September 10, 2009
India government doesn't see major need for more spending on drought
India's federal government doesn't see any major need to spend more than already budgeted to cushion the impact of a widespread drought in the country, Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla said Wednesday (September 9).
The government expects to get higher direct-tax revenue and it would meet additional spending requirements, if any, through internal adjustments of resources, Chawla told television channel CNBC TV18.
He said weak rains would hurt rice production, but the shortfall would be manageable. The government's immediate aim is to return to a high growth path, he added.
