The new government’s >first budget has utterly failed to enthuse or satisfy anyone or any section of society. The Economic Survey 2013-14 itself should have given us the clue that the emphasis now is on strengthening the market economy. Indeed, this is evident in the BJP government’s oft-repeated motto of “minimum government and maximum governance.” Even the markets have failed to reflect any optimism. The increased cap on FDI in insurance and defence and selling more shares of PSU banks will have serious and adverse impacts. One can sense that this budget is an exercise in preparing to dilute and then close the rural employment scheme. Overall, it is disappointing.
A.G. Rajmohan,
Anantapur
Speculation that the ceiling on tax-free income will be raised significantly has been set to rest. There should have been a corresponding increase in the first and subsequent threshold tax limits. The tax relief granted has not been commensurate with galloping inflation. The seeming relief is only an eyewash.
K.V. Seetharamaiah,
Hassan
The allocation of Rs.200 crore for the construction of a Sardar Patel statue is uncalled for. India is a country where there are still millions reeling under poverty and struggling to make ends meet. The least the budget could have done is to be sensitive to the feelings of the marginalised sections. Opposing the allocation of resources to the project does not mean opposing or disliking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the tallest leaders (no pun intended) of India! But allocating such a huge sum is uncalled for. Such projects can be taken up with voluntary donations; the larger NRI community would have been happy to chip in.
D. Venkata Ramana,
Hyderabad
The budget is on expected lines. But to spend Rs.200 crore on a statue project is uncalled for. The funds for this should come from the coffers of the BJP/RSS. The step will only set a wrong precedent with States now going on a statue-spending spree. Why hold Ms. Mayawati guilty, then? Sardar Patel would have been happy if Rs.200 crore was spent educating poor children.
M.V.N. Raj,
Bangalore
