As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gears up to present the Interim Budget for the fiscal year 2025 on February 1, reports suggest that Parliament Budget Session is slated to convene from January 31 to February 9.
The session will kick off with an address by President Droupadi Murmu to both houses on the opening day, formally marking the commencement of the budget session in the parliament.
The upcoming Interim Budget is expected to align with the pre-election strategy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). With a focus on inclusive growth, Finance Minister Sitharaman aims to target welfare schemes for key sections of society, including women, the poor, youth, farmers, and tribals.
In parallel, the Delhi government has initiated preparations for the 2024-25 budget. The Finance Department has directed various departments to formulate realistic budget estimates.
In an official communication, the Finance Department emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the budgetary position based on the actual expenditures of the last nine months. The directive aims to discourage excessive re-appropriation of funds, non-surrendering of anticipated savings, and a last-minute surge in expenditure.
Departments have been urged to conduct a realistic appraisal of actual expenditures expected during 2023-24 and submit a consolidated statement of final excess and savings by January 10, 2024. The government's proactive approach in this early-stage evaluation ensures fiscal responsibility and prudent financial planning.
