My Budget: Laila Tyabji

What is the best thing about the Budget?
Finally, some attempt to look at rural poverty, rather than wooing the urban middle-class and corporate sector.

The worst?
The craft and handloom sector has been ignored. But investment here would alleviate agricultural distress.

Will it lead to acchhe din for the common man?
There is anxiety at the state of the economy. It remains to be seen whether the Budget can lead to real change for the aam aadmi.

Will BJP gain politically from the Budget?
It all depends on how quickly people see results. They have lost their faith in catchy slogans.

If you were finance minister, what would you change?
The Chinese have declared crafts as one of their major sectors of investment. India, too, must go beyond sops and subsidies.

Laila Tyabji
Chairperson, Dastkar