Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, clad in a white silk saree, is set to present the Union Budget for 2024-25 in Parliament. Continuing a modern tradition, she will use a digital tablet encased in a traditional ‘bahi-khata’ pouch, adhering to the paperless approach introduced by the Narendra Modi administration.
What is a Bahi-Khata? The ‘bahi-khata’ is a red pouch designed to hold the tablet containing the Budget documents. Adorned with a golden national emblem, it replaced the traditional briefcase starting in 2019. The move symbolizes a departure from colonial-era practices.
Evolution of Budget Presentation in India The tradition of using a budget briefcase dates back to 18th century Britain. The term ‘Budget’ itself is derived from the French word ‘bougette,’ meaning leather briefcase. In 1860, British budget chief William E. Gladstone famously used a red suitcase featuring the Queen’s monogram to carry his budget papers.
India’s first Finance Minister, RK Shanmukham Chetty, carried a leather portfolio when presenting the budget in 1947. This practice continued with subsequent finance ministers, including Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee, who each used various types of briefcases.
Shift to Bahi-Khata In 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the ‘bahi-khata’ as a symbolic shift from colonial legacies. She emphasized that moving away from the “British hangover” and opting for a distinctly Indian touch was both symbolic and practical. The bahi-khata has since become a fixture in her budget presentations.
Adopting Digital Innovation Sitharaman’s move to digital began in 2021. Despite criticism from Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, who suggested that a future Congress finance minister might use an iPad, Sitharaman has consistently used a digital tablet to present the budget in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
As she prepares for the Budget 2024-25 presentation, Sitharaman continues to blend tradition with modernity, reflecting both a respect for Indian heritage and a commitment to technological progress.