Union Budget 2025: Halwa ceremony today; know its origins and significance in Budget preparation
PTC Web Desk: On January 24, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will preside over the Halwa Ceremony, an important pre-Budget ritual that signals the beginning of the final stage of preparation for the Union Budget. The ceremony, to be held at the North Block of the Central Secretariat, will also be attended by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, as well as various secretaries and officials involved in the budget preparation process.
This event holds both cultural and procedural significance, marking the commencement of the lock-in period, which ensures the confidentiality and security of the Union Budget, to be presented in Parliament on February 1, 2025. As Finance Minister, Sitharaman will be presenting her eighth consecutive Union Budget, a record for any finance minister, further solidifying her role in shaping India’s economic landscape.
What Is Halwa Ceremony?
The Halwa Ceremony is a pre-Budget tradition that takes place a few days before the Union Budget is tabled in Parliament. The event involves the preparation of the traditional sweet dish halwa, which is cooked in a large kadhai (wok) at the Finance Ministry's kitchen in the North Block, New Delhi. The Finance Minister traditionally stirs the halwa, which is then served to the officials and staff members who have been involved in the long process of preparing the Budget.
This year’s ceremony will have a special significance as it will be held in the presence of the Finance Minister and other key figures, including Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State, and secretaries from various departments of the Finance Ministry. The ceremony not only celebrates the culmination of intense work but also symbolises the beginning of the crucial "lock-in period" for all officials involved in preparing the Union Budget.
The 'lock-in period'
While the ceremony is steeped in tradition, its importance lies in what follows—the commencement of the lock-in period. The "lock-in period" ensures that the Budget remains a closely guarded secret until its formal presentation in Parliament. After the ceremony, the officials involved in the Budget preparation process are required to remain within the North Block, cut off from the outside world. This period is marked by a heightened sense of security and confidentiality, with cellphones and communication devices being confiscated to prevent any leaks.
The lock-in period typically lasts until the Budget is presented, and during this time, no official is allowed to leave the premises or communicate with anyone outside the ministry. They are under constant surveillance, including the use of CCTV cameras to ensure that no unauthorised leaks occur. These measures are crucial for maintaining the secrecy and integrity of the Budget document, which contains sensitive economic plans and policies for the nation.
The Origin of Halwa Ceremony
The roots of the Halwa Ceremony can be traced back to the Budget leak of 1950, which exposed critical details of the Union Budget before its official presentation. The leak occurred during the printing process, which was then conducted at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The sensitive information that was made public before its official release led to a public outcry, and the then-finance minister, John Mathai, resigned shortly after the incident. This incident was a turning point for the way the Indian government handled the confidentiality of its budgets.
In the aftermath of the leak, the printing of the Union Budget was moved from Rashtrapati Bhavan to Minto Road, and eventually to the basement of the North Block in New Delhi, where it has remained ever since. The introduction of the "lock-in" period was one of the key reforms to ensure that such leaks did not happen again. The halwa ceremony, although its exact inception year remains unclear, is believed to have started around this time as a symbolic gesture to mark the beginning of the lock-in period.
What happens during Lock-In Period?
The lock-in period is a critical phase in the budget preparation process. All officials and staff directly involved in drafting the budget are required to stay within the ministry premises during this time. Their phones and other communication devices are taken away to prevent any unauthorised sharing of budgetary details. No information can be leaked outside the ministry, and the officials’ movements are monitored by both the ministry and the Intelligence Bureau. CCTV surveillance is an integral part of ensuring the confidentiality of the budget preparation.
This tight security and strict supervision are in place to avoid any information being leaked prematurely, as the Union Budget is a highly anticipated document that has far-reaching implications for the country’s economic policies and growth trajectory.
The Significance of Budget 2025
The Union Budget of 2025 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, marking the second budget of the Modi government’s third term. This Budget will be particularly closely watched for updates on economic reforms, growth strategies, and social welfare programs. Sitharaman’s eighth consecutive budget presentation will be a defining moment, as it is expected to set the tone for the government’s economic agenda and address challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and fiscal consolidation.
- PTC NEWS
