Today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the year in Parliament at 11 AM. The budget announcement highlighted significant financial allocations for key states governed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and outlined a fiscal strategy aimed at reducing deficits.
One of the primary goals of this budget is to bring down the fiscal deficit to 4.5% by the 2025-26 fiscal year. To achieve this, the budget introduces higher taxes on capital gains and securities transactions. These measures are intended to curb potential market bubbles, a concern that was prominently featured in yesterday's Economic Survey. The survey raised alarms about the disproportionate claims of equity markets on the real economy, suggesting that such trends might indicate instability rather than resilience.
A notable change in the tax structure is the increase in the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax, which will rise from 10% to 12.5%. This adjustment is seen as a response to the recent surge in equity investments. The Economic Survey highlighted that the high claims of equity markets on the real economy could point to potential market instability, making this tax hike a preventative measure.
The budget also places a strong emphasis on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These enterprises play a vital role in the Indian economy, contributing approximately 30% to the GDP and 48% to exports. Additionally, MSMEs provide employment to over 110 million people. Recognizing their importance, the government has proposed several support mechanisms to bolster this sector.
The allocations and measures outlined in the budget aim to ensure both political and macroeconomic stability. By addressing overheated market sectors and supporting crucial economic segments like MSMEs, the government hopes to foster a stable and resilient economic environment.
Special financial packages have been announced for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, signaling the government’s intent to solidify support from important political allies, such as the Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), over the next five years. These packages are expected to provide a significant boost to the economies of these states, thereby strengthening the political alliances that are crucial for the NDA's continued governance.
Interestingly, the budget does not include specific packages for Maharashtra and Haryana. This omission suggests the government’s confidence in its standing in these states ahead of the upcoming elections. Instead of focusing on immediate election-centric incentives, the budget reflects a broader strategy geared towards long-term economic stability and political consolidation over the next five years.
Overall, the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today outlines a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing fiscal deficits, supporting MSMEs, and ensuring economic stability. By addressing potential market instabilities and reinforcing political alliances, the budget seeks to create a balanced approach to governance and economic management. The increased focus on fiscal discipline and targeted support for key economic sectors highlights the government’s commitment to sustainable growth and stability in the coming years.