Statement–Courses of Action (ministerial resignation before budget): The Finance Minister tenders resignation one month before the Union Budget is due to be presented in Parliament; decide which course follows—(I) accept the resignation and appoint a new Finance Minister, (II) do not accept the resignation—grounding the decision in continuity of budgetary process and governance.

Given data

• Event: The sitting Finance Minister resigns one month before the Budget presentation.
• Course I: Accept the resignation and promptly appoint a successor.
• Course II: Do not accept the resignation.

Concept / ApproachA sound course ensures continuity and certainty in the constitutional budget process within a fixed timeline.

Step-by-step evaluationStep 1: The budget must be prepared, finalised, and presented; leadership clarity is crucial.Step 2: Accepting the resignation and appointing a new minister (I) provides immediate accountability and direction for the budget.Step 3: Simply refusing to accept (II) may not restore effective stewardship if the individual insists on leaving; it creates uncertainty.

Verification / Alternative checkGovernance norms favour timely appointment to essential portfolios when a vacancy arises near critical deadlines.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming non-acceptance compels continued effective service; resignation signals intent to demit office.

Final AnswerOnly I follows.