In a recent session in the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faced a challenging moment when the issue of diversity in the traditional pre-Budget Halwa ceremony was brought up by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The lack of representation of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Adivasis in the ceremony’s preparation became a point of contention.
Gandhi’s criticism of the government’s alleged neglect of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs was met with a strong response from the BJP, accusing the Congress of obstructing reservation for these communities and labeling them as “anti-Hindu.” The heated exchange shed light on deep-rooted issues surrounding diversity and representation in the budget preparation process.
Senior IAS officers revealed that a team of predominantly senior officers, most of whom hold secretary ranks, is responsible for formulating policies and drafting budget documents. Furthermore, there is a limited representation of individuals from reserved categories, particularly for OBCs, in these positions. The history and progression of OBC classification into All India Service (AIS) following court verdicts and mandate reports underscore the structural dynamics and challenges faced in achieving diversity and representation in these roles.
The revelation that the current batch of secretaries overseeing budget formulation primarily belongs to pre-1992 batches, with limited representation from reserved categories, sheds light on the historical context of diversity constraints within senior bureaucratic roles. Furthermore, the progression in All India Services (AIS), determined by the batch system in gaining seniority, reflects the complexities and disparities in achieving equal representation and inclusivity.
The exchange in Lok Sabha has sparked a vital debate on the intersection of caste representation, reservation policies, and diversity in the preparation of the national budget. It exposes the need for systemic reforms to ensure equitable representation of marginalized communities in key decision-making positions and emphasizes the importance of addressing historical imbalances in bureaucracy.
As the discourse around budget preparation and diversity gains momentum, it is imperative for policymakers to reexamine the existing frameworks and proactively address the barriers that impede the representation of marginalized communities in critical decision-making processes. The renewed focus on these issues in the parliamentary debate serves as a catalyst for advocating for inclusive and equitable practices in budget formulation and reinforces the commitment to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and represents the voices of all communities in shaping the economic trajectory of the nation.
