'Budget is astute and commercially savvy'

R S Lodha

The salaried class income tax has been hiked. One of the key functions of the Budget is on consumer spending. But the Budget is a disappointment on the income tax front.

The major highlight of the Budget is that the finance minister has given a new deal to agriculture and the farmers in the country. Other highlights are the incentives given to food subsidy and agriculture.

The Budget is astute and commercially savvy to carry out the new round of reforms. Now the states should perform. Another good thing is that the FM has decided the Budget functioning reform-linked. That is a good direction.

There has been additional thrust to infrastructure like power, ports, airports etc. We are happy that the Finance Minister has conceded many of our demands and suggestions. Linking deposit to bond rates is a good step and great initiative.

R S Lodha is president, Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

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