At the cost of welfare

The Interim Budget 2024-25 took a cautious approach to reduce fiscal deficit. This prioritisation led to inadequate allocations for key sectors

- RAJIT SENGUPTA

BEING THE final Union Budget before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there was a lot of expectation surrounding the 2024-25 Interim Budget. However, its cautious approach has left a sense of uncertainty about what lies ahead. There was a clear emphasis on fiscal consolidation, aiming to contain the deficit at 5.8 per cent for the current year and projecting a further reduction to 5.1 per cent in the upcoming fiscal year. This prioritisation led to inadequate allocations for key sectors and social welfare programmes.