Parliamentary Terminology shyam institute

Parliamentary Terminology

1. Question Hour (ప్రశ్నసమయం)

• The first hour (11-12 AM) of both Houses of Parliament is allocated for asking questions.
• Hence, it is called Question Hour.
• Parliamentary proceedings commence at 11 AM.
• Members can ask questions to the presiding officer after giving notice, regarding public issues, administrative inefficiency, or situations where government intervention is needed.
• The concerned ministers answer these questions.
• These questions are of 3 types:

a) Starred Questions (నక్షత్రం గుర్తు గల ప్రశ్నలు)

• For starred questions, the concerned ministers provide oral answers.
• Members dissatisfied with the answer can ask supplementary questions.
• They are called 'starred questions' because they are marked with an asterisk (*) for special identification.
• The Speaker allots asterisk marks to questions of public importance, considering the possibility of supplementary questions arising.
• A maximum of only 20 starred questions are allowed per day.

b) Unstarred Questions (నక్షత్రం గుర్తు లేని ప్రశ్నలు)

• For these types of questions, the concerned minister prepares a written answer and provides it to the members.
• Therefore, there is no opportunity to ask supplementary questions.
• Generally, questions that require statistical data, questions that the public is keenly waiting for answers to, questions related to day-to-day governance, etc., are marked by the Speaker as unstarred questions.

Note:

• The Speaker has the authority to differentiate between starred and unstarred questions.
• Usually, around 230 unstarred questions are allowed daily.
• However, for states under President's rule, 25 additional questions are allowed daily.
• Thus, the maximum number of unstarred questions allowed in a day is 255.

c) Short Notice Questions (స్వల్పకాల ప్రశ్నలు)

• Questions asked orally on urgent matters of public importance are called short notice questions.
• Generally, a notice of 10 days in advance is mandatory for these questions.
• If the Speaker/Chairman identifies a matter as urgent, and if the concerned minister is ready to answer in a short time, the Speaker consults the minister.
• If the minister agrees to answer, the day suggested by the minister is fixed.
• If the minister is not ready, the Speaker converts the question into a starred question and schedules it for oral answer.

2. Questions to Private Members (ప్రైవేట్ సభ్యులకు ప్రశ్నలు)

• Private members can also ask questions.
• That is, questions can also be asked to a member who is not a minister.
• If a bill, resolution, or matter relates to the House and a member is responsible for it, members are allowed to ask questions to such private members.
• However, such instances are very rare in legislatures.

3. Zero Hour (శూన్య సమయం)

• The short period between the Question Hour and the start of other House business is called "Zero Hour."
• It starts at 12 noon. Hence, it is called "Zero Hour."
• No prior notice is required for any questions during this time. Explanation can be sought on any matter.
• This practice has been in effect since 1962. Zero Hour is not mentioned in the Parliament's Rules of Procedure. Parliament itself has devised it.
• In other words, it is a term coined by the press (Zero hour is a misnomer).
• Zero Hour has been broadcast live since 2004.

4. Half-an-Hour Discussion (అరగంట చర్చ)

• A short discussion on certain questions arising from a matter previously raised in the House is called "Half-an-Hour Discussion."
• In the Lok Sabha, it usually takes place only on three days of the week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for the last half hour.
• In the Rajya Sabha, this discussion takes place every day in the evening between 5 PM and 5:30 PM, as needed.
• A member wishing to raise a discussion on an issue must give a written notice to the Secretary-General three days in advance, and the issue must be of public importance.
• Half-an-hour discussion is not held on the first day of Parliament's sitting and during the Budget session.

5. Short Duration Discussion (స్వల్ప వ్యవధి చర్చ)

• Members can introduce this discussion on important matters of public interest without "voting."
• However, it requires the support of two members, and members must submit a request with explanation to the Secretary-General in advance.
• The Speaker usually allows this at the end of the day's business.
• Members can raise a short duration discussion not exceeding 2 hours.
• The Speaker allows short duration discussion only twice a week (Tuesdays, Thursdays).
• Time is allocated for short duration discussion before the adjournment of the meeting.
• The member who gave the notice initially makes a short statement. Then, the minister gives a concise reply.
• Other members can also participate in the subsequent discussion. There is no resolution or voting on this.
• This practice has been in effect since 1953. This procedure has also been included in the rules of procedures of legislatures.

6. Calling Attention Motion (సావధాన తీర్మానం)

• India has indigenously developed this procedure and included it in parliamentary procedures in 1954.
• Any member, with the permission of the Speaker or Chairman, uses this motion to seek an 'official statement' from the concerned minister.
• Generally, based on media reports, this is used to seek official statements from the concerned minister on any issue of public importance.
• For a calling attention motion, the member must give a written notice to the Secretary-General.
• Copies of this must also be sent to the Speaker and the concerned minister.
• Usually, time for this is allocated after the Question Hour.

7. Adjournment Motion (వాయిదా తీర్మానం)

• This motion is introduced to draw the House's attention to an urgent matter of public importance.
• If any member wishes to introduce an adjournment motion, a written request must be submitted to the Speaker, concerned minister, and Secretary-General by 10 AM that day.
• It requires the support of at least 50 members to be introduced.
• If allowed for discussion, all other scheduled business for that day is adjourned, and the related matter is discussed.
• The discussion starts at 4 PM and continues for 2 hours 30 minutes or more.
• After the discussion, the member who proposed the motion speaks first, followed by other members, and then the concerned minister speaks.
• Last of all, the member who proposed the adjournment motion has the right to reply. Voting on the motion follows thereafter.

Note:

• Once a discussion on an adjournment motion begins, the Speaker does not have the authority to adjourn the House until the motion process is completed. Generally, since the government has a 'majority,' the adjournment motion is not easily passed.
• This adjournment motion cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha because ministers are responsible to the Lok Sabha.

8. Confidence Motion (విశ్వాస తీర్మానం)

• This procedure is not mentioned in the Constitution or parliamentary rules.
• In a situation where no party has secured a majority in the House, the President, after appointing the Prime Minister and other ministers at his discretion, may ask them to seek a vote of confidence.
• A motion introduced by the ruling government to prove its majority in the Lok Sabha.
• If the confidence motion is defeated in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers must resign, or the President will dissolve the government.

Example:

• The first Prime Minister to introduce a confidence motion in the Lok Sabha was Charan Singh.
• However, Charan Singh resigned (August 20, 1979) before the discussion on the motion could take place in the Lok Sabha.
• President Sanjiva Reddy appointed Charan Singh as Prime Minister on the condition that he would secure a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha as soon as possible. However, Charan Singh could not secure a vote of confidence and resigned after 24 days.
• Charan Singh did not attend the Lok Sabha as Prime Minister. However, he advised dissolving the Lok Sabha.
• For the first time since the implementation of the Constitution, the President of India appointed Charan Singh as Prime Minister using his discretionary power.
• Similarly, Vajpayee also resigned on May 28, 1996, before the discussion in the Lok Sabha.

Prime Ministers who lost power through a confidence motion:

1. First Prime Minister → V.P. Singh – November 7, 1990.
2. 2nd Prime Minister → Deve Gowda – April 11, 1997.
3. 3rd Prime Minister → Atal Bihari Vajpayee – April 17, 1999.

9. No-Confidence Motion (అవిశ్వాస తీర్మానం)

• The motion introduced by the members of the legislature to control the members of the executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers/Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers) is the No-Confidence Motion.
• According to Article 75(3) for the Union and Article 164(2) for the states, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lower House. They continue in office as long as they have the confidence of the Lower House.
• If the Council of Ministers acts irresponsibly, the opposition or any member in the House can introduce a written no-confidence motion against the Union Council of Ministers.
• Speaker's permission is required to introduce a no-confidence motion in the House. For this, a notice signed by 50 members of the Lok Sabha must be given to the Speaker before the commencement of the House meeting on any day.
• Only after the Speaker allows the no-confidence motion, the House is asked for permission. If at least 50 members stand up in their places in favor, the Speaker announces that the motion is admitted.
• After permission is granted, discussion on it takes place on a date decided by the Speaker within 10 days. As per Parliament procedures, the Speaker must allocate at least 2 days for discussion on a no-confidence motion.
• On the first day allocated for discussion, the member who introduced the no-confidence motion initiates the discussion.
• Subsequently, other members participate in the discussion.
• The Prime Minister/Chief Minister then replies to the allegations raised in such a no-confidence motion introduced against the government. Voting on the motion follows thereafter.
• If a majority of those present and voting approve the no-confidence motion, it passes. If the no-confidence motion passes, the Council of Ministers must resign immediately.

Note:

• This motion should be introduced only in the Lower House (in states also, in the Lower House/Legislative Assembly). It should not be introduced in the Rajya Sabha or Legislative Council because the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
• This motion is not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution. However, Article 118 allows both Houses of Parliament to make their own rules of procedure. With this, the Lok Sabha has included this motion in its rules of procedure.
• A no-confidence motion has been introduced 15 times against Indira Gandhi.
• This motion was first introduced against Nehru's government in 1962. However, this motion was not taken up for discussion. Later, on August 13, 1963, Kripalani introduced another no-confidence motion. 61 votes were cast in favor of that motion, and 346 votes against.
• In the Union, a no-confidence motion can be introduced any number of times without a time gap. In the state, it can be introduced not more than once in 6 months.

10. Censure Motion (మంత్రులపై అభిశంసన తీర్మానం)

• This motion must specifically mention the issue on which the minister is being censured.
• A specific issue need not be mentioned in a no-confidence motion.
• If members are dissatisfied with the performance of a particular ministry or if allegations of inefficiency, corruption, or abuse of power are made against a minister, a censure motion can be introduced against such a minister with the permission of the Speaker.
• House permission is not required to propose this motion.
• If the motion passes after discussion, the minister loses office. The government need not resign.

11. Privilege Motion (సభా హక్కుల తీర్మానం)

• Privilege motion is introduced if ministers do not answer members' questions or provide false information or behave disrespectfully towards members.
• Some of the procedures and motions described above, while related to the proper conduct of legislative proceedings (Order of the Business of the House), also control the executive branch and ensure that it discharges its responsibilities.

12. Lame Duck Session (లేమ్ డక్ సెషన్)

• After Lok Sabha elections, the last meeting held by the members of the previous Lok Sabha (those who were members of the previous Lok Sabha but were not elected to the current Lok Sabha) together with the newly elected members is called "Lame Duck Session."
• This is not practiced in India but is prevalent in America.

13. Spoils System (విజేతృభాగ నిర్ణయ పద్ధతి)

• The recruitment system where the political party that wins elections appoints its supporters to government jobs.
• This system was introduced in America in 1828 by Andrew Jackson.
• According to this system, government positions are considered as gifts presented to the winning party in elections.
• Along with party changes, employees also used to be changed. The term of office of employees was also fixed along with the term of office of legislators.

14. Filibustering (ఫెలిబస్టరింగ్)

• To prevent legislative proceedings from proceeding smoothly and to prevent a bill from being passed, members deliberately create disturbances through lengthy speeches and other discussions so that the scheduled time limit expires. This is called 'filibustering'.

15. Gerrymandering (గెర్రీమాండరింగ్)

• Gerrymandering is the practice of altering constituency boundaries in a way that improves a candidate's chances of winning.

16. Gallup Poll (గ్యాలప్ పోల్)

• Named after Henry Gallup, an American election analyst who introduced this method.
• This is like a survey conducted before elections. Through Gallup poll, one can estimate the factors influencing the public in elections and the results of upcoming elections.

17. Guillotine (గిలెటిన్)

• 'Guillotine' refers to approving demands from various ministries due to lack of time, without discussion.
• April 30, 2013, marked a rare event in parliamentary history.
• Lok Sabha approved key finance bills, including the Finance Bill-2013, without any discussion (guillotine).
• As the opposition staged a walkout, the government overcame a constitutional crisis through guillotine.

18. Exit Poll (ఎగ్జిట్ పోల్)

• Exit poll is the practice of asking voters which party they voted for as soon as they come out after voting in elections.
• Election results can be estimated through it.
• Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that exit polls should not be announced until the election process is over.

19. Crossing (క్రాసింగ్)

• 'Crossing' refers to a leader belonging to one political party joining another political party.

20. Floor Crossing (ఫ్లోర్ క్రాసింగ్)

• 'Floor crossing' refers to members belonging to the opposition parties switching to the ruling party.

21. Carpet Crossing (కార్పెట్ క్రాసింగ్)

• 'Carpet crossing' refers to members belonging to the ruling party defecting to the opposition parties.

22. Closer Motion (క్లోజర్ మోషన్)

• 'Closer Motion' refers to stopping a discussion on a topic or bill in Parliament meaningfully and initiating voting.

23. Recess (రీసెస్)

• 'Recess' refers to the time gap between one session of Parliament and another.

24. Maiden Speech (మెయిడిన్ స్పీచ్)

• 'Maiden Speech' refers to the first speech made in the House by a newly elected member.

25. Yielding the Floor (Yielding the floor)

• "Yielding the floor" refers to the presiding officer's decision to allow another member an opportunity when a member has spoken longer than the time allotted to him in the House.

26. Unattached (Un Attached)

• When political parties in Parliament or legislature expel any member from their party, the presiding officer declares those members as 'Unattached' and allocates seats to them.

27. Hung Parliament (హంగ్ పార్లమెంట్)

• 'Hung Parliament' refers to a situation in Lok Sabha general elections where no political party gets an absolute majority. In this situation, a large party forms a government with the support of independents and other small parties.

28. Youth Parliament (యూత్ పార్లమెంట్)

• These programs were initiated based on the suggestion of the Fourth All India Whip Conference to educate new generations about democratic practices and parliamentary procedures.
• The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry provides the necessary encouragement for this.
• In the 15th Lok Sabha, there were 150 new members, 7 royal family members, 47 graduates, and 35 with business backgrounds.

29. National Government (జాతీయ ప్రభుత్వం)

• 'National Government' means forming a government by bringing together all political parties without any opposition parties (1947-1952).

30. Minority Government (మైనార్టీ ప్రభుత్వం)

• 'Minority Government' means when no party gets an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha elections, the party that has won the highest number of seats forms the government.
• Other parties support this political party.

Eg: 1991-1996 → P.V. Narasimha Rao government.

31. Caretaker Government (ఆపద్దర్మ ప్రభుత్వం)

• 'Caretaker Government' refers to the existing government continuing to perform administrative duties when the government in power resigns, until a new government is formed, or when the President (or) Governor asks the same government to continue.

32. Coalition Government (సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం)

• 'Coalition Government' refers to a government formed at the Union or state level when two or more political parties come together as a coalition and form a government with a common political agenda.
• The first coalition government in India was formed in Kerala state in 1967.

A) First Coalition Government (మొట్టమొదటి సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (March 24, 1977 – July 28, 1979):

• Government was formed under the leadership of Janata Party with Morarji Desai as Prime Minister, with the coalition of four parties in the Sixth Lok Sabha.
• However, technically, this was not a coalition government.
• The four political parties contested together with a common symbol.
• Because of contesting with a single election symbol, it technically did not get the status of the first coalition government.

b) Second Coalition Government (రెండవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (July 28, 1979 – January 14, 1980):

• In the Sixth Lok Sabha, a temporary coalition government was formed with Charan Singh as Prime Minister, with some political parties joining.

c) Third Coalition Government (మూడవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (December 2, 1989 - November 10, 1990):

• In the 9th Lok Sabha, a coalition government was formed under the leadership of V.P. Singh as Prime Minister, with the National Front coalition joining some parties at the Union level. Technically, this is considered the first coalition government.
• Reason: Political parties contested in elections with their own symbols.
• Parties: Janata Dal + Asom Gana Parishad + Telugu Desam + DMK + BJP + Left Front supported from outside.

d) Fourth Coalition Government (నాల్గవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (November 11, 1990 - June 21, 1991):

• A coalition government was formed with Chandra Shekhar as Prime Minister.
• Parties: Samajwadi + Janata Party + Congress.

e) Fifth Coalition Government (ఐదవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (July 1, 1996 – May 20, 1997):

• In the 11th Lok Sabha, a coalition government was formed under the name United Front with H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister.
• Parties: Janata Dal + 13 parties.

f) Sixth Coalition Government (ఆరవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (April 21, 1997 - March 19, 1998):

• In the 11th Lok Sabha, a coalition government was formed under the leadership of United Front with I.K. Gujral as Prime Minister.
• Parties: United Front + Congress.

g) Seventh Coalition Government (ఏడవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (March 19, 1998 – October 10, 1998):

• A coalition government was formed under the leadership of Vajpayee before the elections in the 12th Lok Sabha.

h) Eighth Coalition Government (ఎనిమిదవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (October 11, 1999 - May 21, 2004):

• In the 13th Lok Sabha, an NDA coalition government was formed under the leadership of BJP with Vajpayee as Prime Minister.

i) Ninth Coalition Government (తొమ్మిదవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (May 2004 – May 2009):

• In the 14th Lok Sabha, a coalition government was formed under the leadership of Congress, United Progressive Alliance coalition, with Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister.

j) Tenth Coalition Government (పదవ సంకీర్ణ ప్రభుత్వం) (May 2, 2009 – May 18, 2014):

• In the 15th Lok Sabha, a coalition government was formed under the leadership of Congress, UPA coalition of parties, with Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister.

33. Leader of the Opposition (ప్రతి పక్ష నాయకుడు)

• There is a Leader of the Opposition in each House of Parliament.
• In a parliamentary system, the Leader of the Opposition plays a prominent role.
• His main duties are to constructively criticize government policies and to form an alternative government.
• Due to this reason, according to the Salaries and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, in 1977, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was granted statutory recognition.
• They are provided with salaries, allowances, and other amenities equal to a Cabinet Minister.
• Official recognition to the Leader of the Opposition first came in 1969. In America, such an authority is called "Minority Leader."
• According to the above Act, 'Leader of the Opposition' means the member of either Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha who is currently the leader of the party in that House, who is in opposition to the government, has the largest numerical strength, and is recognized by the Chairman or Speaker.
• Moreover, if there are two or more parties in opposition to the government with equal numerical strength, the Chairman (or Speaker, considering the position of the parties) recognizes any one of the leaders of such parties as the Leader of the Opposition. And such recognition is final and decisive.
• According to the orders issued by the Chairman and Speaker, the minimum numerical strength required for recognition as a political party is one-tenth of the total members of that House.
• In the British political system, there is a special body called "Shadow Cabinet." This is formed by the opposition party.
• Parallel to the ruling cabinet, the opposition party, through the Shadow Cabinet, provides appropriate training to members for becoming ministers in the future.
• This Shadow Cabinet has a Shadow Cabinet Minister for every Cabinet Minister of the ruling party.
• Whenever there is a change in the present government, the opposition party's shadow cabinet is immediately ready as an alternative.
• For this reason, Sir Ivor Jennings described the Leader of the Opposition as the "alternative Prime Minister."
• He/She has the status of a Minister. The government pays him/her a salary.
• Although the posts of Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition are not mentioned in the Constitution, they are mentioned in parliamentary law and House rules.

34. Whip (విప్)

• The term 'Whip' is not mentioned in the Constitution, Parliamentary law, or House rules.
• This post originated based on the traditions in parliamentary government.
• Every political party, whether it is the ruling party or the opposition, has its own Chief Whips in Parliament.
• Each political party appoints a Whip to assist the Floor Leader.
• The Whip assumes the responsibility for ensuring that their party members attend the House responsibly in large numbers.
• According to party directives, this person makes the necessary decisions on whether members should support or oppose a political issue.
• All members must follow the Whip's directives. Otherwise, disciplinary action will be taken.
• In the Lok Sabha, the Chief Whip of the ruling party is the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
• In the Rajya Sabha, the Deputy Minister of the Department of Parliamentary Affairs holds this position.
• The Chief Whip is directly responsible to the Leader of the House. The Chief Whip's duties include advising the government on parliamentary affairs and maintaining close liaison with ministers regarding parliamentary affairs that affect their departments.
• According to the Parliament (Facilities) Act, 1998, the recognized party's Chief Whip and recognized group are eligible for telephone and secretary facilities.
• According to the above Act, a 'recognized party' means every party that has a strength of not less than fifty-five members for Lok Sabha and twenty-five members for Rajya Sabha.
• Similarly, a 'recognized group' means not less than thirty members for Lok Sabha and fifteen members for Rajya Sabha.

35. Types of Whips (విప్స్ రకాలు)

• One-Line Whip: This is issued to inform members about voting in the House. A one-line whip allows the member to decide whether to follow the party line or not, and to regulate the member.
• Two-Line Whip: Orders are issued to members to be present in the House during voting. But no instructions are given regarding the voting pattern.
• Three-Line Whip: This is issued instructing members to vote according to the party line.

36. Parliamentary Leaders (Parliament Leaders)

Leaders of the House (సభానాయకుడు)

• According to the Lok Sabha rules, the Prime Minister who is a member of the Lok Sabha is referred to as the Leader of the House.
• In addition, a minister nominated by the Prime Minister who is a member of the Lok Sabha can also act as the Leader of the House.
• Similarly, there is also a Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. This person is a member of the Rajya Sabha and a minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
• The Leader of the House in each House performs prominent duties and shows significant influence in House proceedings.
• He/She can nominate a Deputy Leader for the House. In America, such a key person is called 'Majority Leader'.

37. Budget in Parliament (పార్లమెంట్ లో బడ్జెట్)

• The Indian Constitution refers to the Budget as the Annual Financial Statement (Annual Financial Report).
• The word 'Budget' is not used anywhere in the Constitution.
• Article 112 of the Constitution contains provisions regarding the Annual Financial Statement (i.e., Budget).
• Budget means a statement containing estimates of income and expenditure of the Government of India for a financial year.
• A statement containing estimates of income and expenditure of the Government of India for a financial year is called the Budget. It commences on April 1st and ends on March 31st.
• Apart from income and expenditure estimates, the budget also contains some other elements.
• Overall, the budget contains the following elements:
  1. Revenue and capital estimates
  2. Means and targets of revenue earning
  3. Expenditure estimates
  4. Actual income and expenditure details of the financial year being concluded and reasons for deficit or surplus in the said year.
  5. Financial and fiscal policy for the upcoming year, i.e., tax proposals, revenue sources, expenditure on programs, and new schemes or projects.

38. Stages in Enactment (శాసన ప్రక్రియలో దశలు)

• The budget process in Parliament consists of six stages. They are:
  1. Presentation Stage / Budget Submission
  2. General Discussion
  3. Departmental Committees Review
  4. Voting on Demands for Grants
  5. Approval of Appropriation Bill / Vote on Account
  6. Financial Bill / Money Bill Approval

1) Presentation Stage / Budget Submission (ప్రవేశదశ/ బడ్జెట్ సమర్పణ):

• Following tradition, the Union Finance Minister presents the Budget in the Lok Sabha on the last working day of February.
• However, from 2017 onwards, the budget presentation in Lok Sabha has been advanced to February 1st.
• Also, the budget can be presented to the House in two or more parts. When presented in parts, each part is also considered as a budget.
• There is no discussion on the budget on the day the budget is presented.
• The speech given by the Finance Minister before introducing the budget is called the Budget Speech. After this speech, the budget is placed in the Rajya Sabha.
• The Rajya Sabha only discusses it. It does not have the power to vote on Demands for Grants.
• The budget documents submitted to Parliament are in the following format:
  • Budget Speech
  • Annual Financial Statement (Statement)
  • Request for Grants
  • Finance Bill
  • Statements mandated under the FRBM Act:
    1. Macroeconomic Framework Statement
    2. Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement
    3. Medium-Term Fiscal Policy Statement
  • Expenditure Budget
  • Expenditure Profile
  • Memorandum explaining the provisions in the Finance Bill
  • Budget at a Glance
  • Outcome Budget (Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework)
  • Budget Highlights
  • Implementation of Previous Budget Announcements
  • Key Budget Documents.

2) General Discussion (సాధారణ చర్చ):

• After the budget presentation, the House is adjourned for 7 days. After the House reconvenes, a general discussion on the budget takes place. There are no cut motions in this stage, nor is there voting on the budget.
• In this stage, discussion takes place not specifically on budget items but on governance failures, corruption, law and order, national integrity, inflation, etc.
• After the discussion concludes, the Finance Minister gives a speech in reply.

a) Policy Cut Motion (విధాన కోత తీర్మానం)

• If the policy underlying the government expenditure is not acceptable, Parliament proposes a Policy Cut Motion.
• Through this, the demanded amount is reduced to ₹1.
• Through this, members can oppose government policy and propose alternative policies.

b) Economy Cut Motion (మితవ్యయ లేదా ఆర్థిక కోత తీర్మానం)

• This motion is proposed with the intention of enforcing economy in government expenditure when it is felt that the government is spending excessively.
• Through this, it is proposed to reduce a certain amount from the total demanded amount or to remove an item.

c) Token Cut Motion (నామమాత్ర కోత తీర్మానం)

• Token Cut Motion is proposed to express dissent against the government.
• Through this, ₹100 is reduced from the demanded amount.

Nature of Cut Motions (కోత తీర్మానాల స్వభావం):

• Cut motions are generally introduced by the opposition. Hence, they are not allowed for discussion.
• Even if the Speaker allows them for discussion, they are not passed due to the government's majority.
• If these are passed, the government must resign.
• Through these, no-confidence is expressed in the government. Therefore, these should be introduced only in the Lok Sabha (Cut motions are not present in the Rajya Sabha).

3) Departmental Committees Review (డిపార్ట్మెంట్ కమిటీల పరిశీలన):

• After the general discussion, the House is adjourned for three to four weeks.
• During this recess, the 24 Departmental Standing Committees of Parliament thoroughly examine the grant demands of the concerned ministers.
• Reports related to these are submitted to both Houses in Parliament.
• The Standing Committee system was established in 1993. It was expanded in 2004.
• This committee makes financial control in Parliament possible in a detailed and comprehensive manner over ministers.

4) Voting on Demands for Grants (గ్రాంట్ల కొరకు డిమాండ్లపై ఓటింగ్):

• Based on the above Departmental reports, voting on Demands for Grants takes place in the Lok Sabha.
• These are submitted ministry-wise. After voting is completed, it becomes a Demand Grant.
• Two points should be noted here. Firstly, the power to demand voting on grants is vested only in the Lok Sabha. That is, Rajya Sabha does not have it.
• Secondly, voting takes place only on the part of the budget that can be voted upon.
• There is no voting on expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India. (However, it can be discussed).
• The Lok Sabha discusses each demand separately. In this stage, every member in Parliament discusses the details in the budget.
• Members who wish to reduce these Demand Grants can move resolutions.
• Voting on Demands for Grants can be understood through the three types of cut motions mentioned above.

5) Approval of Appropriation Bill/Vote on Account (అనుమతి ఉపక్రమణ బిల్లు/ఉపకల్పనా బిల్లు ఆమోదం):

• According to Article 114, no expenditure can be incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India without Parliament's permission. Therefore, the part of the budget related to temporary expenditures is approved through the Appropriation Bill.
• Through this, the expenditure to be taken from the Consolidated Fund of India and the expenditure to be paid are shown separately. No amendments should be made at this stage.
• The Appropriation Bill becomes law with the President's assent. With this, the government gets legal permission to make payments from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• This entire process takes until the end of April. Therefore, Parliament approves an interim budget, granting permission to the government to incur expenditures for general operations until then.
• This interim budget is approximately 1/6th of the total budget, valid for a period of 2 months.
• Vote on Account is approved immediately after the general discussion concludes.