Union Budget 2024: Continuity and Challenges
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her seventh consecutive Union Budget 2024, including the Interim one earlier this year. This continuity is remarkable, but there’s more to it. Let’s delve into the key points:
Fiscal Consolidation Path: Officials suggest that the full Budget will likely adhere to the fiscal consolidation path set in the Interim Budget, maintaining the fiscal deficit target for the current financial year at 5.1% of GDP. The robust GDP growth and a record dividend from the Reserve Bank of India provide support.
Tax Breaks vs. Welfare: There’s buzz about tax breaks for the salaried class, especially those at the bottom rung. Some argue that tax breaks are more effective than welfare schemes in boosting consumption by putting more disposable income ...