Subhash Chandra Garg, during whose tenure as the economic affairs secretary the electoral bonds scheme was notified, was initially apprehensive about it. However, he concluded that it helped in cleaning up cash financing of elections and
The government is likely to miss its divestment targets for the fifth consecutive year, raising concerns about its privatisation plans. Data shows that the government has struggled to raise even half of the targeted proceeds for this fiscal year. Analysts are sceptical about further sales, especially with only six months left in the government s tenure. The upcoming interim Budget will reveal the government s stance on divestments.
Former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg was less optimistic. He said achieving a fiscal deficit target of 4.5 percent by FY26 will be difficult, adding that it will be tough for the central government to contain its fiscal deficit aim to less than 5.5 percent for the next fiscal year.