Article 116 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Votes on account, votes of credit and exceptional grants
📜 Purpose of Article 116:
Article 116 provides temporary financial powers to the government when normal budget procedures cannot be followed, especially in emergencies or before a full budget is passed.
✅ Key Provisions of Article 116:
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Vote on Account:
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A temporary grant to meet regular government expenses (like salaries, pensions, subsidies) before the actual budget is passed.
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Usually passed for 2 months.
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Not meant for new services, only for ongoing, essential expenses.
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Example: When a new government is elected and needs time to prepare a full budget.
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Vote of Credit:
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Passed when there is an unforeseen need for expenditure, like war, natural disaster, or national emergency.
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Parliament does not have time to go through detailed procedures.
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Known as a "blank cheque" to the government for urgent matters.
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Exceptional Grants:
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Used for special purposes, which are not included in the current budget.
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Requires Parliamentary approval through a separate Bill.
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🏛️ Why Article 116 is Important:
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Gives the government flexibility to handle urgent or temporary financial needs.
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Maintains continuity of governance even when full budget approval is pending.
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Ensures Parliamentary control over all spending, even in emergencies.
🔁 Simplified Example:
| Type of Grant | Purpose | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Vote on Account | Routine expenses until budget is passed | Start of financial year or elections |
| Vote of Credit | Urgent expenses without detailed discussion | War, natural calamities, emergency |
| Exceptional Grant | Specific expenditure outside regular budget | Special schemes or one-time expenses |
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