We are ready to present Budget even 4 weeks in advance: Shaktikanta Das

Interview of Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das

At a time when the government is planning the most comprehensive overhaul of the Budget in recent times, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das is playing a pivotal role. In a conversation with Dilasha Seth and Arup Roychoudhury, he says the government would be prepared to present the Budget up to four weeks in advance. The veteran policymaker also says that the fiscal deficit target for the year will be achieved despite the Pay Commission burden and the disinvestment and that spectrum auction targets will be met. Edited excerpts:

The government is poised for one of the biggest transformations in Budget