Public Debt Management

JUDICIAL REVIEW ON FREEBIES: WELFARE VS FISCAL PRUDENCE

The Supreme Court, led by CJI Surya Kant, criticized states for fiscally unsustainable freebies, raising concerns over revenue deficits and rising debt-to-GSDP ratios. Distinguishing welfare from non-merit goods, it warned of Capex erosion. Citing S. Subramaniam Balaji, reforms include targeted subsidies and stronger Election Commission oversight.