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If the Finance Minister fails to get the Annual Budget passed in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister is expected to
Explanation
In the Indian parliamentary system, the Annual Budget is treated as a Money Bill. Under the principle of collective responsibility, the Council of Ministers is answerable to the Lok Sabha [t6]. If the Finance Minister fails to get the Budget passed in the Lok Sabha, it is interpreted as a loss of confidence in the government [t2][t8]. Since the Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers, the defeat of a major government policy like the Budget necessitates the resignation of the entire Cabinet [t1]. This is because the government no longer commands the majority required to govern or manage the nation's finances. Unlike other bills, there is no provision for a joint session of both Houses to resolve a deadlock on Money Bills or the Budget [c1][c3]. Therefore, the Prime Minister must submit the resignation of the entire Council of Ministers to the President.
Sources
- [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Stages in Enactment > p. 252
- [2] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 4: Government Budgeting > Finance Bill > p. 149