How Much Did the Government Spend on Major Infrastructure Projects to Drive Growth in April-June?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Government's capital expenditure reached Rs 2.75 lakh crore in Q1.
- Fiscal deficit is at 17.9 percent of the annual target.
- Strong revenue receipts indicate a solid fiscal position.
- Non-tax revenues increased significantly due to higher RBI dividends.
- Total government expenditure stands at Rs 9.47 lakh crore.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) India's fiscal deficit for the April-June period reached Rs 2,80,000 crore, which constitutes 17.9 percent of the projected estimate for the financial year ending on March 31, according to data released by the government on Thursday.
Capital expenditure surged to an impressive Rs 2.75 lakh crore during this quarter, representing 24.5 percent of the annual target. This increase highlights the government's commitment to investing in major infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing economic growth and generating additional employment opportunities.
Total government receipts amounted to Rs 94.14 lakh crore, accounting for 26.9 percent of the current financial year's budgetary objectives, signaling a solid fiscal stance.
Revenue receipts totaled Rs 9.13 lakh crore, with tax revenue contributing Rs 5.40 lakh crore and non-tax revenue reaching Rs 3.73 lakh crore. These revenue streams represented 19 percent and 64 percent of the budget estimates, respectively.
Non-tax revenues experienced a significant rise as the Reserve Bank of India reported a 27 percent increase in dividends, amounting to Rs 2.69 lakh crore for the Central government, a notable increase from Rs 2.11 lakh crore the previous financial year. Analysts believe this boost will aid in maintaining the fiscal deficit target of 4.4 percent.
Total government expenditure was recorded at Rs 9.47 lakh crore, representing 24.1 percent of the full-year target of Rs 50.65 lakh crore.
Expenditure on significant subsidies, including food, fertilizers, and LPG for low-income families, totaled Rs 51,252 crore, which accounted for 13 percent of the revised annual target.
During the Union Budget presentation for the financial year 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman established a fiscal deficit goal of 4.4 percent, aligning with the Indian government's strategy to reduce the fiscal deficit to under 4.5 percent by the financial year 2025-2026. The fiscal deficit for FY25 was recorded at 4.8 percent of GDP.