Main objectives

  • ensure inter-generational equity
  • long term macroeconomic stability

Achieved broadly by

  • achieving sufficient revenue surplus
  • removing fiscal obstacles to monetary policy
  • effective debt management by limiting deficits and borrowing

Important Features of FRBM Act 2003

Fiscal Targets

  • Central government shall limit fiscal deficit upto 3% of GDP by 31 March 2021
  • gov dept does not exceed 60% of GDP by 2024-25
  • no additional guarantees wrt any loan on security of CFI in excess of 0.5% GDP
  • ensure first 2 fiscal targets are exceeded after stipulated target dates

Annual Targets

  • CG shall prescribe annual targets for reduction of fiscal deficit

Deviation

  • any deviation shall not exceed 0.5% GDP in a year

RBI Borrowing

  • CG shall not borrow from RBI except when meeting temporary excess cash disbursements over cash receipts