Before 2017, the Railway Budget was presented separately a few days before the Union Budget. But then the NDA government decided to announce both budgets together. The 92-year-old tradition ended when the late Arun Jaitley, the then Finance Minister presented the combined Budget for FY 2017-18. The practice has continued since then. Granted, it saves time, but is that enough? This raises an important question. Does this merger guarantee a dedicated railway development?
“I feel that separate budgets can certainly bring more distinctiveness and clarity for the people. As a matter of fact, stating the two budgets separately will provide better understanding and allow people the transparency thru deserve as the citizens of India,” says Akriti Bahl, an advertising professional.
There is no doubt about the fact that the railway sector has a unique set of challenges, needs, and operational dynamics that require specialized attention. And thus, a separate budget ensures the performance and plans of the railways are transparently presented and scrutinized by the public and policymakers. It helps prioritize its development and address sector-specific issues without being diluted by other general budget considerations.
A combined budget on the other hand might lead to a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not be effective in addressing the unique challenges of this sector. The complexities of railway operations, including infrastructure development, safety measures, and modernization efforts, benefit from a detailed and focused analysis, which can be easily overshadowed by a combined budget.
Neha Raghav, a housewife, says, “We are only interested in more facilities and growth of Railways. So definitely a separate budget gives a wider perspective where people understand and listen specifically to that sector’s growth. A mixed budget doesn’t give a detailed perspective of key projects in the pipeline. I think the government should switch back to presenting both budgets separately.”
Presenting a similar view, Urmila Bhan, a retired government teacher says, “Railways require tailored policies and financial strategies. The specific issues and concerns related to the railways, such as infrastructure development, safety improvements, and modernization, may get diluted or overlooked in the broader scope of the Union Budget.”
With all the views in favour of separate budgets, some still feel that presenting both budgets together is a better way to go. “I think it should be at the same time. Saves time, money, and resources,” says Saurabh Bahl, a PR professional. “For the general public and investors, a single budget presentation simplifies the communication of government financial plans and priorities. It provides a comprehensive view of the fiscal policies and economic outlook,” he adds.
