Covid-19 security takes Budget papers on-line

In the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, the federal government has determined to not print copies of the Union Budget 2021-22, which is slated to be introduced in Parliament on February 1. Budget paperwork can be supplied solely via on-line means and Members of Parliament will get an e-version of those paperwork.
A devoted printing press for Budget paperwork is contained in the North Block. To keep secrecy round Budget bulletins, numerous officers are required to remain collectively for weeks contained in the press. This yr, to stall any potential menace of the unfold of Covid, all Budget paperwork can be supplied on-line.
“It is true that there will be no physical copies this time, but a number of digital platforms and other modes of dissemination have been planned in addition to existing channels. There will also be a mobile app,” a senior authorities official mentioned. The modalities of on-line dissemination of those paperwork can be introduced nearer to the Budget.

Apart from bodily printing of paperwork, the method of distribution of the papers entails a lot of staff. So far, a set of Budget papers with 14 paperwork could be loaded in guarded vans and brought to Parliament on Budget day. This yr, the speech and all Budget-related paperwork could be accessed on http://www.indiabudget.gov.in after its presentation.