Top government sources hinted that the gross budgetary support (GBS) will be around Rs 3.35 lakh crore, which is Rs 50,000 crore more than the GBS (Rs 2.85 lakh crore) fixed in the interim budget. However, this would mean a higher fiscal deficit as compared to 5.5% reflected in the interim budget with a GBS of Rs 2.85 lakh crore.

In consonance with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s directive to adhere to the UPA’s agenda as outlined in the President’s address, the government is likely to enhance spending on education. The finance ministry and Planning Commission is working on a figure of Rs 15,500 crore more for education sector in addition to Rs 34,400 crore allocated in the interim budget. Also, a special allocation of Rs 8,500 crore is in the offing for setting up of eight new IITs and 16 new central universities in the coming budget.
With the President highlighting the need to focus on women’s literacy and quality education, the government is likely to allocate another Rs 7,000 crore to set up model schools in educationally backward blocks of the country and improve quality of education under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

The rural development ministry’s allocation is expected to be increased by Rs 4,000 crore, which will take the total budget of the ministry to Rs 70,000 crore, highest for any social sector ministry. With special focus on reducing infant mortality, MMR, and upgrading PHCs, the health ministry’s allocation is expected to increase by around 25%. The government wants the health ministry to focus on strengthening crumbling rural health infrastructure under National Rural Health Mission.