Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
A debate in the Rajya Sabha has brought attention to a significant gap between the Union Budget estimates and revised figures. TMC MP Saket Gokhale alleged that the NDA government revised its 2025-26 Budget Estimate by nearly INR 10 lakh crore. He highlighted major reductions in allocations across key sectors such as housing, sanitation, and employment, and raised concerns over underutilisation of funds in schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission. The government was also criticised for high debt servicing costs and pending dues to states, particularly West Bengal.
A discussion in the Rajya Sabha has brought focus to a sharp difference between the Union Budget estimates and revised figures. TMC MP Saket Gokhale claimed that the NDA government revised its 2025-26 Budget Estimate by nearly INR 10 lakh crore, questioning the reliability of the figures presented annually. Advertisement
He remarked that the gap between the original budget and revised estimates was substantial and suggested that the numbers presented to Parliament do not reflect actual spending. Taking a critical tone, he said the budget appeared unrealistic when compared with the Appropriation Bill figures.
While presenting ministry-wise details, Gokhale pointed out steep reductions in revised allocations across several sectors. Spending on drinking water and sanitation was down by 69%, labour and employment by 61%, housing and urban affairs by 38%, tourism by 50%, skill development by 43%, tribal affairs by 27%, and minority affairs by 36%. These cuts, he indicated, raised concerns about the implementation of welfare and development programmes.
Referring to the Jal Jeevan Mission, he stated that actual spending has not crossed INR 26,000 crore in any year over the past five years. However, annual budget allocations, including the latest one, continue to be around INR 74,000 crore, indicating a consistent gap between allocation and utilisation.
He further argued that unspent allocations leading to a surplus should not be seen as a positive outcome. According to him, when funds collected through taxes are not fully used for public services and welfare, it reflects a failure to deliver on government responsibilities.
Gokhale also raised concerns over the Centre's financial position, stating that around 40% of its revenue is being used to service debt and pay interest. He explained that out of every INR 10 earned by the government, nearly INR 4 goes towards debt obligations.
On Centre-state financial relations, he alleged that dues to states remain unpaid. He claimed that approximately INR 2 lakh crore is owed to West Bengal, while accusing the government of prioritising publicity spending.
In addition, he criticised the handling of fuel-related issues, alleging that the public is being misled about shortages and warning of a possible increase in petrol prices in the near future.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1: What is the main issue raised in the Rajya Sabha regarding the Union Budget?
The main issue raised is the large gap between the Budget Estimates and Revised Estimates for 2025-26. It was alleged that the figures were revised downward by nearly INR 10 lakh crore, raising concerns about the accuracy and reliability of budget projections.
Q2: Who raised concerns about the budget gap?
The concerns were raised by Saket Gokhale, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress, during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha.
Q3: Which sectors saw major reductions in revised allocations?
According to the claims, significant cuts were seen in sectors like drinking water and sanitation, labour and employment, housing and urban affairs, tourism, skill development, tribal affairs, and minority affairs, raising concerns about welfare spending.
Q4: What concern was raised about the Jal Jeevan Mission?
It was pointed out that while annual allocations for the Jal Jeevan Mission are around INR 74,000 crore, actual spending has not crossed INR 26,000 crore in recent years. This highlights a gap between allocated funds and their utilisation.
Q5: What was said about government spending and surplus funds?
The argument was made that unspent funds leading to a surplus should not be seen as positive. Instead, it may indicate underutilisation of resources meant for public welfare and development programmes.
Q6: What concerns were highlighted about government finances?
It was stated that nearly 40% of the government's revenue is being used for debt servicing and interest payments. This limits the funds available for development and welfare initiatives.
Q7: What issues were raised regarding Centre-state financial relations?
Concerns were raised about pending dues to states, particularly claims that large amounts are owed to West Bengal. This was highlighted as a challenge in maintaining balanced financial relations between the Centre and states.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
