Government’s Focus on Higher Capex Numbers in Upcoming Union Budget
The Indian government is gearing up for a major boost in capital expenditure in the upcoming Union Budget, set to be tabled in Parliament on 23 July. After receiving accolades for its fiscal discipline, decision-makers are now aiming to increase the projected capex numbers significantly.
The interim Budget in February had projected a capital expenditure of Rs 11.1 trillion, but the government is now looking to surpass that figure. With India’s fiscal performance earning praise and global recognition, the government is determined to make the most of this momentum.
Rating agencies like S&P have already changed the outlook for India to positive, hinting at a possible upgrade in the near future. This positive sentiment has also led to the inclusion of Indian debt papers in global bond indices, attracting foreign investments worth over $20 billion.
The government is not willing to squander this fiscal gain and is committed to maintaining fiscal discipline while increasing capital expenditure. The Finance Ministry and related departments are working diligently to finalize the Budget proposals.
One of the key areas of focus for the increased capex will be the state of Andhra Pradesh, where Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has proposed several development projects that require central support. The government is optimistic that these projects will be fast-tracked by the state government, boosting overall capital expenditure.
The expansion of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme across various sectors is also expected to drive up capital expenditure and stimulate private sector investment. The government is keen on leveraging these schemes to create high-quality jobs and spur economic growth.
With the Budget set to allocate a higher sum for ‘new schemes’ in capital expenditure, the government aims to raise the share of capex in the budget and increase the capital expenditure to GDP ratio. This strategic move is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and attract more investments.
Overall, the government’s focus on increasing capital expenditure signals a strong commitment to economic growth and development. As the Budget date approaches, all eyes will be on the government’s plans to boost capex and drive India’s economic resurgence.
