The Finance Ministry had decided to issue a paperless budget for the first time since Independence.
In the extreme circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government received permission from both the houses of the parliament to not print the budget. This decision was taken as the print process would require a number of people to stay at the press for approximately a fortnight amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Normally, the budget documents are printed at the Finance Ministry’s in-house printing press in the North block.
The budget for 2021-2022 may see several modifications due to the unforeseen nature of the pandemic. Some conventions such as the traditional ‘Halwa’ ceremony may not take place or there maybe a somber gathering with limited people. This function usually begins around 20th January, is populated by people involved in budget-making and marks the beginning of printing.
Once printing begins, the printing staff usually stay inside the press until presentation of the business. A few high-ranked officials are allowed access and only with a special identity card. The entire facility, loading-unloading and transportation is operated by special security forces.
In Nirmala Sitharaman’s reign as Finance Minister, this isn’t the first time there would be a change in the traditional presentation of the budget. Last year, she carried Budget papers in a briefcase similar to the colonial-era style. She introduced the Budget ‘Bahi Khata’ or a ledger enclosed in a red cloth folder tied with a string.
The paperless budget is scheduled to be presented by Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st February, 2021.