Budget bonanza

Apart from some sections of industry and taxpayers who were expecting a bonanza, guess who got lucky this Budget? The finance ministry staff involved in Budget-related activities has much to thank Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for answering their prayers at last. The staff, which comprises peons, personal assistants and directors, receives an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5,000 every year during Budget time. The staff was repeatedly sending the finance ministry letters to raise the amount. This time, however, their request was heard and the amount was doubled. But some staffers still think the amount is small given the hard work put in by them.