Contingency Fund advances: Can the President spend from the Contingency Fund of India without prior parliamentary approval? Understand the advance mechanism and subsequent recoupment through appropriation. Choose the correct statement.

What is being asked? Whether advances from the Contingency Fund require prior approval.

Concept/Approach
The Contingency Fund of India is placed at the President’s disposal to make advances for urgent, unforeseen expenditure.
After the advance, Parliament authorizes the expenditure and the Fund is recouped from the Consolidated Fund via an appropriation.

Step-by-step flow
• Urgent need arises → advance drawn from Contingency Fund.• Parliament later passes appropriation → reimbursement to the Fund.

Common pitfalls
Thinking the Fund can be used only for calamities (it covers any unforeseen urgent expenditure).

Final Answer
Without the approval of Parliament