How did Union Budget prepare? Know full process

0
Ministry of Finance

New Delhi: The budget-making process begins in August-September and involves several stages, including the pre-budget meeting and the Halwa ceremony. It ends with the presentation of the budget in Parliament and its assent by the President. The Government of India presents the Union Budget every year on 1 February. The Union Budget is an important document that outlines the government’s fiscal policies, plans, and programs for the upcoming financial year. The process of making the budget starts in August-September, about six months before its date. It prepares a plan for the government to spend its revenues and allocate funds for various development initiatives and other immediate needs. The process of budgeting involves several steps. Let’s understand them one by one.

Phase 1
The Ministry of Finance issues circulars to all Ministries, States, Union Territories, and autonomous bodies at the initial stage of the budget-making process. These circulars also contain essential guidelines, which are used by the Ministries to express their needs and demands. These ministries disclose their earnings and expenditure for the previous year, apart from presenting estimates. Once requests are received, top government officials evaluate them and discuss them with ministries and the Department of Expenditure.

Phase 2
Once the information is verified, the Finance Ministry allocates the revenue to the various divisions. In case of any disagreement on the distribution of money, the Finance Ministry consults with the Union Cabinet or the Prime Minister. Other stakeholders including farmers, small business owners, and foreign institutional investors are also consulted by the Department of Economic Affairs and Department of Revenue for further understanding.

Phase 3
The Finance Ministry also arranges pre-budget meetings with various stakeholders to know about their recommendations and requirements. These participants include state representatives, farmers, bankers, economists, and trade unions. After considering all the requests, it is discussed with the Prime Minister before being confirmed.

Phaser 4
A few days before the budget announcement, the government’s annual tradition is to hold the Halwa ceremony. The function initiates the start of budget document printing. A huge kadhai (large frying pot) is used to make halwa, which is then fed to the entire staff of the Ministry of Finance as part of the ceremony.

Ministry of Finance

Phase 5
The budget presentation in Parliament is the last step in the budget-making process. The finance minister makes a presentation on the first day of the budget session. The Minister summarizes the critical points of the document. After the presentation, the budget is placed before both Houses of Parliament for discussion. After the approval of both Houses, the budget is sent to the President for approval. Formulation of the budget is a long process involving several stages and consultations. Every step is necessary to ensure that public money is used judiciously and allocated appropriately. The importance of this document can never be ignored as it determines how the government functions and spends its resources to develop the nation.

Advertisement