Difference Between Ordinary Bill and Money Bill, Key Points

In the Indian parliamentary system, bills are classified into several categories based on their content and implications. Two such significant categories are the Ordinary Bill and the Money Bill. While both are legislative proposals, the procedure for introducing, passing, and approving these bills differs fundamentally due to their nature and constitutional provisions.

Understanding these differences is crucial for civil service aspirants and anyone interested in Indian polity and governance. Let’s explore the meaning, features, and key distinctions between Ordinary and Money Bills.

What is an Ordinary Bill?

An Ordinary Bill refers to a legislative proposal concerned with any matter other than financial subjects specified under Article 110 of the Indian Constitution. It can relate to areas such as education, criminal law, environment, trade, or any of the items in the Union or Concurrent List (excluding those dealing with taxation or government expenditure).

Key Features of an Ordinary Bill

• Can be introduced in either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
• Requires approval of both Houses.
• President’s assent is mandatory after passage by both Houses.
• Can be referred to as a joint sitting if there is disagreement between the Houses.

What is a Money Bill?

A Money Bill is a legislative proposal that deals exclusively with financial matters such as taxation, borrowing of money, expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India, and other financial subjects listed in Article 110 of the Constitution.

Key Features of a Money Bill

• Can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha, and only with the prior recommendation of the President of India.
• The Rajya Sabha cannot amend or reject a Money Bill. It can only make recommendations, which the Lok Sabha may accept or ignore.
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha certifies whether a bill is a Money Bill.
• Must be passed by Lok Sabha only, and is deemed passed even if Rajya Sabha doesn’t act on it within 14 days.

Difference Between Ordinary Bill and Money Bill

While Ordinary Bills go through a detailed bicameral legislative process, Money Bills have a streamlined procedure owing to their financial nature and urgency. These procedural differences help maintain a balance between democratic deliberation and administrative efficiency. Here is a tabulated comparison to clearly understand the Difference Between Ordinary Bill and Money Bill:

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 110 defines a Money Bill and its scope.
• Article 111 relates to the President’s assent on bills.
• Article 108 provides for a joint sitting, applicable only to Ordinary Bills when there is a deadlock between the two Houses.

‹ ›