In her Budget 2024 address on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the government's fiscal deficit target of 5.1% in the upcoming fiscal year (FY25). This goal aligns with a broader fiscal consolidation strategy aimed at bringing the deficit down to below 4.5% by FY26, Sitharaman said.
Fiscal deficit for the current financial year (FY24) is expected to be 5.8%, lower than the 5.9% budgeted estimate.
According to NK Singh, Chairperson of the 15th Finance Commission, the 0.7% expected fiscal consolidation is a "fairly daunting target' in absolute terms.
"It’s a clear signal on the government’s continued commitment to a path of macroeconomic stability, and fiscal consolidation, and I have no doubt that the debt numbers will also show this kind of fiscal resolve and look in a southward direction," he told CNBC-TV18 discussing his key takeaways from the six budget by FM Sitharaman.
This fiscal resolve, Singh noted, is very important as a signal to investors and rating agencies on India’s continued adherence to its goals even in an election year.
He discussed a notable shift in the states' approach to fiscal management pointing out that states have purposefully utilised funds, with expenditure patterns showing a switch towards long-term multiplier growth.
Singh lauded this as a decisive move towards "Viksit Bharat," emphasising the states' crucial role in contributing to the nation's long-term growth story.
For more, watch the accompanying video
(Edited by : Shweta Mungre)