Are you happy with the budget?
Yes and no
Best thing about the budget?
Exempting private institutions who bring in art from abroad for exhibitions from paying customs duties is a good initiative. Also acknowledging the very old as a category has been long overdue.
The worst thing?
Shopkeepers and developers have long been the nub of the parallel economy. I am disappointed that they have not been included in the tax net. Also, there has been no provision for the homeless and urban poor.
Does the budget address your fears for India?
Food prices have affected the millions of middle class and poor. I see no attempt to subsidise food commodities. The budget has raised service taxes on luxury hotels and restaurants. But this should trickle down to the poor.
If you were Finance Minister, what would you have done?
Greater incentives to skills development initiatives.
Anjolie Ela Menon
Artist
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