India is gearing up for the presentation of the Union Budget for 2025 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. Last year, she presented an interim budget around the same time.
Have you ever wondered about the difference between an interim budget and an annual budget? They sound similar, but they play totally different roles in shaping the nation’s economy. So what exactly is the interim budget vs the annual budget? Let’s understand each.
What is an Interim Budget?
An interim budget is a temporary financial plan presented by the government when the country is going for an election or when there is a transition period. Its main purpose is to ensure that the government has the necessary funds to continue operations until a new government is formed and can present a full budget. The interim budget is not meant to introduce new policy changes or major reforms that might influence voters unduly.
What Does the Interim Budget do
- The interim budget provides an update on the economic health of the country, including fiscal performance and projections for the next few months.
- In the interim budget, only the basic expenses required until the new government comes into power are outlined. It details the government’s planned and non-planned expenditures and receipts without proposing new schemes or tax changes.
- The interim budget serves as a stop-gap arrangement, ensuring that governance does not come to a halt during the electoral transition. It is debated in the Lok Sabha mainly for approval, but not like how a full budget is debated.
The interim budget is usually followed by a vote-on-account, which grants the government permission to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet essential expenses during the transition period.
What is an Annual Budget?
The annual or full budget is a comprehensive financial statement presented by the government for the entire fiscal year, from April 1 to March 31. It gives a summary of the government’s fiscal strategy.
What Does the Annual Budget do
- In the annual budget, policy announcements like new economic policies, tax reforms, welfare schemes, and significant allocations for various sectors like health, education, defense, and infrastructure are announced.
- Detailed estimates of revenue from taxes, non-tax receipts, and other sources, alongside planned expenditures across different ministries, are thoroughly documented in the annual budget.
- The annual budget provides a detailed analysis of the economy’s performance, offering insights into policy directions.
The annual budget is subjected to intense debate and scrutiny in both houses of Parliament, where it is not only passed but also can be amended based on recommendations from members. This budget influences everything from individual tax liabilities to corporate policies and national development projects.
Differences Between Interim Budget and Annual Budget
The key differences between the interim and the annual budget can be summarized as follows:
Duration
- Interim Budget: Interim Budget is a short-term budget which covers the period until a new government assumes office. It is effective for 2-4 months of the fiscal year.
- Annual Budget: The annual budget chalks out the government’s detailed financial plan for the entire fiscal year, covering all sectors and addressing long-term goals.
Parliamentary Procedure
- Interim Budget: In the case of an interim budget, the focus is primarily on securing approval for a vote-on-account to cover immediate expenses, with limited debate on long-term fiscal strategies.
- Annual Budget: The annual budget involves extensive debates and discussions in the Parliament, with detailed scrutiny by parliamentary committees. It is passed after complete discussions in Lok Sabha.
Policy Announcements
- Interim Budget: An interim budget focuses mainly on non-discretionary expenses such as salaries, pensions, subsidies etc.
- Annual Budget: The annual budget can include new policy announcements, adjustments to tax structures, and the launch of new initiatives.
Expenses and Income
- Interim Budget: The Interim budget only presents a summary of the expenses and income of the previous year.
- Annual Budget: The annual budget has detailed information on income and expenses of the previous year.
Impact
- Interim Budget: The interim budget is seen more as an administrative function with limited economic impact beyond the immediate term.
- Annual Budget: The annual budget often sets the tone for economic policy, affecting markets, investments, and public sentiment.
The Union Budget is scheduled to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, at 11 am. The Budget 2025 session will be broadcast live on various news channels and will also be streamed online through the official government platform. You can also watch Union Budget 2025 on the ZEE5 website and app.