Budget Facts: All About 'Bahi Khata' a Practice Started by FM Nirmala Sitharaman In 2019
For many years, Indian finance ministers were photographed entering parliament with a briefcase for the annual Budget presentation. This tradition changed significantly in 2019 when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the 'Bahi Khata.'What Is the ‘Bahi Khata’?In 2019, Finance Minister Sitharaman chose to carry a “Bahi Khata,” or cloth ledger, instead of the usual budget briefcase. This decision was a symbolic move to break away from the colonial tradition where British finance ministers carried a “Gladstone Box” to Parliament. Over time, this practice was replaced by bags and briefcases, a transition that India also adopted.Before presenting the 2019 budget, Nirmala Sitharaman was seen with a red Bahi Khata, a traditional ledger of accounts. This change was seen as a symbolic rejection of the colonial legacy, as the briefcase was a remnant of British rule in India. The use of the Bahi Khata, a traditional Indian accounting tool, was a way to embrace the country’s heritage.Why the Bahi Khata?Breaking Away from Colonial PracticesThe briefcase was a symbol of British rule in India. Using the Bahi Khata was a way to embrace India's heritage and move away from colonial symbols.Connecting with the Common PeopleThe Bahi Khata is a familiar symbol for many Indians, especially in rural areas and small businesses. It made the budget presentation more relatable and accessible to the average citizen. Related News | Budget Preparation Process: How It Prepared? Check Step-by-Step ProcessFocusing on Financial InclusionThe Bahi Khata is often used by small businesses and entrepreneurs to track their finances. Its use signaled the government's commitment to supporting these sectors.Embracing Digital IndiaIn 2021, 2022, and 2023, Nirmala Sitharaman brought a tablet to parliament, enclosed in a red pouch reminiscent of the Bahi Khata style. Related News | Why the Budget Timing Was Changed to 11 AM from 5 PM: Who Changed and the Motive Behind It - All You Need to Know
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