| This researcher attributed the fall in crime rate to a critical decision on a social issue delivered by the US Supreme court 20 years earlier. This is one example of the unexpected long term benefits of a good policy decision. |
| P Chidambaram gave one such boost when he abolished capital gains tax in his first year of assuming office of the Finance Minister. Not many then understood the profound impact it would have on the stock market and the ability to raise cheap capital. |
| In Budget 2008, he has done it again by investing Rs 35,000 crore in education and by creating 6,000 schools. The positive impact on our society will be felt by generations to come. |
| Also, the income tax slab changes will put more money into the common man's pocket. This, coupled with the excise cuts on two-wheelers, small cars and so on, will increase consumption. Consumption, in turn, will drive production, which, in turn, will drive investment. Overall, the Finance Minister has struck a fine balance between social initiatives and continuing reforms. V Vaidyanathan |
| Finance Minister P Chidambaram has tried to balance the needs and aspirations of many constituents. The impact of the Rs 60,000 crore loan waiver package needs to be studied. |
| Since the projected fiscal deficit for 2008-09 is modest, we can assume that Chidambaram wants banks to foot a substantial portion of the bill. I welcome the reduction in excise duties. |
| It was overdue and even though we were expecting a sharper reduction, we would take what we've got. This reduction in excise and the increase in income tax exemption limit will certainly boost sales in the short term. Pawan Kant Munjal |
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