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Budget Transformation in 12 Years: Key Changes During Modi Government

By Ram Chethan
Budget Transformation in 12 Years: Key Changes During Modi Government

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s Union Budget has undergone significant transformations over the past 12 years. Changes such as the shift in presentation date, merging of the Railway Budget, the adoption of the traditional “bahikhata,” and the transition to a digital budget have given the Union Budget a modern shape.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her 9th consecutive Union Budget today. This is India’s 88th Union Budget, and during the Modi government’s tenure, several important reforms have reshaped the budget’s structure.

Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the Union Budget has evolved from being merely a record of figures to a symbol of reform and transformation. Over the past 12 years, the government has introduced multiple changes, ranging from the presentation date to traditional practices.Arayna Women's Cotton Printed Floral Straight Kurta with Palazzo Pants and Dupatta

Key Changes Include:

  1. Budget Presentation Date:
    Since 2017, the Union Budget has been presented on February 1. Previously, it was presented on the last working day of February. This change was made to allow time for implementing plans before the start of the new financial year.

  2. Merger of Railway Budget:
    The separate Railway Budget, which had been in practice since 1924, was merged with the Union Budget in 2017. This merger enabled a stronger focus on long-term development in the railway sector.

  3. Adoption of “Bahikhata” Tradition:
    In 2019, the practice of carrying budget documents in a leather briefcase was replaced with the Indian traditional “bahikhata.” This step is considered a symbolic gesture reflecting Indian culture.

  4. Digital Budget Transition:
    Since 2021, the budget has been fully digital. Finance Ministers now read the budget speech on a tablet instead of using paper books. This initiative has saved paper and money, while strengthening the Digital India vision.

Overall, during the Modi government’s tenure, the Union Budget has become a blend of modernity, transparency, and Indian ethos. These changes highlight a new direction in India’s governance and administrative practices.