The Centre on Wednesday got the Union Budget passed in the Lok Sabha without any discussion amid protests from the Opposition for the eighth day. It was passed using the guillotine process, by which all outstanding demands are put to vote at once, irrespective of whether or not they have been discussed.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley moved the Finance Bill, 2018, which consists of taxation proposals of the Union Budget, and the appropriation bill, which contains the spending for each department, PTI reported. They were passed by a voice vote since the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance has a majority in the House.
These will now go to the Rajya Sabha where the Opposition is in majority. However, since they are money bills, they will be considered approved if they are not sent back to the Lok Sabha in 14 days.
Both Houses of Parliament have been adjourned time and again in this session of Parliament, as the MPs have protested over a special category status for Andhra Pradesh, and have demanded a discussion on the scam involving the Punjab National Bank. On Friday, March 9, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said “one week had gone waste”.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!