How has Union Budget’s presentation changed over the years, from a briefcase to a tablet?
The Union Budget of India is one of the most highly anticipated events in the country’s economic calendar. Every year, the Finance Minister presents the Budget, outlining the government’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 evolving times and technological advancements. In this blog post, we will explore the transformations that the Union Budget’s presentation has undergone, from the traditional briefcase to a tablet.
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 its financial plans and policies from the beginning of the fiscal year. This change was aimed at enabling the government to get a head start on implementing its budgetary plans, rather than waiting until the end of February.
Another significant change was the shift 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 detailed discussion and analysis of the Budget proposals during the day. This change was aimed at increasing transparency and enabling a more thorough examination of the Budget by stakeholders, including lawmakers, economists, and the media.
In recent years, the presentation of the Union Budget has become more technologically savvy. In 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman switched from the traditional briefcase to a cloth-wrapped ‘bahi khata’ to carry the Budget documents. The ‘bahi khata’ is a traditional Indian ledger book, and its use was seen as a nod to India’s rich cultural heritage. This change was also seen as a move away from the colonial-era tradition of carrying a briefcase, which was introduced by the British.
The use of technology in the presentation of the Union Budget reached a new milestone in 2021, when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented India’s first paperless Budget on a Made-in-India tablet. This move was aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the Budget presentation, which typically involves the printing of thousands of pages of documents. The use of a tablet also enabled the Finance Minister to access and present the Budget documents in a more efficient and organized manner.
The transition from a briefcase to a tablet is not just a symbolic change; it reflects the government’s commitment to embracing technology and innovation. The use of digital platforms and tools has become increasingly prevalent in various aspects of governance, including budgeting and financial management. The presentation of the Union Budget on a tablet is a significant step towards a more digital and paperless future, and it sets an example for other government departments and agencies to follow.
The changes in the presentation of the Union Budget are not just limited to the use of technology; they also reflect the government’s efforts to increase transparency and accountability. The presentation of the Budget is now livestreamed, allowing citizens to watch and engage with the proceedings in real-time. The government also releases detailed documents and reports on the Budget, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the financial plans and policies.
In conclusion, the presentation of the Union Budget has undergone significant changes over the years, from the traditional briefcase to a tablet. These changes reflect the evolving times, technological advancements, and the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. As India continues to grow and develop, it is likely that the presentation of the Union Budget will continue to evolve, incorporating new technologies and innovations. The transition from a briefcase to a tablet is a significant milestone in this journey, and it sets an example for other government departments and agencies to follow.
To know more about the key highlights of the last 10 budgets presented in the Modi regime, transitioning from traditional briefcase to bahi khata, visit: 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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