In a groundbreaking move towards digital governance, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the 2024 Interim Union Budget on February 1, marking the fourth consecutive paperless budget. The Finance Ministry’s recent release on January 24 highlights that all budget documents will be accessible in digital mode through the ‘Union Budget Mobile App,’ catering to both iOS and Android users.
The app, available in bilingual mode (English & Hindi), promises a seamless experience for Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public. Designed for hassle-free access to essential documents such as the Annual Financial Statement, Demand for Grants, and the Finance Bill, it represents a leap towards simplicity and accessibility in the budgetary process. Don’t miss the chance to witness a historic shift away from traditional methods!
As a departure from the customary ‘bahi khata,’ Finance Minister Sitharaman, after her debut Budget in 2019, advocated for the use of tablets, emphasizing the need to discard colonial practices and embrace modernity for ease of use. The final stage of preparation for the Interim Union Budget 2024 was marked by the traditional “Halwa ceremony” at North Block, symbolizing the lock-in of the budget preparation process.
Also Read: Unlocking Tax Benefits for Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donations: A Guide to Claiming Deductions in Your ITR
While officials engage in a mandatory “lock-in” period to safeguard the confidentiality of financial information, the Interim Union Budget 2024 is poised to make history as it follows the trend of its predecessors with a paperless presentation. Although a few physical copies will be printed for record-keeping purposes, the Finance Ministry’s statement emphasizes that the Union Budget documents will be readily available on the “Union Budget Mobile App.”
Get ready for a digital revolution in fiscal management! Stay informed, stay connected, and witness the future unfold with Nirmala Sitharaman’s fourth paperless budget on February 1, 2024. The power of financial transparency is now at your fingertips!