What is the Interim Budget? How is it Different from the Union Budget?

On February 1, 2024, FM Niramala Sitharaman announced the Interim Budget 2024. The term “Interim Budget” may be unfamiliar to you. 

In this blog, we're going to discuss the Interim Budget. We'll also learn about what makes it different from the regular Union Budget.

What is the Interim Budget?

The Interim Budget, also known as(aka) a Vote on Account, is a financial provision presented by the government in specific situations. 

The Interim Budget is a temporary solution when the government needs to keep things running smoothly for a short time. The primary objective of the Interim Budget is to meet the immediate fiscal needs of the government and maintain the continuity of essential services until a new government is formed.

As we are well-aware that general elections are expected to be held in India between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha. The Union budget can’t be planned by the current ruling government.

Key Characteristics of Interim Budget

1. Temporary Nature

The Interim Budget is not the big, detailed plan for the whole year like the Union Budget. It's more like a short to-do list to manage money for a little while.

2. Maintenance of Essential Expenditures

Unlike the Union Budget, the Interim Budget primarily addresses ongoing expenditures such as salaries, ongoing government programs, and other essential outlays necessary for the smooth functioning of the government. 

It avoids introducing new policies or making significant changes in taxation during this interim period.

3. Restrictions on Major Policy Decisions

The Interim Budget doesn't bring in new rules/policies or big changes. It's a bit like holding off on new ideas until a fresh government comes in and does the big planning.

How is the Interim Budget Different from the Union Budget?

1. Scope and Detail

The Union Budget is a comprehensive financial statement that outlines the government's revenue and expenditure for the upcoming financial year. It covers a wide range of sectors and provides detailed allocations for various government programs, projects, and initiatives. 

In contrast, the Interim Budget has a narrower focus, mainly addressing immediate financial needs without delving into the intricacies of long-term planning.

2. Policy Formulation

The Union Budget is a platform for introducing new policies, amendments in taxation, and outlining the government's economic priorities. It reflects the long-term vision and goals of the ruling government. 

On the other hand, the Interim Budget is more of a caretaker measure, maintaining the status quo and allowing the newly elected government to chart its course.

To wrap it up!

In conclusion, while both the Union Budget and the Interim Budget are crucial components of a nation's financial landscape, they serve different purposes and cater to distinct timelines. 

The Union Budget lays the foundation for the government's fiscal policies for an entire year, whereas the Interim Budget acts as a temporary bridge, ensuring financial continuity until a new government can formulate and present a comprehensive budget.