How is the budget debated in Parliament?
Budget discussion in the Lok Sabha is a two-stage process. In the first stage there is a general discussion on the budget as a whole, lasting 4-5 days. Only the broad contours of the budget and the principles and policies underlying it are discussed at this stage. After the general discussion on both the railway and general budgets, the House is adjourned for a period. In this interval, demands for grants of various ministries and departments including railways are considered by the concerned standing committees (Rule 331G). These committees are required to submit their reports to the House within a specified period without asking for more time. The reports of the standing committees are of persuasive nature, they cannot suggest anything in the nature of cut motions.
How are demands for grants dealt with by the Lok Sabha?
After the reports of the standing committees are available with the House, it begins discussion and voting on demands for grants of each ministry. The speaker, in consultation with the leader of the House, fixes for the time for discussion and voting on demands for grants. On the last day, the speaker puts all the outstanding demands to vote. This process is known as 'guillotine'. The Lok Sabha has the power to assent to or refuse to give assent to any demand or even to reduce the amount of grant sought by the government.
What are cut motions?
These are moved to discuss specific matters by the minister concerned or to ventilate grievances or to suggest economies. Each motion has to focus on one matter and one demand, which needs to be precisely stated. It must not relate to expenditure charged to the consolidated fund of India and not suggest any change of law. There are three types of cuts.
What are the different types of cut motions?
Policy cuts: There is a notional cut of Re 1 to express total disapproval of the policy. Token cut: Grant is sought to be reduced by Rs 100 and the purpose is to ventilate a grievance relating to the demand. Economy cuts: There are cuts suggested by members to bring about economy in expenditure, or to reduce the demand by such amounts that may be considered necessary.
What are the implications of a cut motion getting passed?
The cut motions are put to vote after discussion. Depending on the result of the vote the demands are either reduced or allowed to go through. Cut motions invariably put the government on the defensive, but if the replies are convincing and the ruling party has a good majority then it would not mean much. If the cut motion goes through, the government will have to resign.
National Savings Certificate Here's everything you need to know about the 5-year savings scheme offered by the Government This is a 5-year small savings scheme of the government. From 1 July 2016, a National Savings Certificate (NSC) can be held in the electronic mode too. Physical pre-printed NSC certificates have been discontinued and replaced with Public Provident Fund-like passbooks. What's on offer The minimum amount you can invest in them is Rs100 and there is no upper limit. Under this scheme, all deposits up to Rs1.5 lakh qualify for deduction under section 80C of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The interest earned is taxable. You can invest in multiples of Rs 100. These certificates can be owned individually, jointly and also on behalf of minors. The interest rates for all small savings schemes are released on a quarterly basis. The effective rate for NSC from 1 October to 31 December is 8%. The interest is calculated on an annual compounding basis and is given along w...
