GOVERNMENT FINANCES
Madhya Pradesh budget focuses on infra, women and tribal welfare; no new tax
Madhya Pradesh government presented the state budget for 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs 3.65 lakh crore, focusing on infrastructure and welfare of women and tribals without announcing new taxes. Finance Minister Jagdish Devda faced opposition uproar regarding a nursing college scandal being probed by the CBI. The budget aims to double in size in five years, with increased allocations for various sectors, including education, agriculture, and social welfare programs.
Government eases rules for global sourcing of medical gear
Pavan Choudary, chairman, Medical Technology Association of India (MTAI), termed the move a path-breaking effort by the government towards equitable policy making, spanning the crucial last mile which was uncovered so far.
Assam Government appoints chairman, members of seventh Assam State Finance Commission
The Commission shall make recommendations to the matters such as the principles governing the distribution between the State of Assam and the Panchayats and the Municipalities of the net proceeds of taxes and duties levied and collected, the measures needed to improve the financial position of the Panchayats and Municipalities, any other matter referred to the State Finance Commission by the Governor in the interests of sound financial position of the Panchayats and Municipalities among others.
Governor CV Ananda Bose asks TMC govt to issue white paper on West Bengal's financial situation
"The fiscal situation of West Bengal is confronting multiple fiscal risks and public finance management issues exposing serious lapses on the part of the (state) government. It is very disturbing, shocking, and shattering to see that West Bengal is facing a financial breakdown. Its public finance is in the doldrums," Governor CV Ananda Bose claimed in a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan on Saturday.
Finance Ministry calls meeting with PSBs to review financial inclusion schemes ahead of budget
Finance ministry has scheduled a meeting on Tuesday with heads of state-owned banks and financial institutions. The purpose of the meeting is to review the progress of the government's key financial inclusion schemes, including the Jan Dhan Yojana, Jan Suraksha Yojana, and Mudra Yojana, ahead of the budget.
Finance Commission to address issues of freebies, compensation for green cover: Chairman Panagariya
The 16th Finance Commission will tackle issues related to the distribution of freebies and compensation for providing green cover, Chairman Arvind Panagariya announced on Monday. After discussions with the Himachal Pradesh government, Panagariya explained that the state's expectations and needs were addressed during a detailed presentation.
Kerala's financial crisis artificially created by Centre, alleges state finance minister K N Balagopal
The Kerala government accused the Centre of undermining the country's federal structure, leading to a financial crisis in the state. Finance Minister Balagopal said that the Centre's treatment of funds raised by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) as part of Kerala's borrowing severely impacted resource mobilization initiatives. Despite challenges, KIIFB spent Rs 29,100 crore on projects, aiming for Rs 50,000 crore in total.
Intention of Centre to levy GST on petrol, diesel; states will have to decide on rate: FM Nirmala Sitharaman
Sitharaman mentioned the ongoing taxation of petrol and diesel through excise duty and VAT, urging states to collaborate in the GST Council to decide on the tax rate.
UK public debt rises to highest since 1961 as election nears
In May, British public debt reached its highest level since 1961, standing at 99.8% of GDP, or £2.742 trillion. Despite lower-than-expected borrowing of £15 billion for the month, the ongoing fiscal challenges persist, influenced by pandemic-related spending, slow economic growth, and high interest rates.
What needs to be on returning Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s to-do list
Back as FM, Sitharaman’s new challenges include economic costs of climate change, low job creation & tepid private investment
Nirmala Sitharaman assumes charge of Finance Ministry, to ensure 'ease of living'
Nirmala Sitharaman took charge of Finance Ministry for her second consecutive term and isset to present FY '25 Budget defining Modi 3.0 government's priorities. She was greeted by officials upon reaching office. Her previous tasks included base corporate tax cut, managing economy during Covid-19, and fiscal consolidation. Sitharaman, born in Madurai, pursued economics before entering politics.
Nirmala Sitharaman returns as Finance Minister with analysts' votes in favour of Modi's faith in her
Modi's new cabinet: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to reappoint Nirmala Sitharaman as the country's finance minister signals policy continuity, reassuring market analysts. With a focus on infrastructure and fiscal discipline, Sitharaman faces the challenge of managing fiscal demands in a coalition government. Analysts predict a continued emphasis on infrastructure spending and adherence to fiscal conservatism.
Simplifying personal finance: What is bond yield?
If you are confused or confounded by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here’s a new series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the second part of this series, Riju Mehta explains bond yield and how it is calculated.
Nirmala Sitharaman: Feisty defender of Modi govt to filling big shoes
As a staunch defender of the Modi government's economic policies and executor, Nirmala Sitharaman created a record when she was appointed as the first female Raksha Mantri, or Defence Minister, in 2017. Prior to that, she was industry and commerce minister.
Economists expect big-bang reforms to continue under Modi 3.0
Modi is set to be sworn in for third term as India's Prime Minister in coalition government with key partners Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United). Economists anticipate focus on economic reforms to achieve goal of Vikshit Bharat by 2047. Budget to prioritize infrastructure, manufacturing, and welfare schemes amid global economic challenges.
RBI cautions micro finance lenders against usurious interest rates
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has warned lenders, particularly in the microfinance sector, against charging "usurious" interest rates by exploiting the regulator's freedom. While most lenders follow guidelines on the Key Facts Statement (KFS), some continue to impose undisclosed fees and high interest rates, particularly on small-value loans provided by microfinance institutions (MFIs) and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
Will an NDA-led Modi 3.0 see Centre more open to welfare measures?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have consistently opposed the distribution of freebies, as seen in their manifesto "Modi ki Guarantee," which avoided commitments like guaranteed pensions for government employees or reinstating rail concessions for seniors. In contrast, the Congress party's promises included substantial financial incentives like Rs 1 lakh annual aid for women and waivers on education and farm loans.
Pakistan to unveil Rs 18 trillion budget on June 12: Minister
The Pakistan government is likely to present the budget with the outlay of around Rs 18 trillion for the financial year 2024-25 on June 12, a minister said on Wednesday. The government will table the budget in the National Assembly after approval from the Cabinet, The Express Tribune newspaper reported, quoting the Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik.
Centre to take decisive steps to strengthen banking system, says Finance Minister
In a post on X, Sitharaman said India's banking sector turned around due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong and decisive leadership, and recently achieved a significant milestone by recording its highest-ever net profit of over ₹3 lakh crore. "During FY 2023-24, public sector banks recorded the highest-ever aggregate net profit of ₹1.41 lakh crore, almost 4 times higher than ₹36,270 crore in FY 2014," she noted, adding that the government has turned banks from being "NPA-laden nightmares" into "pillars of jan kalyan".
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