Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, the captain steering the National Stock Exchange (NSE), rolls up his sleeves and delves into the nitty-gritty of Budget 2024—a citizen’s take on the latest fiscal moves. Chauhan, wearing the hat of a citizen journalist, assigns a perfect 10/10 to the budget, applauding the government’s dedication to policy and taxation continuity. His report sheds light on the symphony of growth, welfarism, and fiscal restraint—a melody that resonates with everyday citizens.
The fiscal rollercoaster reveals a notable upgrade with the revised fiscal deficit for FY23-24 at 5.8%, outperforming the initial estimate by 10bps. The subsequent reduction to 5.1% for FY24-25 earns nods of approval, promising financial stability.
Chauhan’s citizen journalism flair takes center stage with the record capex outlay of Rs 11.11 lakh crore, making 3.4% of GDP. His report dissects the strategic investments in roads, transport, and railways, foreseeing a transformative impact on citizens’ lives. Capital expenditure becomes the protagonist, composing 23.3% of total expenditure—the highest in 30 years. Chauhan’s citizen-centric lens captures the essence of the budget’s social security framework, covering power, health, housing, cooking gas, and financial inclusion—a citizen’s report card on Budget 2024, where numbers meet real lives.