Question

In the budget Estimates of 2015-2016:

• A. Non-planned expenditure was more than revenue receipts
• B. Revenue receipts were higher than non-planned expenditure
• C. Planned expenditure was higher than non-planned expenditure
• D. Fiscal Deficit was lower than Revenue deficit
• E. Total expenditure was 20% higher than total Receipts

Hint:

When solving budget-based MCQs, focus on remembering the approximate relative magnitudes (e.g., Revenue Receipts vs Expenditures, Fiscal vs Revenue Deficit). Even if exact numbers are forgotten, comparisons are enough to pick the right option.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall the 2015–16 Union Budget structure.
The Budget Estimates of 2015–16 highlighted the government’s emphasis on fiscal consolidation and expenditure management. Expenditure was divided into “Planned” and “Non-planned,” while receipts were categorized as revenue and capital receipts. Step 2: Compare revenue receipts and non-planned expenditure.
- Revenue Receipts in 2015–16 (Budget Estimates) $\approx \rupee 11.4$ lakh crore.
- Non-planned expenditure $\approx \rupee 11.2$ lakh crore. Clearly, revenue receipts exceeded non-planned expenditure. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options.
- (A) Incorrect: Non-planned expenditure was {not} more than revenue receipts.
- (C) Incorrect: Planned expenditure was significantly lower than non-planned.
- (D) Incorrect: Fiscal deficit is {always} higher than revenue deficit (as fiscal deficit includes revenue deficit + capital deficit).
- (E) Incorrect: Total expenditure was not 20% higher than total receipts. \[ \boxed{\text{Revenue receipts were higher than non-planned expenditure.}} \]