LS gives nod to demands for grants, Appropriation Bill

The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Union Budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year with a voice vote, as the Appropriation Bill was approved, paving the way for the Centre to spend Rs 50.65 lakh crore from the Consolidated Fund of India for the upcoming fiscal. The passage of the bill marks a significant step toward the implementation of the budget, which will come into effect from April 1, 2025.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Appropriation Bill in the Lok Sabha, and its approval signifies that the central government can now access the funds needed for the financial year 2025-26. The Finance Bill, which contains the tax proposals outlined in the Union Budget presented by Sitharaman on February 1, is expected to be passed next week. Once approved, it will pave the way for the implementation of the tax changes for the new fiscal year.

Earlier in the proceedings, the Lok Sabha passed the Demands for Grants under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for 2025-26. The House also approved Demands for Grants for various ministries, including Chemicals and Fertilizers, Power, Commerce and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the guillotine process.