The Rajya Sabha on Monday returned two pivotal financial measures for Manipur, the Appropriation Bill, 2025, and the GST (Amendment) Bill, 2025, amid disruptions by opposition MPs protesting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar. Despite the uproar, the bills remain on course to become law under India’s constitutional process.
Both measures, in approval of the state’s annual budget and alignment with GST Council decisions, were first passed by the Lok Sabha on August 7. The Appropriation Bill authorises the state to draw approximately ₹30,969 crore from its Consolidated Fund for 2025-26, while the GST Amendment Bill formalises tax reforms necessitated by Manipur’s President’s Rule.
Under India’s constitutional framework for Money Bills, once the Lok Sabha approves a bill, the Rajya Sabha may only offer non-binding recommendations and must return it within fourteen days. Failure to do so results in the bill being deemed as passed by both Houses in its original form. This law ensures that fiscal legislation, like Manipur’s Appropriation and GST Bills, cannot be stalled by the Upper House, safeguarding financial governance and legislative continuity.
The protests continued as the bills were debated. Opposition MPs, some previously detained while marching towards the Election Commission, forced their way into the Rajya Sabha and demanded that Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge be allowed to speak. Slogans against the SIR exercise echoed through the chamber. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised their actions sharply, stating “While the Opposition speaks about Manipur, when its budget and GST bills are being taken up, they are not just protesting on some other issue, but also voting against it.”
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Despite the vocal dissent and attempts to disrupt proceedings, both Money Bills were returned to the Lok Sabha by voice vote. Under parliamentary convention, the return does not signify rejection; instead, it marks the procedural completion of the Rajya Sabha’s limited role. With their return, the measures are now effectively passed and await the President’s assent.
About the Money Bill process
Introduction and passage: Money Bills, including Appropriation and GST Bills, can only originate in the Lok Sabha, where they are debated and passed.
Role of Rajya Sabha: The Upper House may suggest amendments but cannot alter or reject. It must return the bill with or without changes within fourteen days.
Final passage: If recommendations are made, the Lok Sabha may accept or reject them. If none are made or accepted, the bill is deemed passed in its original form and proceeds to the President.
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