The government’s fiscal policy since the pandemic began has prioritised growth and fiscal transparency over fiscal consolidation. The Budget 2022 presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman just did that. However, macro risks of executing the budget proposals remain a key concern among investors. The Union Budget 2022 indicated not only is the government likely to miss the FY22 fiscal deficit target but the target for FY23 is also pegged at a relatively high 6.4% of GDP. The difference is largely on account of a massive capex push and divestment estimates. This underlines the government's resolve to aid a cycle of investment with public capex taking the lead and crowding in private investment.
But will finance minister’s budget proposals fall short of enough Philip to drive a pandemic-induced slump in economy. Will it take markets into a tailspin? And does it increase risk of a sovereign downgrade of India? To discuss those, Mint's Nasrin Sultana is joined by Arvind Chari, CIO, Quantum Advisors.
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