New Delhi, 13 March (H.S.):

The Lok Sabha approved the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for FY 2025-26 Friday, passing the Appropriation Bill 2026 by voice vote after repeated adjournments due to opposition disruptions.

The bill authorizes additional payments and appropriations from India's Consolidated Fund for FY 2025-26 services.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sought Parliament's nod Tuesday for ₹2.81 lakh crore gross extra spending via these demands—including ₹2.01 lakh crore net cash outlay—offset by ₹80,145.71 crore savings/extra receipts/recoveries from ministries.

Replying to debate on 'Supplementary Demands for Grants (Second Batch) 2025-26,' she highlighted the Economic Stabilisation Fund providing financial fortitude against global shocks, with ₹41,430.48 crore proposed for defence revenue services.

Sitharaman affirmed FY 2025-26 fiscal deficit remains within Revised Estimates (RE), crediting PM Narendra Modi's guidance for limiting batches to two.She detailed MGNREGA-VB-G-RAM-G scheme provisioning ₹95,000 crore from April 1, plus ₹30,000 crore extra via demands—commitments fully met. No fertilizer subsidy shortfall for farmers; provisions amply covered.

Chiding inattentive opposition ignoring supply chain/LPG contingencies, she vented: They won't listen—pushing agendas, sipping tea on stairs. Later they'll claim MGNREGA funds slashed. Questioning fiscal buffer critiques amid challenges, she quipped: Suggesting no ₹50,000 crore equalisation fund in crises?

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar