What do you think of the Budget?
These are tough times and it is difficult to do a balancing act but the finance minister has managed it. But as far as the industry goes, it has been disappointing — though overall, it has been a good Budget.
What were your expectations?
Travel and tourism employs about 6.4 per cent of the total work force in the country. We expected the Budget to address this industry.
Have these expectations been met?
There has been nothing for my industry, which is disappointing. The emphasis on infrastructure will help, however, in the long run. There’s also been an increase in the Commonwealth Games outlay but there are no details yet. The abolition of the Fringe Benefit Tax will help us.
Any particular concern?
The emphasis on the aam aadmi is good but how are we going to generate the money for that? That’s where the entrepreneurs come in.
How has the Budget affected you personally?
Personal taxation has come down a bit but there’s nothing for the industry.
Jyotsna Suri, CMD, Bharat Hotels