What is Vote on Account?
✅ When the Union Budget is not yet passed by the Parliament but the government needs money to run daily activities like paying salaries, electricity bills, office expenses, etc.,
✅ The Constitution allows the Lok Sabha to give permission to spend some money temporarily.
✅ This permission is called "Vote on Account".
Important Points:
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It is a temporary arrangement.
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It only deals with expenses (expenditure side) — not with new taxes or earnings.
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Usually, the Vote on Account is passed for 2 months.
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The amount allowed is generally one-sixth of the total annual budget.
Example to Understand:
🔸 Imagine the total budget (estimated expenditure) of the government for the year is ₹6 lakh crore.
🔸 The budget discussion is delayed because of elections or any other reason.
🔸 But, the government still needs money to pay salaries, pensions, run railways, etc.
➡️ In this case, the government can ask Lok Sabha for a "Vote on Account".
➡️ Lok Sabha approves ₹1 lakh crore (which is one-sixth of ₹6 lakh crore) for the first two months.
➡️ The government spends this amount to continue its normal activities.
After two months, when the full budget is passed, this temporary "Vote on Account" stops.
Real-Life Situation:
✅ General Elections Year: Many times, before elections, the full budget is not presented.
✅ Instead, an interim budget with Vote on Account is passed to run the country till the new government comes.
✅ Key Takeaway:
"Vote on Account" is like pocket money given temporarily by the Parliament until the full budget is passed.
It helps the government run smoothly without stopping any essential services.