New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- India's budget for 2024-25 estimates the Union government's spending to be around Rs.48 trillion. From traditional budgeting for 'inputs,' steps have been taken in the last few years to disclose and draw attention to 'outcomes' that tangibly impact the lives of citizens.

We now need to take it a step further, ensuring that budget spending drives 'outcome' delivery, by directly linking expenditure with the achievement of results.

The principle of 'pay for results' means that the government pays implementers only if they meet or exceed pre-set 'outcome' targets, rather than just making provisions for infrastructure or services that go into achieving those outcomes.

Traditionally, budget allocation is done on the bas...