​The form of Annual Financial Statement and Demand for Grants shall be laid down to Parliament by whom ?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Finance Minister

Explanation:
• The Finance Minister presents the Annual Financial Statement (Union Budget) to Parliament under Article 112 of the Constitution of India.
• It includes the estimated receipts and expenditures of the Government of India for the upcoming financial year.
• Along with it, Demands for Grants are also laid before the Lok Sabha for approval.
• The presentation usually occurs on 1st February every year.

Information Booster:
• The Budget consists of Revenue Budget and Capital Budget.
• Article 113 – deals with Demands for Grants.
• Article 114 – provides for the Appropriation Bill.
• The term “Budget” is not mentioned in the Constitution; it uses Annual Financial Statement.
• The financial year in India runs from 1 April to 31 March.

Additional Knowledge:
• C & AG of India: Audits government accounts under Article 149, not responsible for presenting financial statements.
• Controller General of Accounts (CGA): Prepares consolidated accounts and reports to the Finance Ministry.
• Chief Controller of Accounts (CCA): Functions under ministries/departments, maintaining departmental accounts.