+
Nirmala Sitharaman advances Viksit Bharat via infrastructure
ECONOMY & POLICY

Nirmala Sitharaman advances Viksit Bharat via infrastructure

Last year, when the Budget was presented by the finance minister, the deficit projections for 2023-24 were based on the assumption that the nominal GDP would be nearly Rs 302 trillion.

According to current estimates, that number is now under Rs 297 trillion. If the absolute deficit numbers had remained at Budget estimates (BE), they would have represented a larger proportion of GDP due to the reduction in the denominator. However, the revised estimates (RE) indicate that the fiscal deficit is 5.8% of GDP, slightly lower than the budgeted 5.9%.

The question arises: was this achievement the result of higher receipts? Not exactly. In fact, total receipts in the revised estimates are slightly lower than in the Budget estimates (Rs 44.9 trillion against Rs 45 trillion). What has contributed to keeping the deficit in check is a reduction in "effective capital expenditure" by about Rs trillion, with the RE of Rs 12.7 trillion falling approximately 7% short of the budgeted figure. Effective capital expenditure encompasses both the Centre's own capital spending and the grants-in-aid provided for the capital expenditure of states.

Despite a somewhat higher than budgeted revenue expenditure (Rs 35.4 trillion against Rs 35 trillion), the total expenditure was kept within the budgeted figure. Consequently, the fiscal deficit, which is the gap between total expenditure and receipts other than borrowings, is now estimated to reach Rs 17.3 trillion instead of the initially budgeted Rs 17.9 trillion. This ensures that it remains within the budget target of 5.9% of GDP.

Last year, when the Budget was presented by the finance minister, the deficit projections for 2023-24 were based on the assumption that the nominal GDP would be nearly Rs 302 trillion. According to current estimates, that number is now under Rs 297 trillion. If the absolute deficit numbers had remained at Budget estimates (BE), they would have represented a larger proportion of GDP due to the reduction in the denominator. However, the revised estimates (RE) indicate that the fiscal deficit is 5.8% of GDP, slightly lower than the budgeted 5.9%. The question arises: was this achievement the result of higher receipts? Not exactly. In fact, total receipts in the revised estimates are slightly lower than in the Budget estimates (Rs 44.9 trillion against Rs 45 trillion). What has contributed to keeping the deficit in check is a reduction in effective capital expenditure by about Rs trillion, with the RE of Rs 12.7 trillion falling approximately 7% short of the budgeted figure. Effective capital expenditure encompasses both the Centre's own capital spending and the grants-in-aid provided for the capital expenditure of states. Despite a somewhat higher than budgeted revenue expenditure (Rs 35.4 trillion against Rs 35 trillion), the total expenditure was kept within the budgeted figure. Consequently, the fiscal deficit, which is the gap between total expenditure and receipts other than borrowings, is now estimated to reach Rs 17.3 trillion instead of the initially budgeted Rs 17.9 trillion. This ensures that it remains within the budget target of 5.9% of GDP.

Next Story
Technology

Six ways a smarter workflow leads to faster, more accurate bids

In today’s fast-paced civil construction environment, estimators need more than just solid numbers. They need smart, streamlined processes. This article explores six key ways connected workflows can transform the estimated approach, help in minimising risk, move faster, and improve accuracy. By integrating tools, data, and teams, one can produce stronger bids with less rework, fewer surprises, and more confidence. As an estimator, the job goes beyond producing numbers. They are responsible for delivering bids that are fast, accurate, and built to win. In today’s civil construction ind..

Next Story
Real Estate

Experion Launches Women-Only Co-Living Project in Greater Noida

Experion, part of Singapore-based AT Capital Group, has launched its first co-living space under its managed rental housing brand, VLIV, in Greater Noida. The all-women residence features 730 twin-sharing beds with a strong focus on safety, comfort, and well-being. VLIV has committed a $300 million investment to create a structured, service-led rental housing ecosystem in India. The brand aims to scale up to 20,000 beds in the next few years, with a long-term target of 100,000 beds nationwide. “India’s rental housing is fragmented. VLIV is our way of building long-term, dependabl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Officine Maccaferri Acquires CPT to Bolster Tunnelling Tech

Ambienta’s platform company, Officine Maccaferri S.p.A., has acquired CPT Group, a leading Italian developer of robotic prefabrication systems and digital control technologies for mechanised tunnelling. The move positions Maccaferri as a global player in integrated tunnelling solutions, blending traditional and advanced mechanised systems. Based in Nova Milanese, CPT serves major global contractors across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The company offers robotic prefabrication (Robofactory), productivity-monitoring software for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), and eco-designed spa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?