The Union Budget for 2009-10 will soon be presented by the newly-formed Government at the Centre against a backdrop of relative stability on the domestic political front and continuing economic uncertainty in the global arena. While the expectations are enormous, so are the challenges, given that further counter-cyclical measures seeking to stimulate economic growth will have to be weighed against their impact on the fiscal balances in the light of the burgeoning fiscal deficit and the large borrowing programme that Government of India (GoI) has projected for 2009-10 in its Interim Budget.
The jury is still out on the extent of recovery that has taken place in the real economy since the lows reached in the last quarter of 2008-09. Nevertheless, there could be a case for providing further stimulus to the economy, through a combination of measures that translate into additional expenditure in the infrastructure and social sectors and policy-level measures that are perceived as pro-reform and therefore holding the potential to favourably impact sentiments of a wide range of market participants—in the process promoting private consumption as well as investments.
The other challenges facing the policymakers include maintaining a reasonable interest rate regime (to stimulate growth) in the likely scenario of high Government borrowings putting a strain on yields and inflationary pressures building up in the second half of the fiscal year. While headline wholesale price inflation (WPI) has entered negative territory despite food price inflation remaining high, WPI is expected to rise in the near to medium term as the base effect turns adverse and commodity prices trace an upward path, taking the cue from a likely demand revival and an accommodative monetary policy globally.
The jury is still out on the extent of recovery that has taken place in the real economy since the lows reached in the last quarter of 2008-09. Nevertheless, there could be a case for providing further stimulus to the economy, through a combination of measures that translate into additional expenditure in the infrastructure and social sectors and policy-level measures that are perceived as pro-reform and therefore holding the potential to favourably impact sentiments of a wide range of market participants—in the process promoting private consumption as well as investments.
The other challenges facing the policymakers include maintaining a reasonable interest rate regime (to stimulate growth) in the likely scenario of high Government borrowings putting a strain on yields and inflationary pressures building up in the second half of the fiscal year. While headline wholesale price inflation (WPI) has entered negative territory despite food price inflation remaining high, WPI is expected to rise in the near to medium term as the base effect turns adverse and commodity prices trace an upward path, taking the cue from a likely demand revival and an accommodative monetary policy globally.
GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON REFORMS KEENLY AWAITED
The reforms-oriented stance and the priorities outlined by the coalition Government soon after assuming office have pushed up expectations significantly. Investors and market participants would be looking at Budget 2009-10 closely for firm indications on the Government’s reforms agenda, particularly in areas such as foreign direct investment, disinvestment, petroleum price deregulation, and treatment of off-budget items such as oil/fertiliser bonds. Also of considerable interest would be proposals to raise revenues through alternative routes such as disinvestment and auction of 3G spectrum; the indicative structure for the proposed Goods and Services Tax and the timing of payment of arrears (next instalment) as per the Sixth Pay Commission report.
The reforms-oriented stance and the priorities outlined by the coalition Government soon after assuming office have pushed up expectations significantly. Investors and market participants would be looking at Budget 2009-10 closely for firm indications on the Government’s reforms agenda, particularly in areas such as foreign direct investment, disinvestment, petroleum price deregulation, and treatment of off-budget items such as oil/fertiliser bonds. Also of considerable interest would be proposals to raise revenues through alternative routes such as disinvestment and auction of 3G spectrum; the indicative structure for the proposed Goods and Services Tax and the timing of payment of arrears (next instalment) as per the Sixth Pay Commission report.
REVIVING GROWTH IN MANUFACTURING WOULD BE CRITICAL, BUT SCOPE FOR FURTHER STIMULUS THROUGH LOWER TAXES APPEARS LIMITED
The three stimulus packages that were announced in the latter half of 2008-09 contained a number of measures aimed specifically at the manufacturing sector. While some sub-sectors within manufacturing have shown signs of recovery since then, many export-oriented sectors, which are also labour intensive, are still reeling under the impact of the global slowdown. However, GoI’s ability to formulate further indirect taxation measures for these appears limited, given the fiscal position. In fact, the constrained fiscal situation may compel GoI to withdraw tax cuts already imposed, especially for sectors which have been affected to a lesser degree. Also the current CENVAT rates are likely to be inconsistent with the rates under the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST). Sectors which would be adversely impacted in case of a roll back of the excise duty cuts include automobiles, steel and consumer durables. Nevertheless, it is likely that some relief measures, like interest subvention on export credit, may be continued.
The three stimulus packages that were announced in the latter half of 2008-09 contained a number of measures aimed specifically at the manufacturing sector. While some sub-sectors within manufacturing have shown signs of recovery since then, many export-oriented sectors, which are also labour intensive, are still reeling under the impact of the global slowdown. However, GoI’s ability to formulate further indirect taxation measures for these appears limited, given the fiscal position. In fact, the constrained fiscal situation may compel GoI to withdraw tax cuts already imposed, especially for sectors which have been affected to a lesser degree. Also the current CENVAT rates are likely to be inconsistent with the rates under the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST). Sectors which would be adversely impacted in case of a roll back of the excise duty cuts include automobiles, steel and consumer durables. Nevertheless, it is likely that some relief measures, like interest subvention on export credit, may be continued.
INFRASTRUCTURE: TO BE A KEY FOCUS AREA
A key focus area for GoI in the forthcoming Budget is likely to be infrastructure, which is widely recognised as the biggest constraint to achieving India’s growth potential. Apart from power, the pace of project implementation has slackened considerably in other infrastructure areas. While several of the constraints to faster infrastructure development may be beyond the purview of the Budget, the policy announcements made in this area would be of considerable significance. The key issues that require attention include: establishment of an empowered regulator for some of the key areas within the infrastructure sector; streamlining of the Viability Gap Funding mechanism for areas like roads and highways, and devising of practical ways to push for implementation of projects on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.
Given the need for additional energy security, another area where reforms are overdue is in the area of enabling private sector participation in coal mining. The policy objectives in the case of coal mining could include more objectivity in the grant of mining licences, faster environmental and forestry clearance, and greater transparency in coal pricing.
Policy and regulatory issues apart, a key constraint for the infrastructure sector that Budget 2009-10 could address is availability of adequate funds. Over the last few months, project implementation in the sector has been severely impacted by delays in achieving financial closure. As part of its stimulus packages, GoI had authorised India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to raise, by March 2009, Rs. 10,000 crore through tax-free bonds. More such steps would be necessary for facilitating fund flow to this sector, including availability of sufficiently long tenure financing options and relaxing the exposure norms for infrastructure projects. A common wish list is also the reintroduction of tax breaks for infrastructure financing for reducing the cost of funds.
A key focus area for GoI in the forthcoming Budget is likely to be infrastructure, which is widely recognised as the biggest constraint to achieving India’s growth potential. Apart from power, the pace of project implementation has slackened considerably in other infrastructure areas. While several of the constraints to faster infrastructure development may be beyond the purview of the Budget, the policy announcements made in this area would be of considerable significance. The key issues that require attention include: establishment of an empowered regulator for some of the key areas within the infrastructure sector; streamlining of the Viability Gap Funding mechanism for areas like roads and highways, and devising of practical ways to push for implementation of projects on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.
Given the need for additional energy security, another area where reforms are overdue is in the area of enabling private sector participation in coal mining. The policy objectives in the case of coal mining could include more objectivity in the grant of mining licences, faster environmental and forestry clearance, and greater transparency in coal pricing.
Policy and regulatory issues apart, a key constraint for the infrastructure sector that Budget 2009-10 could address is availability of adequate funds. Over the last few months, project implementation in the sector has been severely impacted by delays in achieving financial closure. As part of its stimulus packages, GoI had authorised India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to raise, by March 2009, Rs. 10,000 crore through tax-free bonds. More such steps would be necessary for facilitating fund flow to this sector, including availability of sufficiently long tenure financing options and relaxing the exposure norms for infrastructure projects. A common wish list is also the reintroduction of tax breaks for infrastructure financing for reducing the cost of funds.
IMPLEMENTATION OF GST AWAITS BUDGETARY DIRECTION
With less than a year to go before the announced rollout of the proposed GST, it is expected that the Union Budget for 2009-10 will provide an indicative structure for the same. In this regard, the issues that would need to be addressed include the nature of GST, that is, whether single or dual; the proposed rate structure; the compensation mechanism for the States; and the legal changes required before GST can be introduced. These apart, the question of whether April 1, 2010 is a realistic date for migration to a new GST regime remains unresolved, given the doubts recently expressed by certain States regarding their readiness for the same.
EXPECTATIONS RUN HIGH ON OTHER TAX MEASURES AS WELL
Expectations are high on quite a few other tax related issues as well, such as abolition of Fringe Benefit Tax, extension of tax holidays for the IT and ITES sector, extension in the period for which 80IA benefits are available for infrastructure sectors, tax holiday on production of natural gas from NELP blocks, tax break for construction of low cost housing, and rationalisation of Dividend Distribution Tax. Other specific sectors which are looking for a rationalisation of the tax structure include fast moving consumer goods, cement, automobiles and telecom.
Expectations are high on quite a few other tax related issues as well, such as abolition of Fringe Benefit Tax, extension of tax holidays for the IT and ITES sector, extension in the period for which 80IA benefits are available for infrastructure sectors, tax holiday on production of natural gas from NELP blocks, tax break for construction of low cost housing, and rationalisation of Dividend Distribution Tax. Other specific sectors which are looking for a rationalisation of the tax structure include fast moving consumer goods, cement, automobiles and telecom.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the Union Budget for 2009-10 is expected to provide a thrust to spending in the infrastructure as well as social sectors, and selectively rationalise taxes, while at the same time ensuring that the fiscal deficit does not slip significantly below the level indicated in the Interim Budget. While fiscal consolidation in the current year itself may be difficult given the present environment, demonstrating commitment towards fiscal sustainability would be critical, at both the Central and the State level. In addition, while the Government has provided some indications regarding the reforms agenda that it intends to pursue, the Budget is expected to the set the tone regarding the implementation of the same.
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