Union Budget 2020 – Highlights, Key Takeaways, Detailed Analysis & Impact on various Sectors

The Union Budget has been structured on the overall theme of “Ease of Living.” The Finance Minister said that the Union Budget Aims: To achieve seamless delivery of services through Digital governance; To improve physical quality of life through National Infrastructure Pipeline; Risk mitigation through Disaster Resilience; Social security through Pension and Insurance penetration.
The budget is woven around three prominent themes:
Aspirational India in which all sections of the society seek better standards of living, with access to health, education and better jobs. Economic development for all, indicated in the Prime Minister’s exhortation of “SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas, SabkaVishwas”. Caring Society that is both humane and compassionate, where Antyodaya is an article of faith.

The three broad themes are held together by

Corruption free – policy-driven good governance
Clean and sound financial sector.

The three components of Aspirational India are- a) Agriculture, Irrigation and Rural Development , b) Wellness, Water and Sanitation and c) Education and Skills

Sixth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Review – RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.15%

RBI released the Sixth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy leaving the Rates unchanged and giving booster dose for the growth of Economy.

Reporting of Large Exposures to Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC) – UCBs

RBI decided that Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs) having total assets of ₹500 crore and above as on 31st March of the previous financial year shall report credit information, including classification of an account as Special Mention Account (SMA), on all borrowers having aggregate exposures of ₹5 crore and above with them to Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC) maintained by the Reserve Bank. Aggregate exposure shall include all fund-based and non-fund based exposure, including investment exposure on the borrower.

Financial Stability Report – December 2019

RBI has released Financial Stability Report as of December 2019 on 27th December 2019. The FSR reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on risks to financial stability, as also the resilience of the financial system. The Report also discusses issues relating to development and regulation of the financial sector.

RBI releases Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2018-19

Reserve Bank of India released the Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2018-19, a statutory publication in compliance with Section 36 (2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. This Report presents the performance of the banking sector, including co-operative banks, and non-banking financial institutions during 2018-19 and 2019-20 so far.

Economic Measures to Boost Economy by the Finance Minister

To boost liquidity in the market, the government has cleared dues worth more than 60% of 32 CPSEs in the last two months.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, held a press conference on the measures taken to boost economy. Chief Economic Adviser K. Subramanian, gave a presentation on Major Interventions to Boost Economy.Rs 20kcr proposals likely to get nod in 2 weeks; FM promises support to any sector that needs help. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman promised support to any other sector that may need help following a finance ministry presentation on ‘Major Interventions to Boost the Economy’ in the Capital on Friday.

Availability of National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) System on 24×7 basis

With effect from December 16, 2019 RBI has asked banks to Extend NEFT facility 365/24*7 .

Fifth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2019-20 – Key Highlights

RBI Monetary Policy Highlights: Future repo rate cuts not being ruled out, says Shaktikanta Das. Despite an expectation of 25 bps repo rate cut, MPC maintained status quo on repo rate at 5.15 percent and accommodative stance.

State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2019-20

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the report titled “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2019-20”, an annual publication that provides information, analysis and an assessment of the finances of state governments. With several states facing state elections this summer, presentation of their final budgets was delayed till July-September 2019. This year’s Report analyses the underlying dynamics of budget estimates (BE) for 2019-20 against the backdrop of actual for 2017-18 and revised (and provisional accounts) outcomes for 2018-19. The Report addresses the theme of “Debt: States’ Medium Term Fiscal Challenges”. A time-series data published in State Finance Reports from 1990-91 is also released along with this Report.

Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies

Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies released by RBI on 4th October sets out various developmental and regulatory policy measures for strengthening regulation and supervision; broadening and deepening financial markets; and improving the payment and settlement systems.