Finance minister P Chidambaram outlined the broad contours of the Budget for 2005-06 yesterday, saying that agriculture and employment will occupy centre stage among the 6-7 priority areas."There are commonalities in the views of Congress leaders. All agreed that there are 6-7 programmes that would result in highest benefit to the people," Chidambaram said after a 3-hour long brain-storming session with AICC office bearers.The meeting follows a directive from UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the finance minister to get inputs from Congress leaders in the run up to the budget to be presented on February 28."This is an important exercise. Listening to Congress leaders gives a flavour of what people think and want. It sets the jurisdiction of the budget. I have assured Congress leaders that when the budget is presented, their views are going to be reflected in it," Chidambaram said.He noted that agriculture, employment, health and education schemes were the focus of the UPA's common minimum programme, and observed that there had been concerns over inadequate credit for the poor.He promised quick roll out of the food-for-work scheme and the employment guarantee scheme. Universal health and education schemes, the mid-day meal scheme and programmes for tribals, women and backward sections would be given greater attention in the budget.
