Fiscal Deficit

CAG audits reveal that several Indian states understated their fiscal gaps in 2024-25 due to accounting practices, off-budget borrowings, and unrecorded liabilities

Fiscal deficit stood at 18.2 per cent of the FY27 target as higher subsidy spending was offset by robust revenue growth and sustained capital expenditure

Government data showed India's fiscal deficit reached Rs 3.1 trillion, or 18.2% of the FY27 target, as capital expenditure and overall spending increased in the first quarter

Even prosperous southern states used a large part of FY25 debt for operational expenses

States' own tax revenue now exceeds half of revenue receipts, but falling tax buoyancy suggests collections are not keeping pace with economic growth

Six-member panel will recommend measures to improve tax and non-tax revenues, enhance compliance and fiscal self-reliance amid the state's rising debt burden

West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta says the state needs a breakthrough investment project to revive industry, restore investor confidence and drive economic growth

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi says the state is shifting from attracting investments to executing projects, with manufacturing and jobs driving growth

While aggregate finances remain stable, high debt and welfare handouts weigh on some budgets

An EAC-PM study finds women's cash-transfer schemes improve savings and spending, but raises questions over their long-term fiscal sustainability

Fuel curbs were withdrawn and LPG prices fell as energy pressures eased, but softer PMI readings, a wider fiscal deficit and inflation risks kept policy concerns alive

Within tax revenue, the government's excise duty collections fell nearly 20 per cent to Rs 2.12 trillion in April-May

India has set the fiscal deficit target for 2026-27 at 4.3% of GDP, or ₹16.96 trillion

A lower GDP base, subsidy pressures, geopolitical shocks and future spending commitments could make the Centre's goal of reducing debt to 50 per cent of GDP by FY31 significantly more challenging

Moody's said higher energy prices may create temporary budget pressures, but India's improving fiscal position and commitment to deficit reduction should help preserve its investment-grade status

As part of the stake-sale drive, an OFS in LIC is also likely to be launched "very soon"

The TVK government's white paper said Tamil Nadu added Rs 4.87 trillion in debt over five years, while total liabilities, including guarantees and off-budget borrowings, reached Rs 13.8 trillion

The CAG's review of state finances showed 18 states exceeded the 3 per cent fiscal deficit ceiling in FY25, while combined state liabilities continued to rise over the decade

India ships in about 90 per cent of ​its oil and is one of the countries most-exposed to prolonged Iran war-related ‌disruptions to global energy supplies

State debt and deficits do not capture the damage that doles inflict on the quality of public spending