With reference to the Union Budget, consider the following statements:

Question

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 1

Answer and Explanation:

The correct answer is (b) 2 only

• The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament: Incorrect. The Union Finance Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget) before both Houses of Parliament, but this is done on behalf of the President of India, not the Prime Minister.

• At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India: 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 ensures that the executive has a say in the financial matters presented to the legislature.

Therefore, only statement 2 is correct, making option (b) the right answer.