What is the meaning of Appropriation Bill?

An Appropriation Bill defines the budgetary estimates for the current year as passed by the Parliament of India or legislatures of state. It later becomes an Act after getting the assent of the President of India or Governor of the State. It then is known as an Appropriation Act. Once passed, no amendments are allowed to the Bill.

If there is any discrepancy between the actual amount spent towards the end of financial year and the amount appropriated at the beginning, it is so reported to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The expenditure of the government for the judiciary or public debt repayments etc. is known as the Charged Appropriation expenditure and it is not voted by the Parliament. It is in fact charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.