Budget 2024: The Red Colour Budget Briefcase Has Its Roots In British Politics, Know The Origin And History!

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with her team with the Budget tablet outside the Ministry of Finance in North Block today, on 23 July 2024. She will present her 7th Union Budget today at around 11 am in Lok Sabha.

However, has moved away from the traditional leather briefcase. Recently, she has opted for a digital tablet wrapped in a traditional 'bahi-khata' style pouch, blending tradition with modernity.

Since 2019, Sitharaman has broken away from the British-era briefcase tradition. For her first budget presentation, she chose a red cloth, which may signify Indian tradition as red is commonly used for covering religious texts. This adds a cultural touch to the budget announcement. Read on to know more.

Red Colour Budget Briefcase And Its British Link

The iconic red colour associated with budget briefcases has its roots in British politics. In 1860, British Chancellor Gladstone introduced a red leather-covered briefcase with the Queen's monogram, known as the Gladstone Box. The colour red was chosen for its prominence on the arms of the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

Two reasons are attributed to the choice of red. One is Prince Albert's preference, aligning with the colour on the arms of his house. Another story suggests Queen Elizabeth I's representative presented a red briefcase filled with black puddings to the Spanish ambassador in the late 16th century, initiating this tradition.

What's The Tradition Of Posing With Budget Bag?

The tradition of posing with a bag before delivering the budget speech began when Independent India's first Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty announced the budget on November 26, 1947. Over time, finance ministers have showcased different coloured bags, deviating from Britain's quintessential red Gladstone box used since 1860.

In 1958, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru used a black briefcase instead of red during his budget presentation. In 1991, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh carried a black bag while delivering his iconic economic liberalisation proposals.

On presenting the 1998-99 budget, Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha carried a special black leather bag with straps and buckles. It was surprising when President Pranab Mukherjee, as finance minister during UPA's rule, came to parliament with a red-coloured box resembling Britain's Gladstone box.

Origin Of The Word 'Budget'And Evoution In India

The word 'budget' originates from the French word 'bougette', meaning a leather bag. This is why every finance minister poses with a leather bag before their speech in parliament. The tradition dates back to the 18th century when Britain's budget chief was first requested to 'open the budget' while presenting his annual speech.

In India, despite changing shapes and colours over time, the finance minister's bag continues to symbolise economic progress and future prospects. The legacy remains intact, highlighting this age-old tradition's continuity.

Sitharaman transitioned to a paperless budget post-2021 by presenting it on a tablet adorned with a red cloth. She introduced innovation by using an iPad or ledger instead of the traditional briefcase since then.

The despatch box or Budget box symbolises the Chancellor's notes and speech during presentations. Apart from historical ties, red is believed to attract attention, making it suitable for such significant announcements.

Though England stopped using that red bag in 2010, India's finance ministers continue this practice with various adaptations each year. The finance minister's bag carries significant weight regarding economic progress and future prospects.