Budget 2024-25 Projects Fiscal Deficit at 5.1% of GDP with Enhanced Capital Expenditure Focus
February 2024
The Budget 2024-25 represents a significant milestone in India's fiscal consolidation journey, projecting fiscal deficit at 5.1% of GDP (₹16.85 lakh crore) compared to 5.8% in the previous year. This demonstrates the government's commitment to gradual deficit reduction while maintaining growth-supportive spending. The budget emphasizes capital expenditure allocation of ₹11.11 lakh crore, indicating a shift toward productive spending that could improve the effective revenue deficit position. The revenue deficit is projected at 2.8% of GDP, showing improvement from previous years. This budget also reflects post-pandemic fiscal normalization while addressing infrastructure and development needs.
UPSC Angle: Expected questions on fiscal consolidation path, FRBM Act compliance, capital expenditure prioritization, and the balance between fiscal prudence and growth requirements in current economic context.