Q. With reference to Union Budget, consider the following statements:
1. The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament.
2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant be made except on the can recommendation of the President of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: (b) 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
1. “The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament.”
This statement is incorrect. According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Finance Minister presents the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as the Union Budget) on behalf of the President of India, not the Prime Minister. The Finance Minister is authorized by the President to present the budget to both Houses of Parliament.
2. “At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India.”
This statement is correct. As per Article 113 of the Indian Constitution, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President. This provision ensures that the executive branch (headed by the President) has control over financial matters and that all financial proposals originate from the government.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 2 only.