Interim Budget 2024: financial highlights

Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s finance minister, presented the interim budget for this financial year, considering the upcoming elections. It painted a picture of financial estimates and projections for the upcoming fiscal years. Understanding these figures and their potential implications can be daunting, even for those with a keen interest in economic affairs. This blog aims to serve as your neutral and informative guide, demystifying the financial highlights without any opinions or judgments.

Revised estimates and fiscal targets

One of the most significant announcements was the revision of estimated revenue receipts for FY24 to ₹27.56 trillion, indicating a slight shift from the previously budgeted figure. This, coupled with a downward revision of the FY24 fiscal deficit to 5.8% of GDP compared to the initially projected 5.9%, paints a picture of potential improvements in government finances. However, it's crucial to remember that these are revised estimates, and external factors can still influence the actual outcomes.

Looking ahead to FY25

The budget also presented a glimpse into the upcoming fiscal year (FY25), setting a target for the fiscal deficit at 5.1% of GDP, signifying the government's continued commitment to fiscal consolidation. Additionally, borrowing plans were outlined, with the FY25 net market borrowing estimated at ₹11.75 trillion and the gross market borrowing at ₹14.13 trillion. While these figures provide an initial overview, awaiting the full budget later this year will offer a more comprehensive understanding of government spending plans and economic policies.

Market response and beyond

Financial markets reacted positively to the announcement, with the 10-year government bond yield experiencing a decline of as much as 9 basis points. This can be interpreted as investor confidence in the government's fiscal prudence and responsible borrowing practices. However, it's essential to remember that market sentiment can be dynamic and influenced by various factors beyond budgetary announcements.

Staying informed and engaged

While the interim budget offers initial insights, the full budget and subsequent developments will paint a clearer picture of the government's economic roadmap. Check out our other blogs to know how the budget affected other sectors.