Expected more funds to boost govt banks

6:06 PM
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's focus on the nine key pillars in Budget 2016-17 should revitalise the economy, strengthen the pace of reforms and set the country on a growth trajectory. The budget is timely and critical at a time when the global economy is in crisis. I think, the Finance Minister has done a fine balancing act by harmonising the need for higher capital expenditure on one hand and higher revenue spending on the other — even as he has stuck to the fiscal target of 3.5%.

The emphasis on agriculture, farm welfare and rural sector, as evident from the increase in allocations to both capital creation and welfare schemes, is welcome.

The allocation of Rs 17,000 crore to irrigation and the fast-tracking of rural development projects will reduce dependence on monsoon in the long term. Besides, the allocation of Rs 38,500 crore for NREGA will reduce short-term rural distress in light of deficient rainfall and drought situation in the last two years. The move towards the smooth resolution of disputes and contract renegotiations for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects indicates that the PPP regulatory regime in India is maturing.

One was expecting a greater allocation for recapitalisation of public sector banks. Overall, Budget 2016-17 balances long-term vision and short-term stimulus measures, which the Indian economy so desperately needs in the current global environment.

Source: Economic Times

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