CHAPTER- 24 Procedure in Financial Matters The Budget

In respect of every financial year, the President causes to be laid beforeboth Houses of Parliament an "annual financial statement"—a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India.1 The annual financial statement, otherwise known as the 'Budget', is presented in two parts, viz., the Railway Budget pertaining to Railway Finance, and the General Budget which gives an overall picture of the financial position of the Government of India, excluding Railways. The Budget is presented on such a day as the President directs.2 By convention the Railway Budget is presented to the Lok Sabha sometime in the third week of February and the General Budget is generally presented on the last working day of February each year.3 Simultaneously, copies of the respective Budgets are laid on the Table of the Rajya Sabha. On an occasion the Interim Railway Budget which was presented to the Lok Sabha on 27 February 1996, could not be laid on the Table of the Rajya Sabha that day as the House adjourned due to disorder. The Budget was laid the next day.4 In 1953, the Railway Budget for 1953-54 was laid on the Table by the Leader of the House in the absence of the Railway Minister who was to speak in the other House.5 In an election year, the Budget may be presented twice—first to secure a Vote on Account for a few months and later, in full, on a day convenient to the Government. A few days before the commencement of the Budget session, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs forwards to the Secretariat a provisional programme of dates for the financial business to be transacted during that session. This is published in the Bulletin for the information of the members.6 The estimates of expenditure embodied in the annual financial statement show separately the sums required to meet expenditure which the Constitution has 'charged ' upon the Consolidated Fund of India and the sums required to meet other expenditure.7 The charged expenditure is not required to be submitted to the vote of Parliament but it can be discussed in either House of Parliament.8 The other expenditure is required to be submitted in the form of demands fo