Q. The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from (UPSC Prelims 2011)
Answer: The Parliament of India
Notes: The correct answer is [B] The Parliament of India.The Consolidated Fund of India is the most important of all government accounts. It is established under Article 266(1) of the Constitution, and no money can be withdrawn from it except under the authority of a law passed by the Parliament.This is the core of fiscal accountability.

• The Appropriation Act: To withdraw even a single rupee for government expenses, the government must introduce and pass an Appropriation Bill in the Lok Sabha. Once the President signs it, it becomes an Act, providing the legal "authorization" for withdrawal.
• The Annual Budget: This process is usually seen during the passing of the Union Budget, where the Parliament debates and votes on the "Demands for Grants" before passing the Appropriation Bill.