Agriculture to shipping, some ministries likely to see spending squeeze

The official data shows that, for example, the agriculture ministry has spent 49 per cent of its budgeted expenditure till November-end, compared to 70 per cent for the same period last year

To keep its fiscal deficit for 2019-20 within acceptable levels, the Centre is likely to go for a massive expenditure compression in the form of savings, rollovers, and outright cuts. The finance ministry is looking to compress around Rs 2.2 trillion, even as gross tax revenue could see a shortfall of much more than Rs 2 trillion, and there are now doubts regarding divestment targets as well. Most of the compressions are expected to come from ministries and departments that have underspent so far. These include the ministries of agriculture, civil aviation, roadways, shipping, electronics, information technology, tourism and social