FeatureConsolidated Fund of India (CFI)Contingency Fund of IndiaPublic Account of India
ReceiptsAll revenues (taxes, non-tax), all loans raisedCorpus (initially Rs. 500 cr, now Rs. 30,000 cr)Public money other than CFI (e.g., small savings, provident funds)
ExpenditureAll government expenditures, debt repayment, loans to statesUnforeseen expenses pending Parliament approvalDisbursements of public money held in trust
Parliamentary VoteRequires authorization for withdrawalUsed without prior authorization, but recouped laterNot subject to vote by Parliament
Legal BasisArticle 266(1)Article 267(1)Article 266(2)
CustodianGovernment of IndiaPresident of India (via Finance Secretary)Government of India (as banker/trustee)