The analysis of India's budget for 2012-13 highlights the signs of recovery amidst a challenging global economic landscape, emphasizing growth in the services sector and targeted fiscal measures. Key objectives include reducing subsidies, implementing tax reforms, and enhancing infrastructure development to stimulate growth, while facing criticism over indirect tax increases. Overall, the effectiveness of the proposed measures will depend on successful implementation to ensure sustainable economic recovery.

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ANALYSIS OF BUDGET 2012-13
(By Prabhu T Srinivasan)
SIGNS OF RECOVERY AFTER A DIFFICULT YEAR
2011-12 would stand out, as one of the toughest years in history, that witnessed several momentous events, such as
downgrades of sovereign ratings of The USA and France, restructuring of leading multinational firms, and monetary
tightening by several central banks which shook the foundations of major global economies, making growth difficult not
only for India, but also for the world at its entirety. Greece debt crisis in Europe, political uncertainty in middle-east, and
the great north-east earth-quake in Japan, tested the strengths of various global economies. Amidst these, India, although
managed to put on a remarkable growth, was not fully isolated from their negative impact.
India’s current estimated GDP growth rate of 6.9% for 2011-12 is relatively low when compared to the 8.4% CAGR
(Compound Annual Growth Rate) seen during 2009-11. The historically high headline inflation level which was
witnessed in 2011-12, caused an environment of tightened monetary policy which eventually affected investments and
consumption during the year, ultimately leading to such slower growth. However, signs of recovery are seen in coal,
fertilizer, cement, and electricity sectors as we enter the first year of ‘India’s 12th five year plan’, which aims at ‘faster,
sustainable and more inclusive growth’.
SERVICE SECTOR & DIVERSIFIED TRADE PARTNERS KEEPS ECONOMY AFLOAT
Growth in India’s GDP is at present contributed largely by the services sector, which is estimated to grow at 9.4% for
2012, along with a 3.9% growth in industrial output and a 2.5% growth in agriculture. We saw a slow-down in industrial
output growth, because of deceleration in private investment, especially due to rising cost of credit. Structural aspects
that led to prolonged food inflation in 2011-12, are now addressed through strengthened food supply chain. Diversified
trade partners, with ASEAN region contributing to 57.3% in 2011-12, (33.3% in 2000-01) is a notable achievement that
protects the country from the difficult situation in the US and Europe. The estimated current account deficit is at 3.6%,
for 2011-12, suggesting a steep deterioration in net-trade movements in the last few years.
Apart from these, there are various other factors and assumptions with which the government has stated its expected
GDP growth of 7.6% +/- 0.25%, for 2012-13.
LOWER SUBSIDIES & HIGHER TAXES TO CONTROL FISCAL DEFICIT
In 2011-12, lower direct tax revenues (chart 1) and increased subsidiaries (chart 2) caused slippage from the government’s
ambitious fiscal deficit target of 3% (chart 3). This has prompted the finance ministry’s decision to call for a rise in
indirect tax and a lower expenditure, mainly through a controlled and systematic reduction of subsidies. Major subsidies
of Indian government are allocated to food, fertilizer, and petroleum industries.
Target is to reduce these subsidies to less than 2% in 2012-13, and subsequently to less than 1.75% in the next 3 years,
which could only be achieved through directed targeting of subsidies, thereby preventing leakages. Newly proposed for
this, is the use of Mobile-based Fertilizer Management System (m-FMS), recommended by the task force headed by
Nandan Nilekani, the chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Pilot projects for direct transfer of
subsidy to beneficiary’s bank account have been conducted for LPG, and Kerosene, in various parts of the country.
Much anticipated tax reforms such as DTC (Direct Tax Code) and GST (Goods and Services Tax) are yet to be
implemented and the government remains optimistic about employing these reforms in the next few months. More
interestingly, the government’s plan to set up GST network (GSTN) as a ‘National Information Utility’ is also expected
to become operational by August 2012.

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Divestment of CPSEs
One of the innovative tools to generate revenues, recently put into
practice is the disinvestment/divestment of GoI’s shareholding in the
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Target for 2011-12
lowered to INR14,000 crore from the original target of INR40,000
crore, as the government did not find the market conditions attractive
enough to justify sale of shares. For 2012-13, the government has cut
down the budget and expects to raise INR30,000 crore, which still
looks optimistic given the prevailing economic situation. However, at
any point in time, at least 51% ownership and management control
would rest with the government, thus providing the firms with
stability and at the same time, necessary financial flexibility, at par
with the private counter-parts.
FDI in Multi-brand Retail
Although the centre has faced strong opposition from various state
governments for proposing to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
in Multi-brand retail, the budget still restates the centre’s hope to
achieve consensus among all the political parties with regards to the
issue. But, given the political structure prevailing in the country and
the coalition ruling party system in place, the centre is likely to face
several delays and disagreements while going forward with this.
Nevertheless, it is also valid that the reform can make the food supply
chain much more efficient than the present unorganized model,
addressing the inflationary pressure to some extent.
Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme
As a new tax saving investment scheme, the government has
announced that new investors, with annual income less than INR10
lakhs can now enjoy a tax deduction of 50% with a lock-in period of
3 years. However, the investment amount up to which this benefit
can be availed is capped at INR50,000 while investing directly in
equity markets. This will incentivize higher participation of small retail
investors directly in equity markets.
Central KYC Depository
Another stride in the reforms is the scheduled implementation of a
single, central Know Your Customer (KYC) depository to avoid
multiplicity of registration and data-upkeep. If this is implemented,
the hassles on of opening various bank accounts, mutual funds, de-
mat accounts, mobile, internet & cable service provider accounts can
be effectively handled and governance processes would become faster
and easier.
CHART 1: SPLIT-UP OF TOTAL REVENUE TO
GOVERNMENT, SHOWING A DIP IN NON-
TAX REVENUES IN 2011-12 (Y: INR1000 crores)
CHART 2: CHART SHOWING REVENUE
EXPENDITURE (SUBSIDIES) FORMING THE
MAJOR PORTION OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE
CHART 3: CHART SHOWING BOTH ‘REVENUE’
AND ‘FISCAL’ DEFICIT WIDENING IN 2011-12
● ● ●
Did you Know?
Provision for Defense sector at INR193,407 crore
in this budget, is less than two-third of what is
recommended by industry experts
● ● ●

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Core Banking Solutions in RRBs
With 81 of 82 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) successfully migrating to core banking solutions, they have also joined the
National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) system. The government plans to continue capitalization of weak RRBs for
the next two years, thereby ensuring financial inclusion and high integration with the banking system.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRY
India’s long-term focus on infrastructure development is growth oriented as it should be for any developing economy.
The 12th five year plan infrastructure spending projected at INR50 lakh crore also shows the importance and emphasis
the country places on infrastructure, as this is the first and fore-most aspect that catalyzes and enables increase in
production, consumption, employment and hence the over-all economic activity in the country. As a short-term
objective the government has announced a target of ‘Tax-free infrastructure bonds’ of INR60,000 crore in 2012-13
(2011-12: INR8,000 crore). Further, India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) will act as the nodal agency to
ensure easy credit for infrastructure projects, through-out the country.
As we aim to create 10 crore jobs in manufacturing sector within a decade, by increasing its contribution to the Total
GDP to 25%, infrastructure adequacy to meet the expansion requirements is a crucial aspect, that if ignored can be a
bottle-neck for the country’s growth aspirations.
Notable Infrastructure Targets Mentioned In This Budget
 Additional 8,800 kilometer roads are to be constructed, under National Highways Development Project
(NHDP) within a year.
 Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor is to be completed within 5 years. The project receives $4.5 billion funding
from Japan, apart from INR18,500 crore of central assistance.
 The government also announced that INR3,900 crore of loans for handloom weavers and their co-operative
societies would be waived.
 INR5,000 crore ‘India Opportunities Venture Fund’ to be set up by Small Industries Development Bank of
India (SIDBI) would provide funding for small scale infrastructure projects across the country
AGRICULTURE
As always called the back bone of the Indian Economy, the Agricultural sector’s
importance cannot be ignored, and rightly so, agricultural credit target has been
increased by INR100,000 crore in this budget, to INR575,000 crore for 2012-13.
Credit facilities through the Kisan Credit Card Scheme (KCC), has received positive
response from various groups across the country. The government plans to extend
smart card features to these cards, which would then also be used for ATM
transactions in rural areas.
Another notable aspect related to agriculture is the promotion of Accelerated
Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP) through an allocation step up by 13%, to approx.
INR14,250 crore. With these various initiatives and priority lending schemes, India is
heading to the second phase of green revolution, yet many agriculture-related
infrastructure requirements are lacking at present to enable a sustainable fast growth
in agricultural production.
● ● ●
Did you Know?
If the primary bread-winner of a
BPL family passes away in the age-
group of 18-64, the family is now
eligible for a government grant
INR20,000, twice as much as what
was awarded previously
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INCLUSION
The need for Inclusive growth, in the highly populated and largely rural based
economy of India, has been to some extent addressed through various
initiatives. Some of them discussed in the budget include,
 Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), which has been
enhanced to INR20,000 crore, with INR5,000 crore exclusively for
warehousing facilities
 6000 schools to be set-up in rural parts of the country under the 12th
five year plan
 Allocations to Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), Mid-
Day Meal Scheme and other child-welfare schemes saw strong
growth, as well
GOVERNANCE
The finance minister touched upon the flagship governance project of India, The UID Scheme (Aadhaar), as he
announced completion of issuance of UID cards to 20 crore people till 2011-12 and expects additional 40 crore people
to come under the UID system by the end of 2012-13. In addition to this, the government has also announced a
proposal to lay a White Paper on Black Money in the upcoming parliament session.
TAXES
Direct Tax
Modest Rise in Tax Slabs were announced in this budget, with the exemption limit being raised by INR20,000, to
INR200,000 and 20% tax slab being widened from INR5-8 lakhs to INR5-10 lakhs. This means that an individual with
an income of INR200,000, will now save INR2000 annually and an invidual with an income of INR1,000,000 would
save INR22,000 annually through lower direct taxes, as compared to last year. However, the public had expected a much
steeper rise in slabs, and the budget came as a disappointment to vast majority of the population.
Some of the announcements received a positive response from the investors. One such aspect is, the rise of
‘Compulsory Tax Audit Limit’ to INR1 crore from INR60 lakhs, which is expected to reduce the burden of tax auditing
expenses for many Small scale industries. Another announcement seen favorably, is reduction of Withholding tax on
interest payments to ECBs, from 20% to 5% for certain stressed infra-related industries for 3 years. These direct tax
proposals are estimated to result in a Net Revenue Loss of INR4,500 crore to the government in the year 2012-13.
Indirect Tax
This year, the government has chosen the indirect taxes route to boost its revenues to meet the various planned and
non-planned expenditures, and also reach the fiscal deficit target. This is the reason why we see a rise in service tax rate
from 10% to 12%, with corresponding changes in rates for individual services. (Merit rate, 5% to 6%; Lower merit rate,
1% to 2%)
With the government’s decision to hike the indirect taxes, receiving severe criticisms from the Investor community, the
table below shows some of the sector specific announcements and the market reaction each of them has received.
● ● ●
Did you Know?
‘Himayat’ scheme, introduced in
J&K is estimated to provide skill
training to 1 lakh youths in next 5
years. Entire cost of the initiative will
be borne by Centre.
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(In Thousand Crore Rupees)
Revenues & Expenditures 2010-11 A 2011-12 E 2012-13 B
Revenue Receipts 788 767 935
Tax Revenue 569 642 771
Non Tax Revenue 218 124 165
Capital Receipts 409 551 555
Recoveries of Loans 12 14 12
Other Receipts 23 15 30
Borrowings and Other Liabilities 373 522 513
Total Receipts 1197 1319 1491
Non Plan Expenditures 818 892 970
On Revenue Accounts 726 815 866
Interest Payments 234 275 320
On Capital Account 92 76 104
Plan Expenditure 379 427 521
On Revenue Account 314 346 421
On Capital Account 64 80 101
Total Expenditure 1197 1319 1491
Revenue Expenditure 1041 1162 1286
Grants for creation Capital Assets 87 138 165
Capital Expenditure 157 157 205
Revenue Deficit 252 395 350
(3.3) (4.4) (3.4)
Effective Revenue Deficit 165 257 186
(2.1) (2.9) (1.8)
Fiscal Deficit 374 522 514
(4.9) (5.9) (5.1)
Primary Deficit 140 246 194
(1.8) (2.8) (1.9)
Industry Investor Sentiment
Agriculture & Related Sectors Positive
Infrastructure Positive
Mining Nuetral
Railways Nuetral
Roads Nuetral
Manufacturing Positive
Health and Nutrition Nuetral
Environment Negative
Proposed tax relief for labour-intensive sectors
producing items of mass consumption
Lower customs and excise duty on Soya products,
Iodine and Probiotics
Rise in basic customs duty on imports of gold and
other precious metals
Indirect Tax Announcement
Exemption from basic customs duty for setting up
fertilizer projects upto March 2015
Exemption from basic customs duty and
concessional CVD of 1% to steam coal
Exemption from basic customs duty for coal mining
projects
Proposed upgradation of track structure for high
speed trains
Exemption of import duty for certain road
construction material
The various proposed Indirect taxes are estimated to result in a net revenue gain of INR45,940 crore. Therefore, on an
aggregate basis, all the tax reforms announced in this budget are estimated to result in a net gain of INR41,440 crore for
the country.
SUMMARY
Budget 2012-13 has invited more criticisms than
appreciations from the various stakeholders of the
country. Given the unanticipated difficult situation the
global markets are currently in, and the multiple problems
that the Indian economy is facing, such as weakening of
Rupee against US Dollars, High cost of funds, Inflationary
pressures, and High unemployment levels to name a few,
the finance ministry has opted for a stringent budget to
defy these problems and bring the economy back on a
sustainable growth path. I would like to conclude the
analysis with my view that the key lies in implementation
of the plans. Having observed in the past, that
implementation of various initiatives have seen multiple
road-blocks stalling them abruptly, we shall try to learn
from our past to ensure growth and prosperity of the
world’s largest democracy!
● ● ●
Did you Know?
Short-term crop loans will now be
available at 7% per year to farmers,
and at 3% per year to prompt-paying
farmers through ‘Interest-subvention
scheme’
● ● ●