<h1>2018-19 Budget Projects 3.3% Fiscal Deficit; Focus on Agriculture, Social Sectors, Infrastructure, and Employment Growth.</h1> The fiscal year 2018-19 budget estimates total expenditure at over Rs. 24.42 lakh crore, with a fiscal deficit projected at 3.3% of GDP, equating to Rs. 6,24,276 crore financed through borrowings. The budget emphasizes increased investment in agriculture, social sectors, digital payments, infrastructure, and employment generation while maintaining fiscal discipline. The government has progressively reduced the fiscal deficit from 4.4% in 2013-14 to 3.5% in 2016-17. Revised estimates for 2017-18 put the deficit at Rs. 5.95 lakh crore. The government plans to adopt recommendations to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 40% and use the fiscal deficit target as a key operational parameter.