Best of BS Opinion: Finance Commission report, farm spending, and more

The Nikkei/IHS Markit Services Purchasing Managers' Index went up to 55.5 in January, its highest level since January 2013. The manufacturing index also showed a strong up move. Although these are encouraging signs, it is difficult to conclude that economic recovery is gaining strength. It would be interesting to see how the monetary policy committee looks at these indices, which is widely expected to maintain a status quo on the policy front.

Business Standard Opinion pieces for the day talk about the Budget, Finance Commission and other policy issues.

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body which must consider the