As per tradition, the Budget is presented on the last working day of February. A separate railway budget was started by the British in 1924.
Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) will provide provisional Advance Estimates of national income or GDP by January 7 so that the data can be incorporated in preparation of Budget.
The provisional advance estimates, he hoped, would be in line with the one normally released by February 7.
Das said the government will issue Budget circular in a day or two.
Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu said the merger of rail and general budgets will not impact the functional autonomy of the railways but help in enhancing capital expenditure.
“One single budget will mean railway and general budget will work in harmony,” Prabhu said, adding Railways will not have to pay dividend to the Government.
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