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29th July 2024 (12 Topics)

Why Budget 2024 prioritises Debt Reduction over Increased Spending

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Context

The Union Budget for 2024-25 has sparked discussions due to its acknowledgment of global economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures, setting the stage for economic resilience amidst challenges.

Fiscal Challenges and Priorities

  • Macro Risks Highlighted: The budget addresses rising global economic uncertainty and inflation as primary risks affecting India's economic stability.
  • Resilience in Growth: Despite these challenges, India aims to maintain resilient economic growth, necessitating a stable macroeconomic environment.
  • Debt and Expenditure Dynamics: A significant portion of the budget increase is allocated to interest payments, highlighting the challenge of balancing debt reduction with social and developmental spending.

Debt Management and Fiscal Consolidation

  • Debt-to-GDP Ratio: India targets a debt-to-GDP ratio of 56%, down from its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, while emphasizing the need for fiscal consolidation.
  • Interest Burden: High interest payments remain a concern, constraining non-interest expenditure and development investments.
  • Framework for Fiscal Consolidation: Amendments to the FRBM Act advocate for a structured debt reduction path despite current economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures.

State Reforms and Fiscal Autonomy

  • State-Centric Reforms: The budget introduces state-level reforms in areas like land, labour, and capital, aiming for next-generation reforms.
  • Challenges in Implementation: Reforms such as stamp duty rationalization face complexities due to diverse state property market dynamics and revenue needs.
  • Union-State Coordination: Effective implementation hinges on collaborative efforts and maintaining state fiscal autonomy post-GST era.
Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the fiscal challenges highlighted in the Union Budget 2024-25, particularly in managing debt amidst global economic uncertainties and inflation. How can India achieve fiscal consolidation while balancing the imperative of social spending? Evaluate the role of state-level reforms in enhancing economic governance and fiscal autonomy in post-GST India.

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