Associate Sponsors

Co-sponsor

Home / Blueprint Defence Magazine / Data / BS Manthan: Sitharaman flags fund utilisation gap, cautious on China FDIs

BS Manthan: Sitharaman flags fund utilisation gap, cautious on China FDIs

FM Sitharaman says political choices affect fund usage, defends calibrated disinvestment, and reiterates cautious stance on Chinese investment and BITs while backing domestic reforms

1 min read
Updated On: Feb 25 2026 | 2:10 PM IST
Image

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the problem of budgeted expenditure remaining unused was often driven by political considerations at the state level, even as she defended the government’s approach to disinvestment, private sector participation, and scrutiny of Chinese investment.
 
Speaking at BS Manthan, Business Standard's flagship event in New Delhi, Sitharaman said India’s economic indicators were broadly aligned with the Budget’s projections, but challenges remained from global uncertainty and domestic implementation gaps.
 
Why is budgeted expenditure not fully utilised?
 
The finance minister pointed to the Centre’s special assistance scheme for capital investment by states as an example, where funds were available but uptake varied based on political factors.
  
“We've given this special assistance to states for capital investors, which is a 50 year money, given interest free. But in some reform related steps, not even one taker, or in some a few takers in some others, oh, everybody is in,” she said.

Also Read

Future date article issue

Premium ContentPremium ContentSubscription ExpiredSubscription Expired

Your access to Blueprint has ended. But the story is still unfolding.

No longer a subscriber? There’s a new reason to return.

Introducing Blueprint - A magazine on defence & geopolitics

Introducing Blueprint - A magazine on defence & geopolitics

Like what you read? There’s more in every issue of Blueprint

From military strategy to global diplomacy, Blueprint offers sharp, in-depth reportage on the world’s most consequential issues.

Exclusive pricing for Business Standard digital subscribers

Choose your plan

Exclusive Pricing

Choose your plan

58% off
₹6,000

Blueprint Digital

₹2,500

annual (digital-only)

₹208/Month

70% off
₹12,000

Blueprint Complete

₹3,500

annual (digital & print)

₹291/Month

41% off
₹6,000

Blueprint Digital

₹3,500

annual (digital-only)

₹291/Month

62% off
₹12,000

Blueprint Complete

₹4,500

annual (digital & print)

₹375/Month

Subscribe NowSubscribe NowRenew NowRenew Now

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Browse all Plans

Here's what's included:

  • Access to the latest issue of the Blueprint digital magazine

  • Online access to all the upcoming digital magazines along with past digital archives

  • * Delivery of all the upcoming print magazines at your home or office

  • Full access to Blueprint articles online

  • Business Standard digital subscription

  • 1-year unlimited complimentary digital access to The New York Times (News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter, The Athletic)

First Published: Feb 25 2026 | 2:10 PM IST

In this article : artifical intelligence

Next Story