past 11 years, 53 lakh MT strategic oil reserves have been created while work on 65 lakh MT additional capacity is on. He said that the government has started Rs 70,000-crore project to manufacture ships. “There is no other option for India but to become self-reliant,” he added.

Addressing concerns over availability of fertilisers, PM Modi said that the government was making all efforts to ensure adequate availability of fertilisers for upcoming sowing season. "I assure farmers that government is standing with them in all situations," he said.

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned and will meet again at 2 PM.

Union Minister JP Nadda responded to queries raised by members during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha regarding healthcare facilities in the North Eastern states, addressing concerns over infrastructure, accessibility and delivery of medical services in the region.

The push to operationalise the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has gathered momentum, with the Centre reportedly preparing to bring amendments to enable one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies. The government is considering delinking the implementation of the quota from the pending Census and delimitation exercise, possibly using 2011 Census data to fast-track the rollout.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already initiated consultations with non-Congress Opposition leaders to build a broader political consensus on the proposed changes.

If implemented, the proposal could significantly expand the Lok Sabha from 543 to around 816 seats, with nearly 273 seats reserved for women. The majority mark would correspondingly rise to 409. The government is expected to push for the amendment during the ongoing Budget Session, even as it seeks wider political support to pass the legislation.

BJP MP Ravi Kishan, speaking during the Parliament Budget Session on the proposed women's reservation law, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising women's welfare and safety. He said, "Who brought in public washrooms? Modi ji. Who thought of women and their protection? Modi ji. This is a historic step and we welcome it." He termed the move a landmark decision aimed at empowering women and strengthening their participation in governance.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the resignation of Assam MP Pradyut Bordoloi has been accepted with effect from March 20. Bordoloi, a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Nagaon on a Congress ticket, had resigned from the party on March 17 before joining the BJP. He was subsequently fielded by the saffron party as its candidate for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections from the Dispur seat. Bordoloi has had a long political career, having served as a minister for 15 years in the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government in Assam before entering Parliament.

Discussion on the Finance Bill, 2026 began in the Lok Sabha, with Congress MP Manish Tewari raising concerns over the evolving global situation and its impact on India's economic projections. "Experts are warning about a catastrophic energy shock due to the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz… In this changing global scenario, is the Budget still valid?" he asked. Tewari argued that the Budget estimates presented in February 2026 may now be outdated, given the rapidly shifting geopolitical and economic landscape.

The Question Hour has ended in the Lok Sabha

With no other candidates in the fray after the withdrawal deadline, Nitish Kumar is set to be elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha. The Returning Officer, Aneel Prasad Hegde, will issue the certificate of his election at 2:30 PM.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Mukul Balkrishna Waskik from Rajasthan raised concerns over rising violence against SC, ST and marginalised communities, highlighting issues of justice delivery and low conviction rates.

"On average, everyday, 12 Dalit females are raped… In courts, more than 90 per cent of cases are pending. Conviction rates are low," he said, calling for proper protocols to ensure justice in cases of communal violence.

Meanwhile, another Congress MP, MK Vishnu Prasad, questioned the Centre's policies for sugarcane farmers, citing rising production costs and labour shortages. He asked whether the government has any special measures in place to support sugarcane producers facing these challenges.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh raised the Palam fire incident in the Rajya Sabha, alleging administrative negligence and lapses in handling the situation.

The incident involved a major fire in the Palam area of Delhi, in which nine people were killed and which caused property damage and triggered panic among residents, with emergency services rushing to the spot to bring the blaze under control.

AAP MP flagged concerns over preparedness and response, calling for accountability and stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

A sharp exchange was witnessed in the Lok Sabha over farmers' income, with All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) MP Sougata Ray accusing the government of "ignoring" concerns related to doubling farmers' income and rising suicides. Ray asked, "When is he going to achieve (of doubling farmers' income) what was pronounced by the government?"

Responding, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan asserted that farmers' income has already doubled, with some seeing an increase of over eight times. The Union Minister said, "Farmers' income has doubled and for some, it has increased more than eight times. The government has created schemes to solve problems." He also pointed to the Rs 5 lakh crore allocation for agriculture and allied sectors in the Union Budget, highlighting the government's focus on the sector.

Congress MP Vijay Vasanth moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, seeking an urgent discussion on the reported LPG cylinder shortage and allegations of underweight cylinders being sold at higher prices.

"The crisis has disrupted essential services, forced closures of hotels and canteens, and caused hardship for the public, particularly vulnerable groups," Vasanth said, urging the government to ensure adequate supply, regulate prices and provide immediate relief.

The issue comes amid broader concerns over energy supplies, which have been impacted by the ongoing West Asia conflict. The situation has escalated into its fourth week, with disruptions reported in key global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting international energy markets and supply chains.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lok Sabha on the West Asia crisis, questioning the timing and the government’s handling of the situation.

"We were continuously demanding a debate… The Prime Minister delivered a speech yesterday… Yet, he is making these statements only now, in the 3rd week of the crisis. Had the Prime Minister addressed the nation in the very 1st week, he could have explained the reasons behind his visit to Israel… He could have clarified why, after the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, it took three full days to convey condolences… We have observed the government taking a partisan stance in this matter," she said.

"On preparedness, the Petroleum Minister had assured a 75-day reserve to prevent disruption. But on the ground, shortages are becoming evident and the public is facing hardships," Chaturvedi added.

She said the Opposition had been seeking an early discussion, raising concerns over transparency, preparedness and the impact on citizens.

Proceedings of both Houses of Parliament began on Tuesday, with the Rajya Sabha taking up the Appropriation Bill (No. 2), 2026, for discussion as part of its agenda.

In the Lok Sabha, the session began with Question Hour. The House is scheduled to take up key legislative business during the day, including discussion on the Finance Bill, 2026 and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The day's proceedings have begun in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that MPs from Odisha met the Railway Minister to raise the issue of continued support for an Odia cultural centre in West Bengal's Kharagpur.

"Today, all of us Members of Parliament from Odisha went to meet the Railway Minister. Kharagpur has a very large railway setup. For many decades, a large number of Odia-speaking people have been living there… A cultural centre has been established in Kharagpur and various cities of Bengal. This cultural centre has been doing good work for many years and is useful for local citizens, including Odia and other language-speaking communities. It should continue to receive support and cooperation from the Railways," Pradhan said.

He emphasised the centre's cultural significance and its role in serving diverse communities in the region.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement in Parliament on the West Asia conflict, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat criticised the address, alleging a lack of discussion and engagement with Opposition voices.

"Yesterday's speech came right after Rahul Gandhi's program in Gujarat... We wanted healthy discussions on issues of security, energy, fuel... We expected that we, representatives of different regions of the country, would be given a chance to ask questions and offer suggestions about the current situation. But the PM just kept all of his points in a one-way manner like 'Mann Ki Baat', as rightly said by Rahul Gandhi," Bhagat said.

He added that the Opposition had expected a more inclusive debate in Parliament on critical issues such as national security, energy concerns and fuel prices.

Reacting to Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech, Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched a sharp attack, calling him an "abodh baalak".

"Rahul Gandhi is an 'abodh baalak'. He spread misinformation and provoked people during the coronavirus period. Today, India's public trusts PM Narendra Modi… Fuel prices have not risen in the country… Countries around the world have raised the prices… There is one problem in the country, the LoP," Singh said.

He further asserted that the public continues to have faith in PM Modi, while accusing the Leader of the Opposition of misleading people and creating unnecessary issues.