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The government’s budget demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a stable fiscal position while strategically channeling borrowing into enhancing capital expenditure (capex). The focus on capex is clear, with the effective revenue deficit estimated at just 0.3% of GDP. Here’s a breakdown of the budget’s key aspects:
Government Borrowing and Capital Expenditure
– Effective Capital Spending: Estimated at ₹17.1 lakh crore, surpassing the fiscal deficit of ₹16.96 lakh crore. This indicates a significant shift toward higher-quality expenditure.
– Asset Creation: Borrowed funds are primarily being utilized for asset creation, bolstering the economy’s growth potential.
Fiscal Highlights
– Conservative Tax Revenue Growth:
– FY23: ₹21 lakh crore (16.2% growth)
– FY24: ₹23.3 lakh crore (10.9% growth)
– FY25: ₹25 lakh crore (7.4% growth)
– FY26 (RE): ₹26.7 lakh crore (7.0% growth)
– FY27 (BE): ₹28.7 lakh crore (7.2% growth)
– Non-Tax Receipts:
– FY23: ₹1 lakh crore (–21.8%)
– FY24: ₹1.7 lakh crore (40.8%)
– FY25: ₹3.1 lakh crore (33.5%)
– FY26 (RE): ₹3.8 lakh crore (24.4%)
– FY27 (BE): ₹3.9 lakh crore (–0.2%)
Asset Sales and Disinvestment
– Disinvestment Targets:
– FY23: ₹46,035 crore
– FY24: ₹83,122 crore
– FY25: ₹17,200 crore
– FY26 (RE): ₹33,837 crore
– FY27 (BE): ₹80,000 crore
Capital Expenditure Trends
– Total Capital Expenditure:
– FY23: ₹7.4 lakh crore (8.7% YoY growth)
– FY24: ₹9.5 lakh crore (28.3% YoY growth)
– FY25: ₹10.5 lakh crore (10.8% YoY growth)
– FY26 (RE): ₹11 lakh crore (4.2% YoY growth)
– FY27 (BE): ₹12.2 lakh crore (11.5% YoY growth)
Revenue Spending and Budget Size
– Revenue Spending:
– FY23: ₹34.5 lakh crore (7.9% growth)
– FY24: ₹34.9 lakh crore (1.2% growth)
– FY25: ₹36.3 lakh crore (3.1% growth)
– FY26 (RE): ₹38.7 lakh crore (7.4% growth)
– FY27 (BE): ₹41.3 lakh crore (6.6% growth)
– Budget Size:
– FY23: ₹41.9 lakh crore (10.5% increase)
– FY24: ₹44.4 lakh crore (6% increase)
– FY25: ₹46.5 lakh crore (4.7% increase)
– FY26 (RE): ₹49.7 lakh crore (6.7% increase)
– FY27 (BE): ₹53.5 lakh crore (7.7% increase)
Risks and Fiscal Deficit Targets
– Subsidy Provision Risks:
– FY23: ₹5.8 lakh crore (2.1% of GDP)
– FY24: ₹4.3 lakh crore (1.4% of GDP)
– FY25: ₹4.2 lakh crore (1.3% of GDP)
– FY26 (RE): ₹4.7 lakh crore (1.3% of GDP)
– FY27 (BE): ₹4.5 lakh crore (1.2% of GDP)
– Fiscal Deficit Targets:
– FY23: 6.5%
– FY24: 5.5%
– FY25: 4.8%
– FY26 (RE): 4.4%
– FY27 (BE): 4.3%
Debt Management
– Central Government Debt to GDP Ratio: Progress towards managing the debt burden is evident, aligning with targets defined in the FRBM Act.
In conclusion, the government’s approach to borrowing is firmly focused on enhancing capex to spur economic growth while managing the fiscal deficit effectively. This strategy indicates a commitment to long-term asset creation, which is expected to strengthen the nation’s economic resilience in the coming years.