The Budget Session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on Friday with President Ram Nath Kovind’s address. The union budget will be presented on February 1.

Also read: GDP, Fiscal deficit, Capital Budget: Terms you need to know before Budget 2021

The session will conclude on April 8 with a recess in between from February 15 to March 8.

As the Budget Session of Parliament is set to begin, let’s have a look at how a bill becomes a law.

Types of Bills: There are four types of Bills that are tabled in Parliament concerning different purposes. These are: Ordinary Bill, Money Bill, Financial Bill and Constitutional Amendment Bill.

While an Ordinary Bill can be brought in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha by a minister or a private member, a Money Bill can only be tabled in the Lower House ie Lok Sabha by a minister.

Stages of passing a Bill: There are roughly fives stages through which an Ordinary Bill goes through before it becomes a law.

First, a minister or member introduces the Bill in either House. He/she has to give seven days notice before moving this motion. It must be noted that the Bill is circulated at least two days before it is scheduled to be introduced. However, he House has the discretion to waive this requirement. The Chairman may allow the motion to be moved at a shorter notice. If the motion to introduce the Bill is defeated, the Bill cannot be introduced.

Second, after the Bill is introduced, it may go to a committee for detailed examination. In case a Bill has been passed by one House without reference to a standing committee, the other House may refer the Bill to a standing or select Committee comprised of its own MPs.

Third, after the select committee’s report is received, the Bill is then taken up for discussion and time is allotted for the debate on the floor of the House. It must be noted that the time given to different parties depends upon their strength in the House.

Fourth, following a general discussion, a clause-by-clause discussion is held. MPs can move amendments to the Bill for which they are required to give one day notice. The member of the House who has moved an amendment has to explain the reasons for moving the specific amendment, and it can become part of the Bill if it is accepted by a majority of MPs present and voting.

Fifth, if both the Houses accept the Bill and amendments, it is presented before the President for final approval. The President also has three options before him. He gives assent to the Bill following which it becomes an act. He/she may withhold the assent. The Bill is returned for reconsideration.

Also read: Budget 2021: 7 highlights from last year’s Union Budget

Money Bill: A Money Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha only after the recommendation of the President. The Bill is termed as government bill and can only be introduced by a minister. After Lok Sabha passes the Bill, it goes to Rajya Sabha, which has restricted powers regarding such bills and it can not reject or amend it.