Parliament on Thursday passed the Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha returned the legislation to the Lok Sabha following a discussion. The Bill authorises excess expenditure incurred by the Government during the financial year ending March 31, 2023, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2026 was passed by Parliament after being approved by the Lok Sabha and returned by the Rajya Sabha following a debate.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Parliament passed the Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2026.
The Bill authorises excess expenditure incurred during FY 2022–23.
The Government sought approval for over ₹54,000 crore in excess grants.
The largest component—₹53,871 crore—is for debt repayment.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed continued financial support for Jammu and Kashmir.
The Bill authorises the appropriation of money from the Consolidated Fund of India to regularise expenditure incurred in excess of the amounts approved by Parliament during the financial year 2022–23.
Replying to the discussion, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Government has sought approval for excess expenditure exceeding ₹54,000 crore, as recommended by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its 39th Report presented earlier this year.
She informed the House that the excess grants relate to two major components—over ₹196 crore for the Ministry of Railways and ₹53,871 crore towards repayment of debt.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The Appropriation Bill is an important part of India's constitutional financial process. It enables Parliament to formally approve expenditure that exceeded previously sanctioned amounts, ensuring transparency and accountability in government finances.
During the debate, the Finance Minister also highlighted the Centre's continued financial support to Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. She said the Central Government bears the annual salary and pension expenditure of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, amounting to nearly ₹13,000 crore, and has also restructured the Union Territory's debt while clearing liabilities related to Ladakh.
Members from several political parties participated in the discussion, with speakers supporting the constitutional process while also raising issues related to fiscal management, infrastructure development and equitable allocation of resources among states.
