Considering fiscal deficit range instead of number, says N K Singh

Singh said the 15th Finance Commission had not sought any extension and will finish its report for 2021-22 to 2025-26 by October 31

NK Singh, chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission (15th FC), said on Friday that the panel will consider recommending a range for yearly fiscal deficit targets, instead of a fixed number, as is the practice now.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Commission’s economic advisory council, Singh said the body had not sought any extension and will finish its report for 2021-22 to 2025-26 by October 31. Singh said the need to fundamentally revisit the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, under which the Centre prescribes a fiscal deficit target, was discussed at the meeting. The target for