60% of govt 'spending spree' inevitably goes towards committed outlay

With schemes like MGNREGA and cash support via PM-KISAN given priority in allocation from the remainder, govt is forced to dip into capital receipts from disinvestment and borrow from the market

The Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 promised an expenditure boost of close to Rs 70 trillion in two years, by budgeting for Rs 34.5 trillion in FY21 and Rs 34.8 trillion in the next financial year (FY22). In comparison, the government spent Rs 50 trillion in the previous two years (FY19 and FY20). This way, the FM set the intent for a massive borrowing-led expenditure stimulus.  

There is one structural issue that severely limits the spending power of the Centre. Though the issue is an intrinsic part of public finances everywhere, its imprint