Government Budgeting — UPSC Mains GS-III Questions (2013–2025)

Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies?

Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets.

Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?

Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.

The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budget making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it.

Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019.

One of the intended objectives of the Union Budget 2017-18 is to 'transform, energise and clean India'. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective.

Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?

What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness.

What is the meaning of the term 'tax expenditure'? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government.

Discuss the rationale for introducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime.