The Halwa Ceremony
In DDT 2274, we mentioned -
Legal Corner Icon — the image was hosted by the publisher and was not captured."IT is now clear that there would be no Budget presentation on February 28 as usual. The Government is planning an extended winter session of Parliament from February 5 to 21 and the vote on account is planned on February 17. So, there would be no budget exercises and the babus in North Block can relax."
But, a full Budget or an Interim Budget, the "Halwa" ceremony cannot be dispensed with.
Although DDT does not know when this 'halva/halvah' ritual began in the North Block, it can be safely presumed that it is initiated to propitiate the gods and the goddesses for the safe passage of the Finance Bill, right from the stage of drafting to printing in the Budget Press situated in the North Block, and its laying down before the Parliament.
There is also another angle to it - To maintain the secrecy of Budget, there is a "lock-in" of the officials involved in making the Budget. These officers and staff gain touch with their near and dear ones only after the Budget is presented by the Union Finance Minister in Parliament. So, perhaps, to keep them happy and at 'home', the Finance Minister and the other junior Ministers and the Secretaries, Chairpersons of the two Revenue Boards participate in the sumptuous sweetmeat indulgence.
For more, read our news story - Interim Budget on Feb 17 - FM relishes Halwa Ceremony - Will it be 'tasty' for taxpayers as well?
After all, Budget making is a helluva job!