The Union Budget has moved from the traditional populist approach to a more realistic one aimed mainly at bringing down the fiscal deficit. From a managerial perspective, the Budget has been investment-friendly, especially for the middle-class be it through the introduction of inflation-indexed bonds to facilitate long-term investments, increasing the income threshold for new investors in the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme or the tax break on housing loans, though increase in excise duties could impact savings. The 17 per cent increase in allocation to the MHRD is an important step towards the education sector. Glenn D’Souza, Great Lakes Institute of Management
On a silent path
With the Government in a tizzy, finding it difficult to overcome the fiscal deficit , a path has been tacitly followed by being almost silent.
With no tax slab change and no hike in excise it has tried to at least consolidate the situation with no-win no-loss case.
To bolster the slowing economy, steps such as no new taxes may help, while refraining from rolling out GST might be a setback.
A surcharge on companies with above Rs 10 crore earning will dampen the investment mood.
Deduction of Rs 1 lakh from taxable income, for interest payment on home loan, may help the real estate sector. Deepika Saluja, IIM-A