Public Finance in India — DU B.A. (Hons.) Economics Previous Year Question Papers

1. (a) Evaluate the performance of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India since its inception. Has it achieved the "One Nation, One Tax" objective? (b) Discuss the progressivity of India's direct tax system. Suggest measures to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio. 2. (a) Analyse the issues surrounding the taxation of petroleum products in India and the debate regarding their inclusion under the GST ambit. (b) Discuss the "Revenue Relish" mentioned in the Economic Survey 2022-23. What factors contributed to the buoyant tax collections? 3. (a) Explain the difference between the Fiscal Deficit and Primary Deficit. Why is the Primary Deficit considered a better indicator of current fiscal health? (b) Analyse the key recommendations of the FRBM Act Review Committee (NK Singh Committee) regarding debt-to-GDP targets. 4. (a) Based on the "Key to Budget Documents," explain the significance of "Effective Capital Expenditure' in the Union Budget. (b) Explain the components of the "Budget at a Glance" document. 5. (a) Discuss the "Theory of Fiscal Federalism." Why is a multi-tier government structure essential for a country like India? (b) Analyse the vertical and horizontal imbalance in Indian fiscal federalism. 6. (a) Rewarding performance while ensuring equity." Discuss this statement in the context of Central transfers to states. (b) Discuss the "Healthcare Industry" in India. Is the increasing privatisation of healthcare consistent with the goal of "Health for All"? 7. (a) "Food Mountains and Pandemic Hunger." Discuss the paradox of high buffer stocks and prevalent malnutrition in India.