<h1>Union Cabinet Approves Budget Reforms: Merges Railway Budget, Advances Presentation Date, and Combines Plan Classifications.</h1> The Union Cabinet has approved significant budgetary reforms effective from the 2017-18 budget. These include merging the Railway budget with the General budget, advancing the budget presentation date to February 1, and merging Plan and Non-Plan classifications in budget accounts. The Railway budget merger will maintain the Railways' autonomy while eliminating its annual dividend liability, integrating its appropriations into the main Appropriation Bill. Advancing the budget presentation aims to improve planning and execution from the financial year's start. Merging Plan and Non-Plan classifications will streamline resource allocation and focus on revenue and capital expenditure.