Article 113 of Indian Constitution, Interpretation, Purpose

The Constitution of India was adopted on 26 November 1949, providing a detailed framework for governing the country. It defines the structure and functioning of governments at various levels. Article 113 of Indian Constitution deals with the procedure in Parliament regarding estimates, setting out the rules and guidelines for the budgeting process and the allocation of government funds.

Article 113 of Indian Constitution

• So much of the estimates as relates to expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India shall not be submitted to the vote of Parliament, but nothing in this clause shall be construed as preventing the discussion in either House of Parliament of any of those estimates.
• So much of the said estimates as relates to other expenditure shall be submitted in the form of demands for grants to the House of the People, and the House of the People shall have power to assent, or to refuse to assent, to any demand, or to assent to any demand subject to a reduction of the amount specified therein.
• No demand for a grant shall be made except on the recommendation of the President.

Article 113 of Indian Constitution Interpretation

Under Article 113 of the Indian Constitution, the President presents the annual financial statement to both Houses of Parliament. This statement contains the government’s estimated income and expenditure for the upcoming financial year.

The budget divides expenditure into two categories:

• Expenditure charged to the Consolidated Fund of India – Not subject to a vote in Parliament, though it can be discussed.
• Expenditure requiring parliamentary approval – These are presented as demands for grants in the Lok Sabha.

The provision also differentiates between revenue expenditure and other types of expenditure. While charged expenditures are only debated, demands for grants can be approved, rejected, or reduced by the Lok Sabha. Every demand for a grant must carry the President’s recommendation. This process ensures that the executive plays a key role in managing budgetary proposals.

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