Centre’s fiscal deficit hits 17.9% of full-year target in Q1; higher spending lifts gap to Rs 2.8 lakh crore: CGA data

India’s fiscal deficit surged to 17.9% of the annual target by June 2025, significantly higher than the previous year, according to the Controller General of Accounts. The revenue-expenditure gap reached Rs 2.8 lakh crore. While tax devolution to states increased, ICRA’s Aditi Nayar pointed out that tepid direct tax collections impacted revenue.