Parliament Passes Appropriation Bill 2026
Context:
Parliament recently passed the Appropriation Bill 2026, which authorizes the government to withdraw additional sums from the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) to meet its expenditures.
The Bill received final parliamentary clearance after the Rajya Sabha returned it to the Lok Sabha following a discussion on supplementary grants
Highlights of the Discussion:
LPG and Energy Security:
Addressing concerns about the West Asia conflict's impact on LPG supplies, the Union Finance Minister noted that while 65% of India's LPG requirement is imported (with 90% passing through the vulnerable Strait of Hormuz), the government has ensured steady shipping lines.
Crucially, domestic LPG production is being ramped up by about 25% by diverting other hydrocarbon materials.
Fertiliser Subsidy:
The government has allocated an additional ₹19,230 crore for fertiliser subsidies specifically to handle any exigencies that may arise while importing fertilisers for the upcoming Rabi crop season.
Insurance Target:
The finance minister also highlighted that health insurance is a major priority, announcing a target to achieve insurance cover for all citizens by 2033.
The sector already covered roughly 58 crore lives during 2024-25.
Procedure for Passage of an Appropriation Bill:
The Mandate:
Under Article 114(3) of the Indian Constitution, no money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India except under an appropriation made by law passed in accordance with the provisions of this article.
According to Article 114(1), an Appropriation Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha only after the demands for grants under Article 113 have been made by the House of the People.
Article 114(2) explicitly states that no amendment shall be proposed to an Appropriation Bill in either House of Parliament that would have the effect of varying the amount or altering the destination of any grant, or varying the amount of any expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.