Article 115 of Indian Constitution

Article 115 of Indian Constitution – It enables supplementary grants for government spending. Learn definition, status, related articles, UPSC relevance.
📅 Part VI – The States
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📚 UPSC Relevant

Article Number

115

part

Part VI – The States

Status

Active

Full Definition & Explanation

Article 115 of the Indian Constitution deals with supplementary, additional, or excess grants. It allows the President to present a statement before both Houses of Parliament if the funds allocated for a specific service in the current financial year are insufficient or if new expenditure arises. This means that if the government needs more money than what was initially budgeted, the President can request additional funds. This is necessary for ensuring that key services continue to operate smoothly, even if unexpected costs arise during the fiscal year.

The article also outlines the procedure for handling any excess expenditure. If a department spends more than the amount granted for that service, the President is required to present a demand for this excess expenditure. This ensures accountability and transparency in government spending. It allows Parliament to review and approve any additional funding needed, ensuring that taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.

In practical terms, this article affects various government departments. For example, if a natural disaster occurs and the government needs to allocate more funds for relief operations, Article 115 provides a mechanism to quickly secure those funds. This helps the government respond to emergencies without delays caused by bureaucratic processes. The requirement for Parliament’s approval also helps maintain a check on government spending, which is key for good governance and public trust.

Historical Context

Article 115 was included in the Constitution during its framing in 1949. It has not undergone any amendments since then, reflecting the framers’ intent to ensure flexible financial management by the government. The Supreme Court has upheld the importance of this article in various cases, reinforcing the need for parliamentary oversight on expenditures. This historical evolution demonstrates the responsive nature of the constitutional framework in addressing the nation’s changing needs over time This ensures clarity under the law. This historical evolution demonstrates the responsive nature of the constitutional framework in addressing the nation’s changing needs over time. It also reflects how the makers of the constitution anticipated future administrative and political developments during their debates.

Key Features

– The President can request additional funds when expenditures exceed budgeted amounts.
– Supplementary grants can be made for unforeseen needs during the financial year.
– Parliament must approve any demand for excess expenditure presented by the President.
– The provisions of related articles govern the process for these grants.
– This process promotes accountability and transparency in government finances.

Importance & Impact

– This article helps ensure timely funding for necessary services and projects.
– It allows quick government response to unexpected financial needs for administrative efficiency.
– Parliamentary approval helps maintain checks and balances on spending for administrative efficiency.
– The article supports efficient financial management in the government for administrative efficiency.
– It fosters public trust by ensuring transparent use of taxpayer money.

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements about Article 115 of the Indian Constitution is correct?
A. It allows the President to exceed budget limits without parliamentary approval.
B. It provides for supplementary grants during the financial year.
C. It was amended to include new financial provisions in 2000.
D. It applies only to state governments and not the central government.? Which of the statements given above are correct in the context of the federal structure of India? This ensures clarity under the law.

Answer

The correct answer is B. Article 115 allows the President to seek supplementary grants from Parliament when the funds for a specific service are insufficient. This ensures that necessary services can continue without interruption due to lack of funds. Understanding these details is helpful for analyzing how the constitution balances power and state responsibilities.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 115 enables supplementary financial requests by the President.
✓ It requires parliamentary approval for excess expenditures across the country.
✓ The article supports government responsiveness to financial needs.
✓ It promotes accountability in public spending across the country.
✓ Article 115 has not been amended since 1950.

FAQs

Article 115 allows the President to request additional funds when the allocated budget is insufficient. It ensures that necessary services can be funded even during unexpected financial needs. This mechanism promotes accountability by requiring parliamentary approval for excess spending. These rules help maintain a consistent and fair approach to public administration and governance across the country.

Article 115 impacts government spending by ensuring that any excess expenditure is subject to parliamentary approval. This process helps maintain transparency and ensures that taxpayer money is used wisely. It also allows the government to respond promptly to emergencies and unforeseen needs. These rules help maintain a consistent and fair approach to public administration and governance across the country.

No, Article 115 has not been amended since the Constitution was adopted in 1950. Its original provisions remain intact, reflecting the framers’ intention for managing government finances. The article continues to play a key role in ensuring proper budget management. These rules help maintain a consistent and fair approach to public administration and governance across the country.

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Founder and Editor-in-Chief at StudyHub. Pramod has spent over 7 years tracking Indian government recruitments and analyzing exam trends. He oversees the StudyHub editorial board, managing a dedicated team of subject-matter experts across History, Polity, Geography, Geology, and General Sciences. His mission is to ensure that every job alert and study resource published on StudyHub is 100% verified, accurate, and helpful for competitive exam aspirants.
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