Passage of Appropriation Bill
The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2024, a crucial legislative measure that authorizes the central government to allocate funds from the Consolidated Fund of India to cover the estimated expenditures for the financial year 2024-25.
Guillotined Discussions and Swift Passage
Following discussions on the demands for grants related to various ministries, including the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Speaker Om Birla initiated the guillotine process. This expedited the passage of the bill, with all cut motions proposed by members being rejected by a voice vote. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman subsequently presented the bill, seeking approval for the allocation of funds.
Prime Minister’s Presence and Finance Bill Anticipation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Lok Sabha just before the bill’s passage. The passing of the Appropriation Bill sets the stage for the upcoming consideration and passage of the Finance Bill, which formally enacts the Union Budget for the fiscal year.
Minister Highlights Equitable Distribution of Funds
Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh lauded the Modi government’s approach to distributing funds without discrimination to all states. He cited examples of projects approved and funds released to West Bengal under the Blue Revolution Project and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Singh emphasized the central government’s commitment to fulfilling the financial needs of all states.
Focus on Fisheries and Dairy Sectors
Singh highlighted India’s prominent position in the global fishery and dairy sectors, ranking second in fishery production and first in dairy production. He also elaborated on initiatives aimed at addressing challenges faced by fishermen, such as cross-border issues with Sri Lanka and the deployment of transponders to enhance communication and safety.
Summary
The Lok Sabha’s passage of the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2024, is a pivotal step in ensuring the financial resources necessary for the government’s operations in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The bill’s passage followed discussions on budgetary allocations for various ministries and underscored the government’s commitment to equitable fund distribution among states. Additionally, the spotlight on the fisheries and dairy sectors highlighted India’s significant role in these industries.
Key Takeaways from the Appropriation Bill Passage
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Bill authorizes fund allocation. | The bill allows the central government to draw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for FY 2024-25. |
| Discussions guillotined for efficiency. | Speaker Om Birla used the guillotine process to expedite the bill’s passage after discussions. |
| Minister emphasizes equitable funding. | Minister Singh highlighted the government’s fair distribution of funds to all states. |
| India’s prominence in fisheries and dairy. | India holds a leading position in both fishery and dairy production globally. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
