Budget 2024: From briefcase, ‘Bahi-khata’ to paperless budget; A look at presentation of Budget over years

Budget 2024: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget before the country heads for Lok Sabha polls. This is her sixth Budget as the Finance Minister and last in the second term of the Modi government. 

The new government will present a full budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 (Union Budget 2024) following the Lok Sabha elections.

A look at presentation of Budget over years

Budget briefcase – History and Significance 

The history and significance of the budget briefcase are rooted in traditions that date back to the 19th century. The practice of presenting the budget using a dedicated case began with British Budget Chief William E Gladstone in 1860.

This iconic Gladstone Box became a tradition, continuing for 150 years until 2010.

Even after India gained independence, Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty continued this tradition. In the 1970s, Indian finance ministers transitioned to using a hardbound bag, adapting to the evolving times.

The significance of the budget briefcase lies in its symbolic representation of the fiscal policies and financial planning of a nation. It serves as a traditional and ceremonial element in the presentation of budgets, carrying historical weight and highlighting the continuity of financial practices over time. 

'Bahi-khata' – Significance and Evolution

"Bahi-khata", a tablet wrapped in a red-coloured cloth with a golden-coloured national emblem embossed on it as she came out of the Finance Ministry.

A 'bahi-khata' holds prominence in Indian culture, tradition and history. For decades, the Indian way of managing accounts and keeping a record of bills was done in a 'bahi-khata'. Traders, merchants, sailors and even small shopkeepers have retained this way of preserving their data.

In 2019, the Union Budget was presented in a traditional 'bahi-khata' rather than a leather briefcase. It was the first time since independence that any Finance Minister had 'opted out' of a briefcase or a hardbound leather bag.

The minister in 2019 not only garnered huge attention for carrying a 'bahi-khata', but also for implying the rich culture the country holds.
 

Paperless Budget 

In 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government had to take necessary steps to maintain the security and safety of everyone. The Finance Minister moved ahead with the first paperless Budget holding a digital tablet wrapped in a red-coloured cover with the national emblem emblazoned on it.

The same year, the minister also launched the 'Union Budget Mobile App' for hassle-free access of Budget documents by the parliamentarians and the general public. Following the same trend the next year, the Union Budget 2022 was also a paperless budget.

Like the previous two Union Budgets, Union Budget 2023-24 was also delivered in paperless form.
Today, the Finance Minister presented her sixth consecutive Budget in the Parliament in a paperless format. 

The full Budget is expected to be presented by the new government in July that takes over after the Lok Sabha elections due in April-May.

Also Read | Budget 2024 LIVE UPDATES: FM Nirmala Sitharaman ends Budget speech with no changes in direct, indirect tax rates and tax slabs | Know more