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How is the Indian Union Budget Prepared? Key Steps Explained

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The Indian Union budget goes beyond being a financial statement as it represents the nation’s growth in the last financial year and aspirations for the next one. Therefore the process of preparing the budget requires a detailed data analysis and strategic moves that match the existing status and aspiration. The preparation of Indian Union budget includes:

  • Laying the groundwork

  • Estimating revenue and expenditure

  • Budget presentation

  • Budget finalisation

This might appear a simple task, but takes months to prepare. Read on as we discuss the preparation of the Union Budget in India. 

Introduction to the Union Budget Preparation Process 

The preparation of the Union budget in India is an elaborate process that ensures the inclusion of almost every ministry, stakeholders and representatives of industries and all sectors. Here’s how the budget in India is prepared:

  • Initial Planning

  • Data Collection and Analysis

  • Consultation

  • Budget presentation and approval

Read on, as we discuss each of these steps in detail to help you understand how the budget is prepared.

Initiation of the Budget Process 

The first step towards understanding how the union budget is prepared is by understanding the initiation process that starts six months before the data of the budget presentation. The process begins with:

  • The Finance Ministry prepares a budget circular that is sent to all cabinet ministers. 

  • The cabinet ministers are asked to review the budget circular featuring guidelines and instructions.

  • These ministries then prepare a department budget showcasing their financial plans for the coming year and a chart of the revenue they generated in the last year.

  • The budget circular prepared by the finance ministry and budget prepared by different ministries become the foundation for union budget planning.  

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According to reports, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the 2024 Union Budget on 23rd July. This Budget is expected to have announcements on policies, schemes, income tax rate slabs, and more that are likely to affect everything around us. 

 

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Join us on our website or head over to any of our social handles to get the latest updates on the Union Budget as it happens. Read in-depth reports, watch videos, and get a clear understanding of what’s in store. 

 

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Data Collection and Analysis

The departmental budget and finance ministry circular form the basis for data collection and analysis. Here’s how union budget is prepared by collecting data and conducting an analysis:

  • Each department has its members working on the ground level who prepare a data chart featuring the details of positives and negatives.

  • This data is reviewed and scrutinised by the departmental head before sending it to the finance ministry.

  • Once the finance ministry receives data, a team of finance experts sit to evaluate these charts to base their union budgeting.

Remember that, with the change in time, the Finance Ministry has also adapted to technological advancements. For instance, the focus on macroeconomic data collection and computation technology to help ease the process of reviewing existing databases and generating automatic charts for the future based on these databases. 

Consultation Phase 

Since the Indian Union budget decides the country’s fate including the common man’s and big stakeholder’s, it is crucial to consult the representative of each sector of the society for a just and equitable budget planning. The consultation phase includes a meeting with the chief economic advisor, stakeholders, representatives of industries and social groups along with all the union ministries. These discussions are held in multiple meetings to ensure an open space for each department and sector to have a voice. 

While the decision of finalising a budget for presentation lies on the shoulders of the finance ministry, the consultation phase is done to hear the voices of the citizens. 

Budget Presentation

The union budget in India is presented by the finance minister before commencing a new financial year by:

  • Presenting a “budget speech” featuring all the highlights of the budget including fund allocation and new projects for a promising future. 

  • After wrapping up the speech, the budget is passed on in the Lok Sabha for every minister to review. 

Key features of the Indian Union budget presentation:

  • Budget presentation is done in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister on a date fixed by the president of India.

  • Except for election years, the union budget is presented on 1st February.

  • If it’s an election year, the budget is presented twice- An interim budget and a final budget. 

Parliamentary Approval

To present the budget and wait for approval is a constitutional obligation of the Finance Minister. Before approvals, a few sessions are held in the Lok Sabha for deliberations, questioning, rejecting and approving the union budget. Parliamentary approval can be categorised into three phases:

  • General Discussions

The scope of these discussions is examining the fund allocation, scheme and the overall budget structure. These discussions are held for 3-4 days following the budget presentation.

  • Departmental Scrutiny

Post general discussions, the Lok Sabha is adjourned for a fixed time in which 24 standing committees of experts prepare reports on the budget that are sent to both houses of the parliament for review.

  • Budget Voting

The Lok Sabha has the voting power on the budget where they can either reject or approve the budget. However, voting is not allowed on matters regarding the Consolidated Fund of India.

Once the voting is done, the budget becomes a bill (finance bill and appropriation bill) that is sent to the President for final assent/approval.

Implementation and Monitoring

After the approval, the Ministry of Finance has the responsibility of implementation which includes three elements:

  • Distribution of Grants 

  • Collection of Revenue 

  • Custody of Collected Funds 

Implementation of the budget in the first few weeks requires detailed monitoring of the performance. The Finance minister along with the chief economic advisor sits to evaluate whether the expenses incurred on allocated projects are within the budget or not.  

Conclusion

Here’s hoping you’ve been able to understand how budgets are prepared. The Union Budget of India is an annual statement of the country’s financial planning that shapes the future. The budget preparation is a rather elaborate process that involves planning, data collection and analysis, multiple rounds of consultation, and presentation before it finally gets approval. 

The Union Budget features a detailed guide into the government's planking for fund allocation in different sectors and plays a vital role in the stock market, as well as the reason why investors and traders have their eyes stuck out for the budget.

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Indian Union Budget?

Answer Field

The Indian Union Budget is an annual financial statement featuring the estimated receipts of revenue and expenditure. It forms the foundation for expense planning and fund allocation in various sectors.

Who is responsible for preparing the Indian Union Budget?

Answer Field

Primarily, the Finance Ministry is responsible for preparing the Indian Union budget. However, the formulation process ensures the inclusion of all the ministries and representatives of industries to keep the process just and equal.

What are the key steps involved in the formulation of the Indian Union Budget?

Answer Field

The formulation of the Indian Union Budget is an elaborate process that includes the planning stage, data analysis, consultation phase, presentation and a final parliamentary approval before getting implemented.

How are pre-budget consultations conducted?

Answer Field

Pre-budget consultation is an important step in budget formulation where a chance is given to representatives of different sectors and industries, stakeholders and the cabinet ministry to put their aspirations forward and have an open discussion on the budget planning.

What role does the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act play in the budget formulation?

Answer Field

The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act is a parliamentary Act that serves the purpose of ensuring the implementation of financial discipline to reduce fiscal deficit, equitable fund allocation and a general guideline for fund management.

How is the Indian Union Budget presented and approved in Parliament?

Answer Field

The Indian Union Budget is presented in the Lok Sabha by the finance minister through a budget speech. Followed by this, 3-4 days are allotted for general discussions on the budget post which the standing committees prepare reports on the budget that are sent to both the houses of parliament. Based on the reports and budget, the members of Lok Sabha cast their votes.

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