States are increasingly borrowing to finance subsidies. This reduces fiscal space for capital and other developmental expenditure, compromising long-term growth.
State govt provides an annual average subsidy of Rs 52,000 per pump set. And while rising subsidy costs are straining state finances, cutting back on these carries political risks.
Most Indians are spending more on essential items than last year while earning either less or the same amount. No wonder they turn to 'buy now, pay later' schemes.
Subsidies are here to stay. Worryingly, subsidy expenditure will likely increase as Indian politicians try to meet a wider set of aspirations through more diverse freebies.
According to govt data, the average all-India retail price of tomatoes was Rs 116.86/kg Saturday, with the maximum touching Rs 250/kg. In Delhi, tomatoes were prices Rs 178/kg.
The Narendra Modi government is looking at ways to check states’ spending on handouts like free electricity and rations. The first step is to tighten the noose on state borrowings.
Budget deficit target is doable, increased capex is a positive & it takes a realistic, if political, view of disinvestment. But protectionism, rising debts, slashed subsidies are problems.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
The Chinese are said to have hired ex-fighter pilots & air force operators from NATO countries over the past several years to help them fine-tune their operational & flying capabilities.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
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