How has Union Budget’s presentation changed over the years, from a briefcase to a tablet?
The Union Budget of India, presented annually by the Finance Minister, is a highly anticipated event that outlines the country’s financial plans and policies for the upcoming fiscal year. Over the years, the presentation of the Union Budget has undergone significant changes, reflecting the country’s evolving economy, technological advancements, and cultural heritage. In this blog post, we will explore the transformation of the Union Budget’s presentation, from the traditional briefcase to the modern tablet.
Historically, the Union Budget was presented on the last day of February, typically around 5:00 pm. However, in 1999, the presentation time was changed to 11:00 am, marking a significant shift in the country’s financial calendar. This change was aimed at ensuring that the Budget is presented at a time when the financial markets are active, allowing for a more timely and effective analysis of the Budget’s provisions.
In 2017, another significant change was introduced, when the date of the Budget presentation was advanced to February 1. This change was intended to enable the Budget to be implemented from the beginning of the fiscal year, rather than in mid-March, as was the case earlier. This move was seen as a step towards improving the country’s financial management and ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources.
The traditional briefcase, which was used to carry the Budget documents, has also undergone a transformation over the years. In 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman broke with tradition by carrying the Budget documents in a cloth-wrapped ‘bahi khata’, instead of the conventional briefcase. This move was seen as a nod to India’s rich cultural heritage and a symbol of the country’s commitment to traditional values.
The use of a ‘bahi khata’, a traditional Indian ledger book, was a significant departure from the traditional briefcase, which had been used for decades. The ‘bahi khata’ was wrapped in a red cloth, symbolizing the country’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of the Budget in shaping the nation’s economy.
The most significant change in the presentation of the Union Budget, however, came in 2021, when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented India’s first paperless Budget on a Made-in-India tablet. This move marked a significant shift towards a digital economy and highlighted the government’s commitment to embracing technology and reducing its carbon footprint.
The use of a tablet to present the Budget was a major innovation, allowing for a more interactive and engaging presentation. The tablet enabled the Finance Minister to access and present the Budget documents in a more efficient and organized manner, while also reducing the need for physical paper and minimizing the environmental impact of the Budget presentation.
The transition from a traditional briefcase to a tablet reflects the country’s growing emphasis on technology and digitalization. The use of digital tools and platforms has become increasingly prevalent in various aspects of the economy, including finance, education, and healthcare. The presentation of the Union Budget on a tablet is a testament to the government’s commitment to embracing technology and leveraging its potential to drive economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the presentation of the Union Budget has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the country’s evolving economy, technological advancements, and cultural heritage. From the traditional briefcase to the modern tablet, the Budget presentation has become more efficient, interactive, and environmentally friendly. As the country continues to grow and develop, it is likely that the presentation of the Union Budget will continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies and innovations that will shape the future of the Indian economy.
The key highlights of the last 10 Budgets presented in the Modi regime, including the transition from a traditional briefcase to a ‘bahi khata’ and finally to a tablet, can be found at https://www.freepressjournal.in/amp/business/budget-2024-check-key-highlights-of-last-10-budgets-presented-in-modi-regime-transitioning-from-traditional-briefcase-to-bahi-khata
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