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Appropriation Bill 2026 Passed by Parliament
What's the News?
- Parliament has passed the Appropriation Bill 2026 during the Budget Session 2026, with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha approving the legislation .
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the Rajya Sabha, asserting that the government's budgeting process remains transparent and realistic .
- The Bill authorises the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for government expenditure for the financial year .
- This is a Money Bill, which means it originates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha can only make recommendations .
Appropriation Bill
- Purpose: The Bill seeks to authorise payment and appropriation of certain sums from the Consolidated Fund of India for government services .
- Legal Requirement: No money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund without parliamentary approval through this Bill .
- Timing: Introduced after the Union Budget is presented and voted upon by Parliament .
- Scope: Covers all government expenditure proposals approved during the budget discussion .
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 114: Deals with the Appropriation Bill – no amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except under appropriation made by law .
- Article 110: Defines Money Bills, including Appropriation Bills .
- Article 266: Establishes the Consolidated Fund of India – all government revenues and expenditures flow through this fund .
- Presidential Recommendation: The Bill requires the President's recommendation before introduction in Parliament .
Significance for Governance
- Parliamentary Control: Ensures legislative oversight over executive spending .
- Financial Accountability: Government must justify every expenditure before Parliament .
- Budget Implementation: Enables actual release of funds for various schemes and programs .
- Transparency: FM Sitharaman emphasised the government's commitment to realistic budgeting .
Additional Info
- Types of Appropriation Bills:
- Main Appropriation Bill: Passed after the main Budget
- Supplementary Appropriation Bill: For additional expenditure during the year
- Vote on Account: Allows interim spending before full Budget passage
- Parliamentary Process:
- Introduced in Lok Sabha only (as Money Bill)
- Rajya Sabha can discuss but not amend
- Requires simple majority for passage
- Receives President's assent to become law
- Related Constitutional Bodies:
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG): Audits government expenditure
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Reviews government spending
- Finance Commission: Recommends fund distribution between Centre and States
- Key Metrics:
- ₹41,430 crore mentioned by FM in Rajya Sabha discussion on expenditure
- ₹1.4 lakh crore allocated to States as Finance Commission Grants for FY 2026-27