Financial Bill: Meaning and Types

The Finance Bill, which includes the necessary legislative changes for the Finance Minister's proposed tax adjustment, is a crucial component of the Indian budget. The Finance Bill addresses fiscal concerns such as government expenditure and revenue. It specifies the amount of money to be spent and how it will be spent. Finance bills are included in both the union budget and the constitution. It recommends all of the legal changes required to achieve the specified tax adjustments. When the issue arises, the Speaker of the House determines whether a bill is a money bill. Article 117 of the Indian Constitution governs the Finance Bill.

What is a Finance Bill?

According to Rule 219 of the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure, a "finance bill" is a bill that is usually submitted each year to give effect to the Government of India's financial plans for the forthcoming fiscal year, as well as a bill to give effect to supplemental financial proposals at any time.

The Finance Bill is a money bill put out by the government to levy new taxes, alter the existing tax structure, or make recommendations to keep the existing structure in place after it was initially approved by Parliament. The Finance Bill is also known as the Act for Appropriation of Funds for Appropriations.

• By implementing financial rules, a government may successfully regulate and control the economy.

• The Indian government releases a financial report each year called the Annual Financial Statement, usually referred to as the Union Budget of India, in which the anticipated costs and revenues are listed.

• This is in contrast to money bills, often known as "finance bills." Article 110(a) of the Indian Constitution requires that a finance bill be submitted together with the budget.

Types of Finance Bills

Money bills can be referred to as finance bills; however, the opposite is not true. Regulations and borrowing, modifications to federal and state tax rules, and withdrawals from integrated and emergency reserves are all examples of money legislation.

Both types of finance bills have provisions for costs, taxes, and other things. Only the House of Representatives of the Parliament or the Lok Sabha may introduce finance bills. The Finance Bill is divided into three groups −

• Financial Bills (I)—Article 117 (1)

• Financial Bills (II)—Article 117 (3)

• Money Bills—Article 110

Finance Bill (I)

A Financial Bill 1 also includes other general laws in addition to any or all of the subjects listed in the Money Bill. The Constitution's Article 117 (1) specifies how it should be handled.

• In two ways, it is similar to a money bill, including the fact that neither can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha; only the Lok Sabha can.

• Neither of them may be introduced except on the president's advice.

In all other respects, a Financial Bill 1 is regarded as an ordinary bill. i.e.

• The Rajya Sabha can reject it or make changes to it.

• The President may call a joint session of both Houses to resolve a disagreement between them regarding such a statute.

• The bill is given to the President, who then has three options: he can either sign it, decline to sign it, or send it back to the Houses for more discussion.

Finance Bill (II)

A Financial Bill 2 does not contain any of the things mentioned in Article 110, although it does have clauses pertaining to Consolidated Fund of India spending. It is governed by Article 117(3) of the Constitution.

• This measure will go through the same legislative procedure as other bills.

• Such measures may be introduced in any House of Parliament.

• The president's recommendation is necessary for either house to study these bills, as without it, neither house is able to pass the legislation.

Money Bill

The Indian Constitution specifies a money bill under Article 110. Money bills deal with financial concerns such as taxation, government expenditures, and so on. While money bills are a form of financial bill, they are not all financial bills.

• The speaker decides whether a measure is a money bill or not.

• A money bill must be submitted with the president's recommendation; the president may approve or reject it but may not return it for amendment.

Finance bills are particularly useful in international commerce since they can readily adjust to the risks and variations that come with them. Because these transactions are done between nations and are of high value, they are only processed by banks and other financial organisations.

Finance Bill: Important Facts

A finance bill, as the name indicates, deals with the nation's finances; it may address taxes, expenditures, borrowing, revenues, and so on. These issues are addressed in the Union Budget, which was enacted as a financial measure.

• The Rajya Sabha has 14 days to offer proposals. If no recommendation or adjustment is made by them, it will be regarded as approved.

• Even if the invoice is returned with the suggestions, Lok Sabha has the ability to accept or reject them and notify Rajya Sabha of their decision.

• Whether or not the Lok Sabha approves all of the suggestions, the measure is deemed approved by both houses.

• The ultimate passage of all other bills will take place in the Rajya Sabha. Money bills, on the other hand, would be sent to Lok Sabha for approval before being sent to the President of India.

• The President is not permitted to return a willing proposal to the Lok Sabha for any reason.

The Finance Bill is a critical component of the Indian Budget System. Any financial modification, tax, or increase or decrease in commodity prices must be proposed through this finance bill first.

Conclusion

During India's independence, both a finance bill and a money bill were tabled in our parliament. Financial bills are governed by Articles 117(1) and 117(2). (3.) Money bills are a type of financial bill, however, they are not all financial bills. Since then, it has been employed in a number of applications. The finance bill is essential for the country's upkeep, and the money bill is essential for our government.

FAQs

Q1. How is the Finance Bill passed?

Ans. The Finance Bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has the authority to propose modifications to the law. The law, however, must be enacted by Parliament within 75 days of its introduction.

Q2. What is the need for a finance bill?

Ans. The Finance Bill intends to alter all applicable legislation without the need for separate amendment measures. Changes to the Income Tax Act, Stamp Act, Money Laundering Act, and other legislation may be included in planned tax reforms in a Union Budget, for example. The Finance Bill changes and repeals current law as needed.

Q3. What is the difference between a finance bill and a money bill?

Ans. The Finance Bill is a bill that specifies how much money the Indian government will spend. A money bill, on the other hand, discusses issues such as tax relief, interest rates, and inflation, among other things.

Q4. What is the Finance Bill popularly known as?

Ans. The Finance Minister introduces the bill, which is commonly referred to as the budget, in Parliament.