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 crucial event that outlines the country’s financial plans and policies for the upcoming fiscal year. Over the years, the presentation of the Budget has undergone significant changes, reflecting the evolving times and technological advancements. From the traditional briefcase to a cloth-wrapped ‘bahi khata’ and eventually to a Made-in-India tablet, the mode of presenting the Budget has transformed dramatically.
One of the most notable changes in the presentation of the Union Budget was the shift in the date of presentation. Until 2017, the Budget was presented on the last day of February. However, in 2017, the date was changed to February 1, allowing the government to implement the Budget provisions from the beginning of the fiscal year. This change enabled the government to complete the legislative process for the Budget before the start of the new financial year, thereby facilitating the early implementation of the Budget schemes.
Another significant change was the alteration in the presentation time of the Budget. Until 1999, the Budget was presented at 5:00 pm. However, in 1999, the presentation time was changed to 11:00 am, allowing for a more convenient and timely dissemination of the Budget information to the public and the media.
In recent years, the presentation of the Budget has become more tech-savvy and environmentally friendly. In 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman broke away from the traditional briefcase and instead used a cloth-wrapped ‘bahi khata’ to carry the Budget documents. The ‘bahi khata’ is a traditional Indian ledger book, and its use symbolized the government’s efforts to promote Indian culture and traditions.
However, the most significant change in the presentation of the Budget 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 and eco-friendly approach, reducing the need for printed documents and minimizing the environmental impact of the Budget presentation.
The use of a tablet to present the Budget also highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting digitalization and technological innovation. The Budget documents were made available on a mobile app, allowing citizens to access the information easily and conveniently. This move was in line with the government’s Digital India initiative, which aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society.
The transition from a traditional briefcase to a ‘bahi khata’ and eventually to a tablet reflects the government’s efforts to adapt to changing times and technologies. The use of digital platforms and tools has enabled the government to present the Budget in a more efficient, transparent, and environmentally friendly manner.
In conclusion, the presentation of the Union Budget has undergone significant changes over the years, from the traditional briefcase to a cloth-wrapped ‘bahi khata’ and eventually to a Made-in-India tablet. These changes reflect the government’s efforts to adapt to evolving technologies, promote Indian culture and traditions, and reduce the environmental impact of the Budget presentation. As India continues to grow and develop, it is likely that the presentation of the Budget will continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies and innovations that promote transparency, efficiency, and sustainability.
The last 10 Budgets presented in the Modi regime have been notable for their focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare. The government has introduced various initiatives and schemes to promote economic development, improve healthcare and education, and enhance the overall quality of life for citizens. The transition from a traditional briefcase to a ‘bahi khata’ and eventually to a tablet is a testament to the government’s commitment to innovation and progress.
As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how the presentation of the Budget continues to evolve. Will we see the use of artificial intelligence, blockchain, or other emerging technologies to present the Budget? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the presentation of the Union Budget will continue to be an important event that shapes the country’s economic and social landscape.
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