4 Comments

Thought provoking pre budget article Anil and the interview with Mr. Ashok Gulati, was very helpful to have an analytical background to what the budget should/could be. The key emphasis in this budget should be on massive irrigation projects and rain water harvesting projects, on a war footing. The massive allocation of funds to especially UP, for infrastructure development, mainly highways, did not yield the desired result in the polls. Whereas, one can perceive the correlation of votes and successful agricultural sector in States like MP and Andhra Pradesh. The 100 smart cities have also to become a reality, where more youth from rural areas could migrate for work and ease the stress of underemployment in the farming sector. With the Dragon exercising sustained pressure especially on NE India, one has to appreciate the funds allocation for defense purchases in the past and also the Agniveer scheme, as 60% of the defense budget was being spent on salaries and pension. The government had to do a difficult balancing act; but apart from women, the important vote bank of aspirational youth has to be given stable jobs and vacancies across departments, filled up. Thank you Anil for an interesting read. 😊

Expand full comment

Dear Gautam,

Thank you for your thoughts. Nice observation on the correlation between investments and electoral harvests. And yes, generating jobs in a sustainable manner is the single biggest challenge. Let us see what the FM has in store on 23 July.

Look forward to your continued participation.

Best

Anil

Expand full comment

Excellent pre budget analysis Anil ! Comprehensive yet succinct ! Highly appreciable !

Best regards

Expand full comment

Dear Balesh,

Thank you so much for your kind words. Much appreciated.

Best

Anil

Expand full comment