Indian Parliament Passes Appropriation Bill, Authorizing Excess Spending on Debt Repayment

Parliament has passed the Appropriation (No – 3) Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha returning the legislation to the Lok Sabha after a discussion. The Lok Sabha had already passed the bill. When the House assembled at 2:45 after the second adjournment, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the bill for consideration and return. It provides for the authorisation of the appropriation of money from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet amounts spent on certain services during the financial year ended on the 31st March 2023 in excess of the amounts granted for those services for that year. The government has sought over 54 thousand crore rupees to meet certain excess expenditure. It will be spent on repayment of debt.Replying to the debate, Finance Minister Sitharaman said that the Government has sought approval for excess expenditure incurred during the financial year 2023. She highlighted that the demand for excess grants pertains to two specific items identified by the Public Accounts Committee in its 39th report presented to the House in April this year. Mr Sitharaman stated that one is an excess demand of over 196 crore rupees, which relates to the Ministry of Railways, and the second, 53,871 crore rupees, pertains to repayment of debt.Referring to concerns raised by members regarding Jammu and Kashmir, Mrs Sitharaman assured the House that the Government has extended substantial financial and administrative support to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. She informed that the salaries and pensions of Jammu and Kashmir Police are being fully made by the Central Government, involving an annual expenditure of around 13 thousand crore rupees. The Minister said that the abrogation of Article 370 reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, inclusive of those occupied by Pakistan illegally.The Minister informed that the Government has also undertaken restructuring of the Union Territory’s debt and cleared liabilities related to Ladakh. The Finance Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring the economic stability and development of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that all necessary support will continue to be provided so it can progress alongside the rest of the country.The Minister assured that the Government remains committed to supporting and safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.Participating in the discussion, Dr M Thambidurai of AIADMK said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is today progressing as one of the fast-growing major economies in the world. He said, the government has taken important initiatives for infrastructure development, digital governance, manufacturing, connectivity, and welfare schemes. Mr Thambidurai said that these efforts contribute to economic growth and improve delivery of public services.Supporting the Bill, Bhashyam Rama Krishna of TDP said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has continued to remain among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, despite unprecedented global uncertainty. He said, India’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong because of sustained reforms, prudent fiscal management, and consistent policy implementation.Ravi Chandra Vaddiraju of BRS said that it is part of the constitutional process and helps complete the financial work of the government. He said, the government has taken several steps for the country’s growth, development and public welfare. Mr Vaddiraju requested the government to give equal importance to all states while planning development works.Dr Sikander Kumar of BJP, Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD, Sulata Deo of BJD, and Sanjay Singh of AAP, among others participated in the discussion.After the passage of this legislation, the House took up Special Mentions in which members from various political parties raised issues of public importance.BJP MP Vinod Tawde today highlighted the urgent need to strengthen skin donation and skin banking systems to improve treatment and outcomes for individuals suffering from severe burn injuries. He underlined the critical role of donated skin in burn care. He noted that donated skin serves as a temporary protective covering, helping reduce the risk of infection and excessive fluid loss while patients await definitive treatment. He noted that skin donation is provided for under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, and appreciated the Government’s efforts to strengthen organ and tissue donation through the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). He emphasised that greater public awareness, stronger skin banking infrastructure and an integrated national mechanism for skin retrieval and transportation could significantly improve the availability of donated skin for burn patients.JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha requested the government, not to renew Indo-Bangladesh Farakka Treaty of 1996. He said the treaty is against the interest of Bihar. The treaty, signed with Bangladesh in the year 1996 for sharing of Ganga waters at Farakka is set to expire this year. He also drew the attention of government about ground water depletion in Bihar.After completing this business, Mr Ghanshym Tiwari, who was in the Chair, adjourned the House for the day to meet again at 11 AM tomorrow.