Photographs: Xavier Almiron/Reuters
A look at how people from different walks of life analyse the Budget.
No steps to bring down inflation: Gul Panag
What is the most striking feature of the Budget?
The striking thing is that it is not much different from the UPA Budget.
On another note, I am happy to see the commitment to the 'One Rank One Pension' scheme for the armed forces, even though the funds allocated do not appear adequate at this stage.
What could have been better?
I was expecting path-breaking steps to bring down inflation. This is sadly missing. No concrete plans either to bring about universal and equitable access to education and health care.
Gul Panag, Actor and politician
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Budget views: The good and the bad points
Budget with a credible economic and social vision: Prasoon Joshi
What is the most striking feature of the Budget?
This is a growth-oriented Budget. It is a statement of intent that has realistically touched upon many important sectors.
The thrust on infrastructure, agriculture and manufacturing and rationalisation of duties on input costs is welcome.
It reflects that the government has a credible economic and social vision.
What could have been better?
There will always be more to ask for in terms of income tax and requirements for specific industries. But we need to see if we are moving progressively in the direction of economic revival.
Prasoon Joshi, Lyricist, CEO & chairman, McCann
India and South Asia
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Budget views: The good and the bad points
New IITs and IIMs, a good move: Sonal Mansingh
What is the most striking feature of the Budget?
The proposal to enhance connectivity between rural areas and cities as a part of the National Rural Internet and Technology Mission is a good one. Also, the announcement to set up new IITs and IIMs will help improve quality of education in India.
What could have been better?
The decision to not allocate funds for the promotion of cultural activities is disheartening. Also, all rivers should be brought under the umbrella of the Ganga Conservation Plan.
Sonal Mansingh, Dancer
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Budget views: The good and the bad points
A holistic Budget: J J Valaya
What is the most striking feature of the Budget?
The Budget focuses on revival of growth, is holistic and remains friendly to farmers, youth, women and senior citizens. Some of the key features include encouragement to exports of readymade garments, setting up of new textile mega clusters and a trade facilitation centre and a crafts museum.
What could have been better?
Some important steps that need to be taken include expansion of the insurance sector and improving our image as an investment-friendly nation. Clearly, progress, in this case, will be derived through good economics.
J J Valaya, Fashion designer
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Budget views: The good and the bad points
It seems an 'eager to …
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Budget views: The good and the bad points
It seems a pro-growth Budget: Prasad Bidapa
What is the most striking feature of the Budget?
It seems a pro-growth Budget. It's good to see the seriousness about tackling unaccounted money. From a fashion point of view, the excise duty on ready-to-wear clothes has been reduced. Not everyone can afford designer wear, so that's positive as well.
What could have been better?
The lack of focus on education is a huge disappointment. You have Rs 200 crore for a Sardar Patel statue but only Rs 100 crore for the girl child. Also, there needs to be a uniform tourism policy for heritage sites like Hampi, Karnataka, better than the Taj Mahal.
Prasad Bidapa, Fashion Consultant
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Budget views: The good and the bad points
Budget with a populist tone: Prahlad Kakar
What is the most striking feature of the Budget?
The government's decision to increase the personal tax exemption limit to Rs 2.5 lakh from the current Rs 2 lakh clearly stands out. The move is a populist one and will bring cheer to the middle class. However, the imposition of hidden taxes remains a problem.
What could have been better?
An urgent overhaul of the agricultural sector was the need of the hour.
Farmers should have been provided free water and electricity so that they become self sufficient and contribute to the growth process.
Prahlad Kakar, Ad film director
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Budget views: The good and the bad points
Schemes for the girl child and funds for start-ups are good: Sanjna Kapoor
What is the most striking feature of the Budget?
I was glad to see schemes for the girl child and funds for start-ups, clean energy, organic farming, handloom and sports. Also, at least there is now some focus on the Northeast and Kashmir.
What could have been better?
I am anxious about the river linking project and hope we don't overdo playing god. I am also concerned about the money set aside for memorials and about the proposed 100 smart cities. My worry is the lack of thought for creating art and cultural spaces in these new cities.
Sanjna Kapoor, Theatre personality and co-founder, Junoon
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Budget views: The good and the bad points
Development of super-cities is a highlight: Gaurav Kapoor
What is the most striking feature of the Budget?
The development of super-cities is a highlight, for sure. Current cities are choking, primarily because there aren't many lucrative opportunities outside these. Also, the need to build foreign investor confidence in the current administration seems a priority.
What could have been better?
Our agriculture sector needs the most help. And even though there are subsidies earmarked for them, it feels these don't trickle down to those who need it the most.
Gaurav Kapoor, VJ and anchor
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