Page 6 - A K Bhattacharya

The burden of govt equity in PSUs

The Modi govt has outdone the Manmohan Singh regime in ramping up infrastructure outlay for state-controlled units

The state of states

India's fiscal challenge can get worse if states spend more even with lower revenue growth

Taking states on board

It is time the Modi govt convened a meeting of the Inter-State Council

A fresh perspective on reform

The author has perfected the delicate art of combining storytelling and autobiography with the larger canvas of policy-making

Not by stealth, but through subtle signals

Redefining Make in India and the public sector policy are signs of a new approach to reforms

Towards a new compact

Without a collaborative arrangement between the Centre and the states, fresh reforms in many areas would become more contentious

Towards a lean tax department

Worries about vacant positions and their impact on tax collection may be misplaced in a world of technological disruptions

Real winners of the reshuffle

New responsibilities for the finance minister and the home minister indicate the government's focus on privatisation and cooperatives

A question of compliance

Data limitations should not be an escape clause for not honouring obligations under the inflation targeting regime

Dangers of a wrong diagnosis

Indirect taxes are now higher than direct taxes. But cutting indirect tax rates to address this will amount to barking up the wrong tree

Disputed decline in power dues

The amount of money that remained outstanding after 45-to-60 days of grace period given to the distribution companies fell to about Rs 67,300 crore, over 20 per cent lower than what it was a month ago

Divergence in revenue estimates due to early Budget or lack of discipline?

Provisional actuals of the Budget for 2020-21 have once again varied sharply from the revised estimates. The variation provides fiscal cushion, but also raises several questions

Govt's worry on corporation tax revenue front may worsen in coming years

Concern over a falling share of corporation tax revenue may get worse

The myths and facts of Assembly elections

Were the election results a victory for national parties or the regional ones?

A fair and essential policy for retailers

E-commerce players must be allowed to ship non-essential items as there is no room for favouritism in govt policy in a pandemic

The GST puzzle

The sharp rise in GST collection in March could be a false indicator if further rate reforms are delayed

In spite of the pandemic

The Budget for 2021 makes a fresh beginning in dealing with numbers and estimates

Oil's new challenge for tax reforms

With the Centre increasing reliance on tax revenue from oil, the inclusion of petrol and diesel under GST can be problematic

A post-contraction Budget with a difference

Those who were expecting a stimulus package through higher revenue expenditure in the Budget will surely be deeply disappointed

Economic Survey 2020-21 endorses continuation of expansionary fiscal stance

The Survey is also bullish about medium-term growth prospects, largely due to the expenditure support and various reforms.