Lok Sabha passes interim budget

A file picture shows Finance Minister P. Chidambaram along with MoS Namo Narain Meena dn J.D. Seelam leaving for Parliament to present the Interim Budget on Feb. 17, 2014. Photo: Sandeep Saxena.

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the interim budget for 2014-15 without any discussion as members raised different issues, including reservation for Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in super-speciality courses of premier institutions. There was no customary reply by the Finance Minister before voting on the appropriation and finance Bills.

Finance Minister P. Chidambaram introduced and cleared the interim budget, the finance and appropriation Bills, seeking appropriation of Rs. 20,76,561 crore without any discussion. The Finance Bill seeks to continue the existing income tax rates, including the surcharge on super rich individuals and corporates.