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Business Today's cover package Budget Deficit (March 20) has given an unbiased report on the Budget 2011-2012, unlike leading newspapers.
Bumpy road ahead
Business Today's cover package Budget Deficit (March 20) has given an unbiased report on the Budget 2011-2012, unlike leading newspapers. Most dailies focused on UPA's growth trajectory but failed to make any mention of the immediate consequences for the common man. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has done little to address rising inflation and has put additional burden on us by bringing health and diagnostic services in private hospitals under the service tax regime. Besides, a central excise duty of one per cent has been imposed on 130 additional items. Whatever little relief was given on the income tax front will be offset by an increase in prices of essential items. The net purchasing power of the middle class will be lower in the pre-budget days.
Mahesh Kapasi, New Delhi
Eye on polls
Pranab, the Clever (Cover story, March 20) shows the finance minister's compulsions as the Congress Party's principal troubleshooter - to strike a balance between politics and policy. The upcoming assembly elections in five states (where either the Congress or its allies are looking to make inroads) have prompted Pranab Mukherjee to take several token 'populist' measures in Budget 2011-12. Increasing the tax exemption limits for all, especially senior citizens, was one such attempt. But, while reiterating the need for continuation of the reforms agenda, the budget lacks major announcements on this front. The introduction of service tax on hotels, AC restaurants and air travel was a negative for the hospitality sector.
Lopamudra Dey, Noida
Mighty bugs
Finally, we see some attempt being made to help our farmers reduce costs while providing a long-lasting solution for pest management, The Bugs Stop Here (BT, March 20). Indian Council of Agricultural Research lab is doing a great job on the unique project. The parasitoid usage and release is environmental-friendly, safe and economical. For long we have seen how chemicals like endosulfan have adversely affected farmers in Kerala.
Bithi Dutta, Puducherry
Business Today's cover package Budget Deficit (March 20) has given an unbiased report on the Budget 2011-2012, unlike leading newspapers. Most dailies focused on UPA's growth trajectory but failed to make any mention of the immediate consequences for the common man. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has done little to address rising inflation and has put additional burden on us by bringing health and diagnostic services in private hospitals under the service tax regime. Besides, a central excise duty of one per cent has been imposed on 130 additional items. Whatever little relief was given on the income tax front will be offset by an increase in prices of essential items. The net purchasing power of the middle class will be lower in the pre-budget days.
Mahesh Kapasi, New Delhi
Eye on polls
Pranab, the Clever (Cover story, March 20) shows the finance minister's compulsions as the Congress Party's principal troubleshooter - to strike a balance between politics and policy. The upcoming assembly elections in five states (where either the Congress or its allies are looking to make inroads) have prompted Pranab Mukherjee to take several token 'populist' measures in Budget 2011-12. Increasing the tax exemption limits for all, especially senior citizens, was one such attempt. But, while reiterating the need for continuation of the reforms agenda, the budget lacks major announcements on this front. The introduction of service tax on hotels, AC restaurants and air travel was a negative for the hospitality sector.
Lopamudra Dey, Noida
Mighty bugs
Finally, we see some attempt being made to help our farmers reduce costs while providing a long-lasting solution for pest management, The Bugs Stop Here (BT, March 20). Indian Council of Agricultural Research lab is doing a great job on the unique project. The parasitoid usage and release is environmental-friendly, safe and economical. For long we have seen how chemicals like endosulfan have adversely affected farmers in Kerala.
Bithi Dutta, Puducherry
