Vote on account - GS questions based on daily current affairs

ANSWER: 116

Explanation:

• Article 116 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Vote on Account.
• It states that - The House of the People shall have power to make any grant in advance in respect of the estimated expenditure for a part of any financial year pending the completion of the procedure prescribed in article 113 for the voting of such grant and the passing of the law in accordance with the provisions of article 114 in relation to that expenditure.
• Vote of account has been a necessary feature since the adoption of the Constitution of India.
• By advancing of budget presentation by a month and completion of Budget related legislative business before 31st March, it would pave the way for early completion of Budget cycle and will also preclude the need for seeking appropriation through 'Vote on Account'.

ANSWER: It is generally one-sixth of the total estimation.

Explanation:

• Government cannot withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund of India till the enactment of the appropriation bill. This takes time but the government needs money to carry on its normal activities after 31 March (the end of the financial year).
• To overcome this functional difficulty, the Constitution has authorised the Lok Sabha to make any grant in advance in respect to the estimated expenditure for a part of the financial year, pending the completion of the voting of the demands for grants and the enactment of the appropriation bill.
• This provision is known as the ‘vote on account’. It is passed (or granted) after the general discussion on budget is over.
• It is generally granted for two months for an amount equivalent to one-sixth of the total estimation.