Union Budget 2024: This evening, the traditional ‘halwa’ ceremony was held at North Block, Delhi, which is the headquarters of Union Finance Ministry, marking the final run in the preparation process of Union Budget 2024. The exercise was led by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by unveiling a large iron wok filled with halwa and sharing the sweet dish with officials present in the ministry.
Attendance at the Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by Minister of State Pankaj Chaudhary along with secretaries, officers, and staff engaged in the Budget exercise of preparation and compilation.
This traditional ceremony is held about a week prior to commencement of “lock-in” period for Budget preparation. This ceremony involves preparing a big batch of halwa inside the North Block-based kitchen of the Ministry of Finance. Continuing the tradition, Ms. Sitharaman stirred the halwa and thereafter served it to the officers.
Timing of the Traditional Event
This Indian dessert is served to all those who are directly associated with the process of making the Budget. After this ceremony, the officials have to compulsorily stay in the Finance Ministry till such time the Finance Minister presents the Budget. This lock-in process goes a long way in ensuring the secrecy of the upcoming Budget and preventing any leaks before its presentation in Parliament. The Budget is printed only after the PM’s approval, and for printer proof confidentiality, they have surprise visits to the printing press area in North Block by the Intelligence Bureau chief.
Preparation of Halwa
The ‘halwa’ ceremony is decades old, inspired by the Indian tradition of eating something sweet before starting any important or special task. It’s respect toward the people involved also in preparing the Budget. The Budget session of Parliament will begin on July 22 and run till August 12. The forthcoming Budget speech, Ms Sitharaman will break past PM Morarji Desai’s record, who presented five annual budgets and one interim budget in the year 1959-64 as FM. This will be Sitharaman’s Sixth, the most significant event in her career, as Finance Minister.