Finance Minister Arun Jaitely’s maiden budget has some long term prudence but seems being shaped to meet political exigencies. The budget has not put forth enough initiatives for the economic development of the common man. It has thumbs down to big expectation. Prices of basic consumable goods reached triple times higher but the exemption limit was raised only 0.25 times. This is simply eyewash for a middle class employee. The limit would have been somewhere 3 to 3.5 lakhs, keeping in view the current cost of living and increase in price of commodities.
FM should withdraw all subsidies if he really wants to curb the prices/ inflation and serious is about the poor’s wagon. In fact, subsidy is proving more beneficial to the rich rather than to the deserving one. Minimum wage should be suitably raised first. Rationalisation of subsidies on inputs such as fertilizer and food is essential. The government needs to eventually move towards the income support for farmers and poor households. The tax structure is very cumbersome and one pays all taxes in tandem. The government should really do tax reforms to ensure that people have true value of their hard earned money to push demand and growth. Overall the Budget does focus on accelerating growth rate boosting investment in infrastructure and bid to generate employment opportunities but also hints that Acche Din are still far off – at least for commoners.
Majeed Mulla
Via Email
Importance of Dates
This refers to article, “Dates for Halth” (Radiance 6-12 July). The article was very informative and has highlighted almost all aspects of Dates, their usefulness during the month of Ramadhan and also its other nutrient values which by any meter leave behind any other food stuff in terms of protein, energy and carbohydrates. The display of dates, plants and its comparison with other food material was thought provoking and interesting.
The article was written at the appropriate time which further enriched its contents and usefulness. The best utilisation of Dates happens to be during Ramadhan and that is to end fast.
Atif Hussain
Bangalore