My Budget: Resul Pookutty

What is the best thing about the Budget?
I call the Union Budget a “three-day budget” because of the predictions and highlights paraded across the print and electronic media a day before and after the budget is announced. Yet, a few months later, the targets and promises are forgotten. However, this budget seems to be a growth-oriented one, with a focus on infrastructural development.

What is the worst thing about the Budget?
Though we have a target growth rate of 7.6 per cent, there seems to be no clear road map to achieve it! The rise in service tax from 10 per cent to 12 per cent is the biggest blow to all of us. Third, the telecom sector has been completely ignored. The government won’t touch it due to the controversy surrounding it.

Will the Budget revive the economy or does it lack boldness?
This is not a bold budget, but a clerical one. It lacks tough policy decisions. Though the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Saving Scheme may encourage the middle class to invest in the market, it will not be a major booster.

If you were the Finance Minister, what would you have done?
I would have abolished the income tax system altogether and encouraged the domestic market to grow!

Resul Pookutty, Sound designer