Inclusive Budget

COMMENT: Mark T Robinson, CEO, Citi South Asia

I welcome this pro-growth and inclusive Budget as an important milestone in restoring India on the 9 per cent growth path over time. Indian economy has performed well, especially given the backdrop of the global turmoil, as it continues to build on the strength of domestic consumption.

As a statement of the fiscal position of the economy, a budget should provide overall direction for the forthcoming year. I expect this Budget will stimulate growth, investment and job creation in a variety of core areas pertaining to infrastructure, agriculture, education, exports, IT and small industry.

While these measures should collectively promote the building of a resilient and competitive economy, particularly welcome is the candid acknowledgement that the unanticipated 6.8 per cent fiscal deficit is a cause for concern and needs to be addressed. We are hopeful that the finance minister will, in due course, announce measures aimed at further strengthening spending discipline to ensure that the large spend of over Rs 10 lakh crores fully meets its stated objectives.