PYQ Question

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 can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

March 11, 2026 en

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 can be made except on the 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

Answer: B

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. Article 112 of the Indian Constitution states that the President shall cause the Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget) to be laid before both Houses of Parliament. While the Finance Minister presents the budget, they do so on behalf of the President, not the Prime Minister. Statement 2 is correct. Article 113(3) explicitly mandates that no demand for a grant can be made in the Lok Sabha except on the recommendation of the President of India. This ensures executive oversight over financial proposals. This question tests fundamental constitutional procedures related to the Union Budget.