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.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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