Fiscal Deficit

Growth will be driven by project execution, not announcement: Odisha CM

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

States' fiscal math in the age of 'freebies': Stable, but strains remain

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

Improving cash transfers: Time to construct a firm policy framework for DBT

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

Weekly economy wrap: Energy relief, slower PMI, monsoon concerns mark week

Fuel curbs were withdrawn and LPG prices fell as energy pressures eased, but softer PMI readings, a wider fiscal deficit and inflation risks kept policy concerns alive

India's fiscal deficit rose 12-fold to ₹1.62 trillion in April-May

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

India's April-May fiscal deficit at 9.6% of 2026-27 target: Govt data

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

Long road to 50 as govt moves fiscal anchor from deficit to debt-GDP ratio

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

Wider fiscal gap unlikely to threaten India's rating, says Moody's

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

Amid fiscal worries, govt puts PSU share sales on fast track to raise funds

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

Tamil Nadu debt nearly doubles to ₹10 trillion in five years: White paper

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

18 states overshot fiscal deficit ceiling in FY25, shows CAG report

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

Govt may allow wider fiscal deficit to 4.8% of GDP amid Iran war: Report

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

Real cost of freebies is the erosion in quality of public spending

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

Fertiliser subsidy bill likely to double to ₹3.4 trillion in FY27

Rising global fertiliser prices and support extended to oil retailers are squeezing fiscal space, though the government says its capital expenditure plans remain unchanged

Centre may have overshot debt-to-GDP ratio in FY26, shows Mospi data

Lower-than-expected nominal GDP growth may have pushed the Centre's debt ratio to 57.85 per cent in FY26, making its fiscal consolidation path steeper ahead

India considers budget cuts as oil price surge threatens fiscal targets

The government is wary of increasing borrowing beyond budgeted levels because additional debt issuance could push bond yields higher, officials familiar with the matter said

Best of BS Opinion: USTR tariff threats deepen trade uncertainty

From fresh US tariff threats and fiscal policy constraints to the future of television broadcasting and the legacy of Shastri Bhawan, here are today's top Opinion insights

India needs fiscal space, not just subsidies, to weather crises

If India had created more fiscal space in the three good years following the end of the Covid crisis in 2022-23, it would have more options to deal with the current one

'India's fiscal deficit may rise to 4.7% of GDP in FY27 amid West Asia war'

India's fiscal deficit may widen to 4.7 per cent of GDP in FY27 as higher oil prices, subsidy costs and revenue risks from the West Asia conflict weigh on finances, writes Aditi Nayar of ICRA

Spending cut by 50 ministries helps Centre meet FY26 fiscal deficit goal

Expenditure by 50 ministries and departments came in below revised estimates, helping the Centre contain the fiscal deficit despite lower-than-projected receipts