India’s marginalised Parliament in budgetary affairs
India’s marginalised Parliament in budgetary affairs A national budget is far more than a mere financial statement; it is a reflection of a country’s economic vision, governance philosophy, and policy priorities. In democratic systems, the principle of parliamentary control over public finance is fundamental, ensuring fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability. However, in India, the role of Parliament in shaping the Budget remains minimal, with an executive-driven process that sidelines legislators. To rectify this imbalance, critical institutional reforms, such as pre-Budget discussions and the establishment of a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), must be implemented to enhance legislative oversight and ensure a…