The Rajya Sabha has passed the Appropriation (No – 3) Bill, 2026, after a discussion regarding excess expenditure and Jammu & Kashmir. The Lok Sabha had previously approved the bill.
On August 19, 2026, the Rajya Sabha passed the Appropriation (No – 3) Bill, 2026, following a discussion. The legislation was earlier approved by the Lok Sabha. When the House convened at 2:45 PM after the second adjournment, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the bill for consideration and return. This bill authorizes the appropriation of money from the Consolidated Fund of India to cover expenses exceeding the amounts granted for specific services during the financial year ending on March 31, 2023. The government has sought over INR 54 thousand crores to meet these excess expenditures, primarily for debt repayment. During the debate, Finance Minister Sitharaman explained that the bill seeks approval for excess spending incurred during the financial year 2023. She pointed out that the demand for excess grants is related to two specific items identified by the Public Accounts Committee in its 39th report presented to the House in April this year. One item involves an excess demand of over INR 196 crores relating to the Ministry of Railways, and the other pertains to debt repayment of INR 53 thousand 871 crores. In response to concerns about Jammu & Kashmir, Mrs Sitharaman confirmed that the Government has provided substantial financial and administrative support to the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. She disclosed that the Central Government is fully funding the salaries and pensions of Jammu & Kashmir Police, amounting to an annual expenditure of around INR 13 thousand crores. The Minister further clarified that the abrogation of Article 370 confirmed Jammu & Kashmir's status as an integral part of India, including territories illegally occupied by Pakistan. She also highlighted the Government’s efforts to restructure the Union Territory’s debt and clear liabilities related to Ladakh. The Finance Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring economic stability and development in Jammu & Kashmir, with continued support provided for its progress alongside the rest of the country. During the discussion, Dr M Thambidurrai of AIADMK praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that India is now one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. He lauded the government’s initiatives for infrastructure development, digital governance, manufacturing, connectivity, and welfare schemes, which contribute to economic growth and improved public service delivery. Supporting the Bill, Bhashyam Rama Krishna of TDP acknowledged India's continued position among the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite global uncertainty. He emphasized India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals due to sustained reforms, prudent fiscal management, and consistent policy implementation. Ravi Chandra Vaddiraju of BRS considered the bill as part of the constitutional process, essential for completing the financial work of the government. He noted the Government's efforts towards the country’s growth, development, and public welfare. Mr Vaddiraju requested equal importance in planning development works for all states. Discussion participants included Dr Sikander Kumar of BJP, Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD, Sulata Deo of BJD, and Sanjay Singh of AAP, among others.
Source:
Akashvani News
