Evolution of Union Budget Presentation: From Briefcase to Tablet
Over the past few years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced significant changes to the presentation of the Union Budget. Traditionally, finance ministers carried a briefcase to Parliament for the budget announcement.
In 2019, Sitharaman broke with convention, opting for a traditional ‘bahi khata’ (ledger) instead. This shift symbolized a blend of tradition and modernity. In 2021, she further evolved the practice by presenting the budget using a tablet.
Sitharaman’s Shift to Tablet
In 2021, Sitharaman’s decision to use a ‘Made in India’ tablet aligned with the government’s ‘Digital India’ initiative. The tablet, manufactured by Samsung, was enclosed in a red folder emblazoned with the State Emblem of India. This move emphasized the government’s commitment to technological advancements.
Focus on Content
While the pouch or tablet used by Sitharaman has garnered attention, the primary focus remains on the budget speech and financial documents. These documents outline the government’s financial plans and policies for the upcoming fiscal year. The evolution of budget presentations reflects the changing landscape and technological advancements, but the core content remains the same.
