Final Stage of Preparations for Union Budget 2024-25 Commences with Customary Halwa Ceremony in New Delhi

The final stage of preparations for the Union Budget 2024-25 officially began today with the traditional Halwa Ceremony held in New Delhi. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, and Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary.

Significance of the Halwa Ceremony

The Halwa Ceremony is a customary ritual performed every year to mark the final stage of the Budget preparation process. This ceremony symbolizes the initiation of the ‘lock-in’ period for officials involved in the Budget preparation. During this period, these officials remain isolated to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the Union Budget until it is presented in Parliament.

Union Budget 2024-25 Presentation

The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 is scheduled to be presented by the Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, on 23rd July 2024. This budget is highly anticipated as it outlines the government’s financial plans and policies for the upcoming fiscal year, impacting various sectors of the economy.

Digital Accessibility of Budget Documents

In a move towards enhancing digital convenience, all Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as the Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), and the Finance Bill, will be made accessible through the “Union Budget Mobile App”. This initiative aims to provide hassle-free access to Budget documents for Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public.

Features of the Union Budget Mobile App

• Bilingual Availability: The app will be available in both English and Hindi, catering to a wider audience.
• Platform Compatibility: The app can be downloaded on both Android and iOS platforms.
• Access Point: The app will also be available for download from the Union Budget Web Portal (www.indiabudget.gov.in).

The Budget documents will be uploaded on the Mobile App immediately after the Union Finance Minister concludes the Budget Speech in Parliament on 23rd July 2024.

Dignitaries Present at the Ceremony

The Halwa Ceremony was attended by several key officials:

• Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary
• Secretaries of the Ministry of Finance
• Other senior officers of the Government of India involved in the Budget preparation

I conclude that, The Halwa Ceremony is a revered tradition that signifies the culmination of extensive efforts and meticulous planning involved in preparing the Union Budget. As the Union Budget 2024-25 is set to be presented, the ceremony marks a significant step towards unveiling the government’s financial roadmap for the forthcoming year, reflecting its economic priorities and policy directions.