Tag: budget

  • Key Highlights of Union Budget 2024-25: Major Announcements and Implications

    Key Highlights of Union Budget 2024-25: Major Announcements and Implications

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on July 23, 2024, amid high expectations and global economic challenges. Here are the major highlights and implications of the budget:

    1. Tax Reforms

    • Income Tax Slabs: Changes in income tax slabs to provide relief to the middle class, with an increased exemption limit and new tax brackets to benefit lower and middle-income groups.
    • Corporate Tax: Rationalization of corporate tax rates to encourage investment, particularly for MSMEs.
    • GST Simplification: Measures to simplify GST compliance and potential rate rationalization to improve the ease of doing business.

    2. Infrastructure Development

    • National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP): Continued investment in the NIP with a focus on completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones in key sectors such as transportation, energy, and urban development.
    • Smart Cities and Urban Infrastructure: Increased allocation for smart city initiatives, public transport, and urban infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life in urban areas.
    • Rural Infrastructure: Significant funding for rural roads, irrigation projects, and rural electrification to boost agricultural productivity and rural connectivity.

    3. Agriculture and Rural Development

    • PM-KISAN Scheme: Enhanced financial support under the PM-KISAN scheme, with a focus on timely disbursement and increased coverage.
    • Agri-tech and Irrigation: Promotion of agri-tech solutions and expansion of micro-irrigation projects to improve water use efficiency and crop yields.
    • Rural Employment: Boost to MGNREGA and other rural employment programs to address rural distress and unemployment.

    4. Healthcare and Education

    • Healthcare Infrastructure: Increased allocation for healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of new hospitals and healthcare facilities, and expansion of the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
    • Digital Education and Skill Development: Focus on digital education initiatives, skill development programs, and higher education infrastructure to equip the workforce with future-ready skills.

    5. Social Welfare

    • Women and Child Development: Enhanced focus on schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, nutrition programs, and measures to ensure women’s safety and empowerment.
    • Senior Citizens and Disabled: New initiatives and increased support for the welfare of senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

    6. Green Initiatives and Sustainability

    • Renewable Energy Investments: Higher investment in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to promote a sustainable energy future.
    • Electric Vehicles (EVs): Incentives for EV adoption, development of charging infrastructure, and support for battery manufacturing to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
    • Environmental Sustainability: Initiatives to promote sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and urban planning to combat climate change.

    7. MSME and Startup Support

    • Credit Support for MSMEs: Enhanced credit support and schemes for MSMEs to ensure their growth and sustainability.
    • Startup Ecosystem: Policies to encourage innovation, ease of business, and funding for startups to boost entrepreneurship and job creation.

    8. Defence and Security

    • Defence Budget: Significant allocation for the modernization of armed forces and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
    • Internal Security: Enhanced funding for internal security, border infrastructure, and cybersecurity to ensure national safety.

    9. Digital India and Technology

    • Digital Infrastructure: Investment in digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, and the rollout of 5G technology to drive digital transformation.
    • Emerging Technologies: Support for emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing to maintain technological leadership.

    10. Fiscal Discipline

    • Fiscal Deficit Control: Measures to control the fiscal deficit while ensuring economic growth and development.
    • Public Debt Management: Strategies to manage public debt efficiently without stifling growth or investment.

    Implications

    The Union Budget 2024-25 aims to balance economic growth with fiscal responsibility, addressing immediate needs while setting the stage for long-term prosperity. The emphasis on infrastructure, rural development, healthcare, education, and green initiatives is expected to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development. Tax reforms and support for MSMEs and startups are likely to stimulate investment and job creation, while measures to promote digital transformation and technological innovation will ensure India remains competitive in the global arena.

    Stakeholders from various sectors will be closely monitoring the implementation of these announcements to gauge their impact on the economy and society.

  • Budget Preview 2024: Key Expectations and Highlights

    Budget Preview 2024: Key Expectations and Highlights

    As the fiscal year comes to a close, all eyes are on the upcoming 2024 budget. With economic recovery in focus, policymakers aim to balance growth initiatives with fiscal prudence. Here’s a preview of what to expect from the 2024 budget:

    Economic Growth and Fiscal Deficit

    • Growth Projections: The government is likely to set an ambitious growth target to accelerate the post-pandemic recovery. Analysts predict a focus on infrastructure and manufacturing to boost GDP.
    • Fiscal Deficit: Maintaining fiscal discipline will be crucial. The target for the fiscal deficit is expected to be around 6% of GDP, slightly lower than previous years but still accommodating enough to support growth initiatives.

    Tax Reforms

    • Personal Income Tax: Changes in personal income tax slabs to provide relief to the middle class are anticipated. There might be an increase in the basic exemption limit and adjustments in tax brackets.
    • Corporate Tax: The corporate tax structure is expected to remain stable, with possible incentives for startups and MSMEs to drive entrepreneurship and innovation.

    Infrastructure and Development

    • Infrastructure Investment: Significant allocations are expected for infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, and urban development. The government may announce new projects under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).
    • Digital Infrastructure: Investment in digital infrastructure, including 5G rollout and broadband expansion, will likely be a priority to support the digital economy.

    Social Sector Spending

    • Healthcare: In light of the ongoing public health challenges, increased funding for healthcare infrastructure, vaccination drives, and health insurance schemes is anticipated.
    • Education: The budget may focus on enhancing digital education, improving school infrastructure, and increasing allocations for higher education and skill development programs.

    Green Initiatives

    • Renewable Energy: Investments in renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, are expected to be a highlight. Incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) and green technologies may be announced.
    • Sustainable Development: The budget might include measures to promote sustainable agricultural practices, water conservation, and waste management.

    Industry and Commerce

    • Manufacturing: The government is likely to introduce policies to boost the manufacturing sector, including incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
    • Exports: Initiatives to enhance export competitiveness, such as easing compliance and providing subsidies, are expected to feature prominently.
  • Can we expect Budget 2024 to be characterized as a populist budget in the lead-up to the elections?

    Budgets, especially in election years, play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and political landscape of a nation. As we approach Budget 2024, the anticipation is palpable, with questions looming over whether it will be a populist pre-election budget. In this article, we will delve into the historical context, economic factors, political motivations, and key areas of focus to understand the nuances of Budget 2024.

    The 2019 interim budget was meticulously crafted, with a keen focus on appealing to the voters.

    Significance of Pre-election Budgets

    Pre-election budgets are often crafted with a dual purpose – addressing the nation’s needs and garnering voter support. This section explores the impact of pre-election budgets on voter sentiment.

    Historical Perspective

    A. Past Trends in Pre-election Budgets

    A glance at historical data reveals patterns in budgetary decisions during election years. Understanding these trends provides insights into the motivations behind budget allocations.

    B. Impact on Voter Sentiment

    How do pre-election budgets influence the way voters perceive the ruling government? This subheading examines the connection between budgetary announcements and voter sentiments.

    Economic Factors

    A. Current Economic Landscape

    An analysis of the prevailing economic conditions sets the stage for Budget 2024. Factors such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and unemployment rates are crucial considerations.

    B. Government Spending Patterns

    How the government allocates resources reflects its economic strategy. This section explores the spending patterns that may shape Budget 2024.

    Political Motivations

    A. Influence of Elections on Budget Decisions

    Elections exert a significant influence on budgetary decisions. This subheading investigates the motivations that drive governments to tailor budgets to electoral needs.

    B. Balancing Act: Populism vs. Pragmatism

    Governments often face the challenge of balancing populist measures with pragmatic economic policies. This section discusses the delicate equilibrium required for effective governance.

    Key Areas of Focus

    A. Social Welfare Programs

    Budget 2024 is expected to outline measures for social welfare. This subheading explores the potential initiatives that may be introduced to address societal needs.

    B. Infrastructure Development

    Investments in infrastructure are pivotal for economic growth. Here, we discuss the expected focus on infrastructure development in Budget 2024.

    C. Tax Policies

    Taxation policies are critical components of any budget. This subheading examines potential changes in tax policies and their implications.

    Stakeholder Perspectives

    A. Business Community

    How does the business community perceive pre-election budgets? This section gathers insights from industry leaders on their expectations and concerns.

    B. Common Citizens

    The impact of the budget on the average citizen is crucial. Here, we explore how common citizens view the proposed budgetary measures.

    C. Analysts and Experts

    Expert opinions play a vital role in shaping public discourse. This subheading compiles insights from economic analysts and experts on Budget 2024.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    A. Fiscal Constraints

    Governments face fiscal constraints when formulating budgets. This section analyzes the challenges posed by financial limitations.

    B. Opportunities for Economic Growth

    Despite challenges, budgets also present opportunities for economic growth. This subheading identifies potential avenues for fostering economic development.

    Analysis of Budgetary Allocations

    A. Sector-wise Allocation Breakdown

    Breaking down budgetary allocations by sector provides a comprehensive understanding of the government’s priorities. This section dissects sector-wise allocations.

    B. Implications on Various Sectors

    How do budgetary decisions impact different sectors? This subheading examines the implications on sectors such as healthcare, education, and defense.

    Predictions and Speculations

    A. Anticipated Budgetary Measures

    As Budget 2024 approaches, speculations about potential measures abound. This section explores the anticipated budgetary announcements.

    B. Potential Impact on Economy

    What could be the potential economic impact of Budget 2024? This subheading assesses the ripple effects on various economic indicators.

    Public Reaction

    A. Social Media Trends

    In the age of digital communication, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. This section analyzes social media trends related to Budget 2024.

    B. Public Opinion Polls

    Understanding public sentiment through opinion polls is crucial. This subheading discusses polls that gauge the public’s expectations and reactions.

    Critiques and Assessments

    A. Evaluation from Economic Analysts

    Economic analysts provide a critical perspective on budgetary decisions. This section compiles assessments and critiques from renowned economic analysts.

    B. Political Opposition Perspectives

    How does the political opposition view the proposed budget? This subheading presents insights into the criticisms and perspectives of political rivals.

    International Comparisons

    A. Global Pre-election Budget Trends

    Comparing pre-election budget trends globally provides valuable insights. This section examines international practices and their relevance to Budget 2024.

    B. Lessons from Other Countries

    What lessons can be drawn from the experiences of other nations? This subheading explores successful strategies and cautionary tales.

    Government’s Communication Strategy

    A. Addressing the Public

    Communication is key in ensuring public understanding. This section evaluates the government’s communication strategy in presenting Budget 2024.

    B. Explaining Policy Choices

    Transparent communication regarding policy choices is essential. This subheading delves into how the government can effectively explain its budgetary decisions to the public.

    Quick Review:

    A. What is a pre-election budget?

    A pre-election budget is a fiscal plan presented by the government in the year leading up to elections. It often includes measures aimed at garnering voter support.

    B. How does the budget impact voter sentiment?

    Budgetary decisions, especially in pre-election years, can influence how voters perceive the ruling government. Popular measures may enhance support.

    C. Are there risks associated with populist budgets?

    Yes, populist budgets may pose risks such as fiscal imbalance and long-term economic challenges. Striking a balance is crucial for sustainable governance.

    D. What sectors are likely to see increased allocations?

    Social welfare, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors are often prioritized in pre-election budgets due to their impact on public sentiment.

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  • Impact Of Union Budget On Share Market

    Impact Of Union Budget On Share Market

     

    Definition of Budget:

    “A budget is a formal statement of estimated income & expenses based on future plans & objectives. In other words, a budget is a document that management makes to estimate the revenues & expenses for an upcoming period based on their goals for the business.”

    Meaning of Budget:

    “A budget is a financial plan for a defined period, often one year. It may also include planned sales volumes & revenue, resource quantities, costs & expenses, assets, liabilities & cash flows.”

    Advantages of Budgeting

    1. Budgeting provides a systematic & disciplined approach to the solution of problems in the organization.
    2. However it helps in directing capital & other resources into the most profitable channels.
    3. Budgeting provides a valuable means of controlling income & expenditure of a business as it is a “Plan for spending”.
    4. It forces the management to study about the problems relating to the timely implementation. It generates a sense of caution & care among the line manages.
    5. Budget provides a means of controlling income & expenditure of a business. It gives a plan for spending.
    6. Budgeting helps in directing both capital & revenue resources in a profitable way.

    Responsibility can be easily fixed with the help of budgeting.

    1. Proper incentive system of wage payment can be introduced with the help of budgeting.
    2. National economy is improved by providing more employment opportunity, effective utilization of resources & avoiding wastage.
    3. A systematic & disciplined approach is followed to solve the problems in an organization through budgeters’ control.
    4. Budgeting encourage competitiveness among employees & provides incentive to those who perform efficiently.
    5. An efficient & economy in production control is achieved through budgeting.
    6. Budget provide an excellent record of organizational activities.
    7. The major strength of budgeting is that it co-ordinate activities across departments.
    8. Helps in defining strengths & weakness on which the entity can concentrate.

    Disadvantages of Budget

    1. Planning, budgeting or forecasting is not an exact science; it is uses approximations & judgement which may not by per cent accurate. At best a budget is an intimately no one knows precisely what will happen in the future.
    2. Budget can demotivate employees because of lack of participation. If the budgets are arbitrarily imposed top down, employees will not understand the reason for budgeted expenditures, & will not be committed to them.
    3. Budget can create competition for resources & politics.
    4. Budgeting exercise can be at time at very time-consuming exercise. It involves extra manpower to get the estimates as accurate as possible. Especially for a big company with various department, budgeting exercise takes a huge effort. The time consumed may be low in cases where the company uses budgeting software & the employees are well trained. If the company uses zero based budgeting technique, the time, cost & effort involved can be considerably large.
    5. Budgeting is based on a lot of assumptions in estimating the expenses & revenues. These are generally based on trend & the market scenario prevailing at the time of making the budget. Budgets can also be based on the predictions made for the coming year considering the date available at the time of budgeting.
    6. Staff may be demotivated, if the targets set are too difficult or too easy to achieve, they are made responsible for something outside their competence or does not identify themselves with targets.

    IMAPACT OF 2018 BUDGET ON SHARE MARKET

    Union Budget & stock market have a strong relation. To understand the effect of union budget on equity markets it is essential to track the policies that government proposes & its relations to each sector & major stock within that sector. 2018 Union budget is most affected the share market.

    The budget has played an important role in share market & the budget has traditionally been an important part of the financial year, with government announcing exactly what it wants to do for the next year, & how it has succeeded grandly at what it said it wanted to do last year.

    A budget is the government statement of policy for the next financial year. Budget announcement do affect the stock prices of those company who will be impacted favorably.

    Both the major indices in India has scaled record heights, the Sensex has crossed the 36000 mark whereas the nifty 11000 level. Generally, there are negative sentiment & expectations attached to the Budget this investor usually postpones buying decisions before the budgets is tabled.

    The B-Day Or Budget Day is proving to be the D-Day for a euphoric market. Jitters building up in the runup to  the budget have caused the BSE Senex lose 600 odd points from its record high of 36,443 hit.

    That’s what is giving Dalal Street all the scares. Analysts say the continuation of the ongoing bull run in the domestic stocks will depend on FIVE FACTORS in this budget.

    LTCG tax:

    Long-term capital gains tax is one think that comes to haunt the market before the Union Budget every year. But this time is different. The Sensex gained 6 per cent in January alone. Except for 2017, Sensex has never given this much return in the pre-Budget month in last one decade.

    Fear gauge India VIX, though, has spiked all through one month. Market veteran Madhusudhan Kela believes the market so far has not priced in an LTCG tax. Any change in status quo, he believes, could trigger a correction in the market.

    As per Section 10(38) of the I-T Act, gains on equity investment beyond 12 months are exempted from taxes if the securities transaction tax (STT) is paid on the sale transaction. In case of non-equity mutual fund schemes, the duration to qualify for LTCG is 36 months. The long-term capital gains tax (LCGT) in this case is 20 per cent after indexation. There are fears that either the LTCG would be levied on equity or the duration will be raised from one to two or three years.

    Fiscal deficit:

    While there are signs that the government might meet its fiscal deficit target of 3.2 per cent of FY18 due to huge disinvestment receipts and dividends, the FY19 target of 3 per cent looks tough. A fiscal deficit target above 3.2 per cent of GDP in FY19 would be a negative surprise for markets, as it would imply a slower pace of fiscal consolidation, says Nomura India. This could be the result of either higher-than-expected spending or lower-than-expected revenue, if the government goes for cuts in corporate or income-tax rates, along with excise duty cuts on petroleum products.

    Revenue & expenditure:

    It remains to be seen what the FM’s plans are for FY19: Whether the government would go for improving the quality of spending with a rise in the share of capital expenditure and a gradual moderation in revenue expenditure. Will there be doleouts with an eye on 2019 general elections? Will there be any announcement of a universal basic income transfer scheme on a pilot basis that can add to the future fiscal burden? These are the questions the market will be focusing on.

    “In the Gujarat elections, the BJP got very few votes from the hinterland. In that sense, there is a big political need to increase rural spending and in general increase government spending to keep supporting the economy. However, uncertainty around GST revenues and higher oil prices will constrain the government in terms of how much it can spend without deviating from the fiscal consolidation path,” BofA-ML said in a note.

    Bank recapitalisation: Banking stocks do have a significant say on the benchmark equity indices. The government has announced a mega recap plan worth some Rs 2.1 lakh crore. But the market did not look much enthused by the recent Rs 88,000 crore recap bond announcement. One headline risk in FY18 is the accounting treatment of the recap bonds issued to the banks, as previous indications from government officials have been that these bonds will only affect debt and not the deficit, noted Nomura India.

    Divestment programme:

    FY18 will be the first year when the government will be able to hit the divestment target. In his Budget speech on February 1 last year, Jaitley had pegged the divestment target at Rs 72,500 crore, which included Rs 46,500 crore worth of minority stake sales, Rs 15,000 crore worth of strategic sales and Rs 11,000 crore from listing of insurance companies. With total disinvestment proceeding of Rs 54,338 crore so far, the Rs 37,000 crore ONGC-HPCL deal is all set to push the divestment proceeds in FY18 to a record Rs 91,253 crore. Dalal Street veterans believe Finance Minister Arun Jaitley might raise the divestment target for FY19 by 15-20 per cent (over actual target), aggregating close to Rs 90,000 crore.

     STOCKS THAT TANKED UP TO 50% ON 2018 BUDGET PAIN:

    Finance minister Arun Jaitely Union Budget that seeks to rob Peter to pay Paul appears to have killed all the excitement on dalal street, where the benchmark Equity Indices were climbing new record highs every second day till Thursday.

    Select stocks have slumped as much as 50per cent in response to some duty rejig or other sector specific policy decisions announced in the budget.

      PC JEWELLER –

    Shares of PC Jeweller plunged over 50% in morning trade on Friday, as the broader market nosedived.

    JUST DIAL DOWN 17 PER CENT

    JAIN IRRIGATION SYSTEM DOWN 16.57 PER CEN

     

    TRIBHOVANDAS BHIMJI ZAVERI DOWN 16.11 PER CENT

    S P APPARELS 14.50 PER CENT

    DLF DOWN 14.41 PER CENT

    GENUS POWER INFRASTRUCTURE DOWN 10.87 PER CENT

     

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