Actual Article
Article 203: Procedure in Legislature with respect to estimates
- So much of the estimates as relates to expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund of the State shall not be submitted to the vote of the Legislature, but nothing in this clause shall be construed to prevent the discussion in the Legislature of any of those estimates.
- So much of the estimates as relates to other expenditure shall be submitted in the form of demands for grants to the Legislature, and the Legislature shall have the power to assent, or to refuse to assent, to any demand, or to assent to any demand subject to a reduction of the amount specified therein.
UPSC Notes for Article 203
Explanation:
- Charged Expenditure: Article 203 stipulates that expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund of the State, such as salaries for the Governor and Judges of the High Court, among others, is not subject to the vote of the Legislature. However, legislators can discuss these estimates to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Votable Expenditure: The remainder of the budget, which includes regular administrative and development expenses, must be presented as demands for grants. The Legislature has the power to approve, modify, or reject these demands, providing a direct mechanism for legislative oversight of government spending.
Key Points:
- Non-Votable Expenditure Discussion: The discussion of charged expenditures ensures legislative scrutiny without the power to alter the spending, protecting essential state functions from political volatility.
- Legislative Power Over Budget: For expenditures not charged on the Consolidated Fund, the legislature plays a crucial role in deciding the state’s financial priorities through the power to vote on demands for grants.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 203
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases interpreting Article 203 have been noted, as it primarily involves routine legislative procedures.
Commissions:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: Likely explored methods to enhance efficiency and accountability in budget processes, including legislative scrutiny of government spending as provided under Article 203.
Important Reports Related to Article 203:
- Law Commission Reports: May include recommendations on improving the budgetary framework to ensure effective checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches at the state level.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 203
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What does Article 203 of the Constitution pertain to?
- A. The election of the state legislature’s Speaker
- B. The procedure in the legislature with respect to estimates
- C. The appointment of judges to the High Courts
- D. The powers of the Governor in state administration Correct Answer: B. The procedure in the legislature with respect to estimates
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Which type of expenditure cannot be voted on by the state legislature according to Article 203?
- A. Expenditure for state infrastructure projects
- B. Expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State
- C. Expenditure for welfare schemes
- D. Expenditure for the police and public order Correct Answer: B. Expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 203
- Mains 2016: “Analyze the role of state legislatures in fiscal governance as outlined in Article 203.”
- Mains 2019: “Discuss the implications of having non-votable and votable expenditures in the legislative procedure concerning financial estimates as per Article 203.”
Additional Insights:
- Balanced Financial Oversight: Article 203 provides a balanced approach to financial oversight, allowing thorough discussion on charged expenditures while giving legislators control over votable spending.
- Enhancing Democratic Governance: By empowering the legislature to vote on most of the budget, the article strengthens democratic governance and ensures that public funds are allocated in alignment with elected representatives’ scrutiny and approval.
Understanding Article 203 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it highlights the procedures involved in fiscal governance within state legislatures, demonstrating the balance between executive needs and legislative control. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, deepening understanding of state budgetary processes and legislative oversight.