Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Budget exercise

Sir, — It is imperative to make it obligatory for every Government to set realistic economic goals for the next five years, draw a road map fixing yearly targets and report to the people on the progress achieved in key areas. The Finance Minister must report on the increase in per capita income in real terms, of people living below the poverty line, how many people have been brought above the poverty line in the previous year, the increase in the per capita health care and education expenditure of the poor and so on. It should also be made obligatory for the Minister to get a score card drawn up about the past one year and the cumulative performance by an independent committee. There should be clear fetters on borrowings and expenditure should be monitored. Only then will the budget exercise be credible.

Ramadas S. Iyer,
Chennai

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