GUILLOTINE

NEWS: Lok Sabha Applies ‘Guillotine’ to Pass Demands for Grants

Background

• The Lok Sabha passed Demands for Grants for 2026–27.
• Total expenditure approved: ₹53 lakh crore+
• Done using “Guillotine” procedure

‘Guillotine’ in Parliament

• Guillotine = A parliamentary procedure
• Used to pass pending Demands for Grants without discussion on the last day.
• Used: Due to–> Time constraints, Large number of demands
• Ensures: Budget process is completed on time
• All remaining demands are: Put to vote at once, Passed together without debate

Key Issues & Implications

• Reduced Parliamentary Debateà Guillotine leads to Less scrutiny of public expenditure
• Executive Dominanceà Government can pass large expenditures quickly
• Accountability Concerns: Weak discussion → Reduced transparency & accountability