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 Budget has undergone significant changes, reflecting the evolving times and technological advancements. In this blog post, we will delve into the transformations that have taken place in the presentation of the Union Budget, from the traditional briefcase to the modern tablet.
One of the 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, with the aim of enabling the Budget to be implemented from the start of the new financial year. This change allowed for a more efficient and timely implementation of the Budget, enabling the government to allocate funds and resources more effectively.
Another significant change was the alteration of the presentation time. Until 1999, the Budget was presented at 5:00 pm. However, in 1999, the presentation time was changed to 11:00 am, with the intention of allowing more time for discussion and debate on the Budget proposals. This change enabled the government to engage with stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, economists, and industry experts, and to address any concerns or queries they may have.
In recent years, the presentation of the Union Budget has become more modern and tech-savvy. 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. 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, added a touch of nostalgia and cultural significance to the Budget presentation.
The most significant change, 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 and environmentally friendly approach, in line with the government’s Digital India initiative. The use of a tablet enabled the Minister to access and present the Budget documents in a more efficient and convenient manner, while also reducing the environmental impact of printing and distributing physical copies of the Budget.
The transition to a paperless Budget was a significant milestone in the presentation of the Union Budget. It not only reflected the government’s commitment to embracing technology and innovation but also highlighted the country’s ability to adapt to changing times. The use of a Made-in-India tablet also underscored the government’s focus on promoting domestic manufacturing and supporting the country’s technological ecosystem.
In conclusion, the presentation of the Union Budget has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the evolving times and technological advancements. From the traditional briefcase to the modern tablet, the Budget presentation has become more modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly. The changes in the date and time of presentation, as well as the shift to a paperless Budget, have all contributed to making the Budget presentation more effective and engaging.
As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how the presentation of the Union Budget continues to evolve. With the increasing use of technology and digital platforms, it is likely that the Budget presentation will become even more interactive and accessible to a wider audience. The government’s commitment to embracing innovation and technology will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of the Union Budget presentation.
For more information on the Union Budget and its presentation, please 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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