Reinforcing infrastructure as a growth pillar, Budget 2026-27 raised capital spending and announced new dedicated freight corridors, seven high speed rail corridors and 20 new national waterways.
Survey mentions ‘binding budget constraints’, highlights need to ensure higher private participation in infrastructure and coordinated action from all stakeholders involved.
The finance ministry should not spend ~0.83 trillion for equity infusion into BSNL. Instead, it should ask the telephone company to raise resources from the market.
Union Budget 2024 allocated Rs 11.1 lakh cr as capex for FY25. This is 11% higher than what was budgeted for FY24 and 17% higher than what was actually spent that year.
Leaving interim budget largely unchanged would be in keeping with trend since 2004-05. Even when new parties have come to power, budgetary allocations have not changed substantially.
Fall in capital expenditure indicates Congress govt's shrinking space to create assets. In contrast, Rs 52,000 cr is earmarked for 5 guarantees promised to voters before state polls.
Last 20 years' data shows capex share in spending has risen since 1st term of Modi govt in 2014-15 & that of subsidies has dropped. Under UPA between 2004-2014, subsidies rose while capex fell.
Studies by Bank of Baroda find Centre on track to meet capex target for this fiscal. There’s wide disparity in states’ performances but upcoming polls haven’t derailed the capex process.
The Congress has promised Rs 50,000 assistance to each woman but as we've seen in many recent elections, voters seem to be conscious of the proverb: 'A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.'
Fears that an escalation of the conflict could heighten a fuel squeeze & endanger the economy unnerved traders, with NYT reporting Iran stopped negotiating a truce with the US.
French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.
China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.
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