Nirmala Sitharaman advances Viksit Bharat via infrastructure
ECONOMY & POLICY

Nirmala Sitharaman advances Viksit Bharat via infrastructure

Last year, when the Budget was presented by the finance minister, the deficit projections for 2023-24 were based on the assumption that the nominal GDP would be nearly Rs 302 trillion.

According to current estimates, that number is now under Rs 297 trillion. If the absolute deficit numbers had remained at Budget estimates (BE), they would have represented a larger proportion of GDP due to the reduction in the denominator. However, the revised estimates (RE) indicate that the fiscal deficit is 5.8% of GDP, slightly lower than the budgeted 5.9%.

The question arises: was this achievement the result of higher receipts? Not exactly. In fact, total receipts in the revised estimates are slightly lower than in the Budget estimates (Rs 44.9 trillion against Rs 45 trillion). What has contributed to keeping the deficit in check is a reduction in "effective capital expenditure" by about Rs trillion, with the RE of Rs 12.7 trillion falling approximately 7% short of the budgeted figure. Effective capital expenditure encompasses both the Centre's own capital spending and the grants-in-aid provided for the capital expenditure of states.

Despite a somewhat higher than budgeted revenue expenditure (Rs 35.4 trillion against Rs 35 trillion), the total expenditure was kept within the budgeted figure. Consequently, the fiscal deficit, which is the gap between total expenditure and receipts other than borrowings, is now estimated to reach Rs 17.3 trillion instead of the initially budgeted Rs 17.9 trillion. This ensures that it remains within the budget target of 5.9% of GDP.

Last year, when the Budget was presented by the finance minister, the deficit projections for 2023-24 were based on the assumption that the nominal GDP would be nearly Rs 302 trillion. According to current estimates, that number is now under Rs 297 trillion. If the absolute deficit numbers had remained at Budget estimates (BE), they would have represented a larger proportion of GDP due to the reduction in the denominator. However, the revised estimates (RE) indicate that the fiscal deficit is 5.8% of GDP, slightly lower than the budgeted 5.9%. The question arises: was this achievement the result of higher receipts? Not exactly. In fact, total receipts in the revised estimates are slightly lower than in the Budget estimates (Rs 44.9 trillion against Rs 45 trillion). What has contributed to keeping the deficit in check is a reduction in effective capital expenditure by about Rs trillion, with the RE of Rs 12.7 trillion falling approximately 7% short of the budgeted figure. Effective capital expenditure encompasses both the Centre's own capital spending and the grants-in-aid provided for the capital expenditure of states. Despite a somewhat higher than budgeted revenue expenditure (Rs 35.4 trillion against Rs 35 trillion), the total expenditure was kept within the budgeted figure. Consequently, the fiscal deficit, which is the gap between total expenditure and receipts other than borrowings, is now estimated to reach Rs 17.3 trillion instead of the initially budgeted Rs 17.9 trillion. This ensures that it remains within the budget target of 5.9% of GDP.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Shoals' Q3 2024 revenue falls 23.9% due to project delays, supply chain

Shoals Technologies Group, a U.S.-headquartered manufacturer of electrical balance of systems (EBOS) for solar, energy storage, and e-mobility, reported a 23.9% year-over-year (YoY) decline in revenue, which dropped to $102.2 million in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024. This decline was mainly attributed to project delays and supply chain disruptions. The company posted a net loss of $300,000, a significant improvement compared to the $9.8 million net loss in Q3 2023. Adjusted net income was reported at $13.9 million, reflecting a 58.2% YoY decrease. Adjusted EBITDA stood at $24.5 million, a 4..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

FTC Solar sees 67% YoY decline in Q3 revenue from lower volumes

FTC Solar, a U.S.-based provider of solar tracker systems, reported a revenue of $10.14 million in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, surpassing analyst expectations by $240,680. However, this figure marked a 66.8% year-over-year (YoY) decline compared to the same quarter in 2023, primarily attributed to reduced product volumes. The decline in solar tracker revenue was mainly due to an 82% decrease in the amount of MW produced, which was negatively impacted by delays in customer projects. This was partially offset by an increase in the average selling price (ASP), which led to better pricing an..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Dilip Buildcon wins bid for BharatNet Phase III broadband project

Dilip Buildcon announced on Tuesday, November 12, that its STL-DBL consortium had submitted the lowest bid for BSNL's BharatNet Phase III broadband connectivity project. The USOF-funded project, which aims to provide middle and last-mile connectivity in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, is valued at Rs.1,625.36 Crore. Dilip Buildcon holds a 70.23% stake in the implementation of the project. The project is expected to be completed in three years, and the corporation will secure a 10-year maintenance contract. In recent days, BSNL has awarded several contracts for the BharatNet project. On Monday, No..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000