The Appropriation Bill 2026, passed by Parliament, gives legal sanction for the government to draw money from the Consolidated Fund of India to meet expenditure approved in the Union Budget. Without this Bill, the executive cannot legally withdraw funds even after the Budget and Finance Bill are passed.
This is a recurring feature of India's annual financial cycle, reflecting the constitutional requirement that no money be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund without parliamentary authorisation, reinforcing legislative control over the executive's purse.
For exams, note the distinction between the Finance Bill (taxation) and the Appropriation Bill (expenditure authorisation), and the relevant constitutional provisions governing withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund of India.