Explore insights on the Interim Budget with Arundhati Bhattacharya and Vinayak Chatterjee. Expert analysis, fiscal strategies, and future expectations are unveiled in this discussion.
The Interim Budget:
The Interim Budget With their insights on its implications for the Indian economy. In a recent conversation on CNBC TV18, Shereen Bhan engaged with Arundhati Bhattacharya, a seasoned banker, and Vinayak Chatterjee, known for his contributions to the infrastructure landscape. This article delves into their perspectives on key budgetary aspects and their expectations for the full budget announcement.
Fiscal Expenditure on Infrastructure:
Vinayak Chatterjee expressed his views on the government’s capital expenditure (capex) figures, emphasizing the crucial role of infrastructure spending in driving economic growth. While the interim budget proposed a capex of 11%, Chatterjee believes this may be a temporary measure for the next two to three months. He predicts a reinstatement to 30 lakh crores in the full budget, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum for a robust GDP growth of 7%.
Fiscal Consolidation Roadmap:
Arundhati Bhattacharya highlighted the fiscal consolidation roadmap as a significant aspect of the budget. The government’s commitment to reducing the fiscal deficit to 5.1% indicates a confident and continuity-focused approach. Bhattacharya appreciated the emphasis on vulnerable sections—youth, farmers, and women—in various schemes, aiming to uplift them socioeconomically.
Also Read:
- Navigating India’s Fiscal Vision
- Challenges and Opportunities in PSU Stocks
- Porinju Veliyath’s Insights on Budget 2024
Innovation and Research Investment:
The announcement of a 1 lakh crore corpus for research and innovation drew positive attention. Bhattacharya commended the government’s focus on innovation as a key driver of economic growth. She emphasized the need for India to rely on innovation and entrepreneurship to create formal jobs, aligning with the global economy’s trajectory.
Disinvestment and Market Signals:
The conversation touched upon the government’s shift from setting disinvestment targets to adopting a value-unlocking approach. Bhattacharya expressed her reservations about setting targets, emphasizing that the government should sell assets opportunistically when market conditions are favorable. The discussion noted the cautionary approach, aligning with the government’s current revenue buoyancy.
Conclusion and Future Expectations:
The interim budget, as discussed by the experts, reflects confidence and continuity. While certain details are still in progress, the focus on innovation, fiscal consolidation, and a cautious approach to disinvestment suggests a strategic economic vision. As both Bhattacharya and Chatterjee recommended, a more in-depth analysis awaits the full budget in July, providing a clearer picture of the government’s long-term economic strategy.
In summary, the budget sets the stage for economic resilience and growth, with a keen eye on innovation and fiscal discipline. As experts anticipate the full budget for a more comprehensive analysis, it is evident that the government aims to balance economic development with strategic financial decisions. Stay tuned for further insights in July when the complete economic roadmap will be unveiled.