Fiscal deficit doubles in first quarter to ₹2.8 lakh cr, 18% of budgeted estimate

THE central government's fiscal deficit doubled to ₹2.8 lakh crore or 18% of the budgeted estimate in the first quarter of FY26 compared to ₹1.4 lakh crore in the same period previous year on muted tax revenue growth and higher expenditure.

- ENS ECONOMIC BUREAU @New Delhi

Last year during the same period, the fiscal deficit was only 8.5% of the budget estimate.

Gross tax collection grew by 4.5% to ₹8.7 lakh crore while total expenditure grew by 26% during the quarter to 12.22 lakh crore.

Capital expenditure surged by 52% during the quarter to 2.75 lakh crore.