BS jury gives its verdict: 7.9/10

The policy is a continuity of the previous year's with greater enhancements and vital relaxations for various sectors. it has touched on all the vital industries, which will account for a healthy growth of the economy and exports.

Overall, I feel that the measures and steps taken will certainly help the country double its exports in the next 5 years. It has given due importance to the agricultural exports. In almost all industries, the 3-5 per cent FOB value of duty free imports is appreciated.

The hotel industry, specially the restaurants, have been given their due importance by allowing hotels the duty free credit entitlements of 5 per cent of their foreign exchange earnings, to import products which include alcohol and food items.

The 20 per cent duty free credit of foreign exchange earnings for stand alone restaurants is also highly appreciated. It is also encouraging to note that the threshold limit of 'Towns of Export Excellence' has been reduced to Rs 250 crores for the key thrust areas.

SCORE - 8/10

H W Bhatnagar, Chairman, Committee of directors, BHEL

The modified EPCG Scheme has permitted import of second hand capital goods without any age restriction and minimum depreciated value for plant and the machinery to be relocated into India has been reduced from Rs 50 crore to Rs 25 crore. This may have adverse effect on domestic capital goods industry.

It has to consider the recommendations of GS Dutt Committee on project exports to resolve constraints faced by domestic exporters on competitive long-term financing of projects and facilitating Exim Bank to offer credits at low interest & longer repayment tenures.

However, as the policy is a road map in the right direction, we sincerely hope that above points will also be taken care in future.

SCORE - 6.5/10

Ramu Deora, President, All India Shippers' Association

The policy has done something for everyone in the economy and it s a very bold policy. It will create ample employment in the country, especially in the small sector which was also identified by the Prime Minister as a key sector.

Agriculture sector, hotels, pharmaceutical companies and the textiles sector will all get a leg up. Hassles for exporters has been reduced by introducing licences for 24 months instead of 6 months. The system of getting bogus certificate for EPCG has been done away with by removing the age bar for second-hand capital goods.

I hope the revenue department will be issue the necessary notifications simultaneously. My 15-year demand for warehousing facility has also been met by introducing Free Trade & Warehousing Zones.

SCORE - 10/10

Riju Jhunjhunwala, Jt MD, Rajasthan Spinning & Weaving

The policy aims at doubling India's trade in five years. The measures taken look to be in the right direction. The clear thrust on agriculture as the backbone of industry has been maintained through various schemes like the "Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojna".

At the same time, industry cannot but feel encouraged to increase its share of exports because of the "Target Plus Scheme", which gives an incentive to exporters who are growing fast. Certain sector specific reforms are missing in the policy, which can be taken care of next time.

SCORE - 8/10

Gurnam Arora, Jt MD, Satnam Overseas

In the new policy, there is a thrust on the promotion of agri-based products, which is a good sign for this manpower intensive industry. It will not only create new employment opportunities, but will be a major foreign exchange earner for the country. Exemption of service tax against exports is one big plus of the new policy.

There was a concern about the proposed discontinuation of DEPB, but it is being continued for the moment, which is a good news for all the exporters.

The other announcement which would further benefit exports is the introduction of export promotion schemes like Target Plus, whereby exporters would be entitled to duty free credit based upon incremental exports. It seems like a sustainable policy, and shall have a positive impact on the trade.

SCORE - 7/10