Last Updated on March 13, 2026 7:19 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
AMN
Lok Sabha today approved the Supplementary Demands for Grants – Second Batch 2025-26. Under it, the government has sought gross additional expenditure of over two lakh and 81 thousand crore rupees. The additional net cash outgo approvals were mainly sought for meeting higher expenditures on fertiliser, food subsidies and Defence Services, among others. Replying to the discussion in the lower House today, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Supplementary Demands include 61 grants.
She said the government has strengthened the overall macroeconomic framework, which has enabled the nation to absorb economic shocks of various kinds without deviating from the fiscal consolidation roadmap. Mrs Sitharaman said the government has proposed 57 thousand 381 crore rupees as the Economic Stabilisation Fund to provide physical headroom to allow India to respond to global headwinds. However, the total outlay for the fund is one lakh crore rupees, and in addition to the supplementary grants of over 42 thousand crore rupees, it would be added to this fund through savings of other Ministries and departments. The Minister said, ” This fund will allow India to respond to the recent global crisis, unanticipated supply chain disruptions, and unexpected shocks to sub-sectors of the economy.” Mrs Sitharaman said the government is ready to face any unexpected events, including supply chain disruptions and LPG.
The Minister said, 41 thousand 430 crore rupees have been allocated for Defence Services in this Supplementary Demand for Grants. Mrs Sitharaman said, additionally, six thousand 140 crore rupees are being provided for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to ensure that no ex-serviceman faces any difficulty in availing healthcare services. The Minister highlighted that a grant of 37 thousand 886 crore rupees has been provided to the states’ local bodies. She added that for fertilizer subsidies, an amount of 19 thousand 230 crore rupees has been earmarked to ensure that farmers do not face any shortage of fertilizers. Besides, an additional 30 thousand crore rupees has been allocated for Viksit Bharat – G RAM-G act, which will be implemented from 1st April.
The Finance Minister appealed to the members to rise above party lines during the global crisis and act in the national interest. The Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working tirelessly to ensure that the citizens of the country do not face any difficulties.
After giving its nod to the Supplementary Demands for Grants – Second Batch 2025-26, the Lok Sabha also approved the Appropriation Bill 2026. It seeks to authorise payment and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2025-26. After completing this business, the Lower House was adjourned to meet at 11:00 AM on Monday.
