In the Indian parliamentary system, for how many months is a vote on account normally valid (except in an election year)?

Introduction / Context:
This question concerns the budget making process in the Indian parliamentary system, particularly the device known as a vote on account. When the full budget cannot be passed before the start of the financial year, a vote on account is used to provide the government with spending authority for a limited period. Knowing the usual duration of this arrangement is important for understanding how continuity of government expenditure is maintained.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The topic is vote on account in the Union or state budget process.
• The question asks for the normal period of validity, excluding special election year situations.
• Options give different time spans in months.

Concept / Approach:
A vote on account is a special provision that allows the government to draw money from the Consolidated Fund to meet essential expenditure for a short period until the full budget is discussed and passed. In practice, this period is normally around two months, though in theory Parliament can authorise a longer period, especially in an election year. Most standard textbooks and exam materials mention that the vote on account is usually granted for two months.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the purpose of a vote on account: providing short term funds until the budget is fully approved. Step 2: Remember that this arrangement is designed to be temporary and not a substitute for the full Appropriation Act. Step 3: From exam preparation sources, note that the usual period for which a vote on account is granted is about two months. Step 4: Compare this recall with the options offered. Step 5: Choose 2 months as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check by relating the timeframe with the typical parliamentary calendar. The budget is presented in late February, and discussions may extend into March. A two month vote on account allows the government to meet expenses during April and May, by which time the full budget is normally passed. Longer periods like six or nine months would defeat the purpose of encouraging prompt scrutiny of the full budget.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (3 months) is longer than the commonly accepted period and is not generally cited in standard explanations.
Option C (6 months) would make the temporary arrangement so long that detailed budget scrutiny could be delayed without pressure.
Option D (9 months) is clearly excessive for a temporary vote on account and does not match authoritative descriptions of usual practice.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse the maximum period Parliament may legally authorise with what is considered normal. Another common mistake is to think of vote on account as a simple fraction of the financial year, leading them to guess three or six months. Focusing on the idea of a very short bridge period before the full Appropriation Act is passed helps fix the two month duration in memory.

Final Answer:
In the Indian parliamentary system, a vote on account is normally valid for about 2 months, except in special situations such as an election year.