00:03We have had discussions on the supplementary demand for grants and about 33 honourable
00:12members have spoken on the subject.
00:17With all humility, I would like to admit that most members seem to have spoken largely on
00:25the general budget on which I have already given my reply earlier, but certainly a few
00:33members have spoken on specific issues related to the supplementary demand for grants.
00:40So initially, I will speak a few words about what exactly is in the supplementary demand
00:49for grants and then respond to each one of the members who have raised the issues.
00:56So, the second supplementary demand for grants, first of all, let me explain that within
01:04a year, up to three supplementary demands for grants have been placed on the table of this
01:12house for these decades.
01:15But I would like to say under Prime Minister Modi's guidance, we have brought it down to
01:22the bare minimum, one or two and not beyond two.
01:26So, because not beyond two is a self-imposed kind of a restriction, so that we don't have
01:34a habit of bringing in more and more amendments and seeking Parliament's approval, we have made
01:42sure that we will minimize it to two.
01:45But not doing even two or one would mean that we are inflexible and would also mean that where
01:53states are asking for something or when departments are asking for something which is so essential
02:00for them to function, it will look very uncaring and irresponsible of the government.
02:05And therefore, I think supplementary budget which as per the original constitution makers,
02:13supplementary demand for grants is a very useful instrument.
02:17And where it is necessary, we will have to use it.
02:20But bringing that supplementary demand for grants should not be looked at as if some wrong
02:27assessments have been made originally in the budgetary estimate time and therefore we have
02:31brought this.
02:32So, it is done with a lot more open-mindedness and also flexibility which can be offered to
02:38the departments.
02:40And in that order, this time, we have placed the second supplementary demand for grants.
02:47Sir, in this, I seek approval of the Parliament for expenditure requirements related to 61 grants.
03:00This involves gross expenditure of about 2.81 lakh crore through cash or technical or token
03:09supplementary.
03:10The present proposal also includes an amount of 902 crore rupees that is being provided for
03:19recouping advances of an equivalent amount from the contingency fund of India.
03:25So, 2.01 lakh crore is the cash supplementary which is being taken under 18 grams.
03:33While 0.80 lakh crore is the technical supplementary and that is being sought for 32 grams and 59 total
03:46supplementary items are being sought from 43 grams.
03:51Up front, I like to say that this 18 plus 32 plus 43 may not add up to 61 which
03:59I have
03:59originally said 61 grams are being placed here.
04:02It is because some of them repeat or overlap so the numbers may not add up.
04:08So, with respect, I would want members to be taking this back into cognizance.
04:13Now, first of all here, I also would want to give that point as a reiteration.
04:22I wish to reiterate that with all this extra that we are coming up with, technical supplementary,
04:29cash supplementary, I do not want any member of the parliament to wonder if I will be able
04:36to reach the fiscal deficit number that I have said during placing the budget here.
04:41The budget for 26-27 certainly states what is the budget fiscal deficit for the year ending
04:49March 31st, 2026 is going to be and the rest is going to be for the rest.
04:54So, we are not going to, in any way, not fulfill the word given in the party.
05:01So, I wish to reiterate that the commitment which has been given in this house for the
05:08second supplementary, inclusive of the second supplementary demand for grants, will be within
05:15the fiscal deficit presented, the target that has been presented in this parliament on 1st
05:22February 2026.
05:25So, it is important for us to also recognize that we have announced 57,381.84 crores for
05:38economic stabilization fund.
05:40And this, I would want to elaborate a bit because 57,381 is fairly a big amount.
05:49And therefore, I want to explain as to why I have got that.
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