New Delhi: As Union Budget 2026-27 preparations commence, an unprecedented scenario has emerged. February 1, 2026, the customary Budget presentation date, occurs on a Sunday. Since the Narendra Modi government moved the Budget date from late February to February 1 in 2017, this situation has not arisen before.
This has triggered speculation about whether the government will deliver the Budget on a Sunday or select an alternate date.
Government may retain February 1 tradition
A Business Standard report indicates the government leans toward maintaining the February 1 tradition, despite the date falling on Sunday in 2026. This suggests a Sunday Budget presentation remains highly probable.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the final decision will be made by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs at the proper time.
Guru Ravidas Jayanti creates additional complexity
Another consideration is Guru Ravidas Jayanti, which also falls on February 1, 2026. Business Standard reports this is not a central government public holiday. It is recognized as a holiday only in certain northern states including Delhi and Haryana.
For the central government, it appears as a restricted holiday, which does not automatically prevent Parliament from operating. The Rajya Sabha website notes that restricted holidays are not factored in when scheduling parliamentary sessions.
Historical precedents show varied approaches
Parliament has convened on Sundays previously under exceptional circumstances. Business Standard notes sessions occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and on May 13, 2012, commemorating 60 years of Parliament. Sessions have also taken place on public holidays such as Buddha Purnima.
Nevertheless, exceptions exist. Rajya Sabha records indicate sessions on Guru Ravidas Jayanti were cancelled in 1981 and 1986 following member objections. This inconsistent history explains why the final decision remains undecided.
What are the available alternatives?
Business Standard suggests the government is unlikely to shift the Budget to Saturday, January 31. If a Sunday presentation is ruled out, Monday, February 2 could serve as the alternative option.
Significance of February 1
Since 2017, delivering the Budget on February 1 has facilitated quicker Finance Bill approval and smoother implementation from April 1, the financial year’s beginning. If the Budget is presented on Sunday, February 1, 2026, it would represent the first such instance since the date modification and would also signify Nirmala Sitharaman’s eighth consecutive Budget, an uncommon achievement in India’s fiscal history.
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