Has Finance Minister P Chidambaram steered the economy out of the woods?
That depends on how well the schemes mentioned in the Budget are implemented. It is great to announce schemes and plans but how these will be monitored at the grassroots is what matters.
Is this a populist, please-all budget?
It is an interesting Budget; it is near-populism. The fact that an all-women bank will be set up is laudable. It is the right way of encouraging entrepreneurship in women. The outlay for education is also commendable since the economy should become more and more knowledge-based. The allocation for the Food Security Bill is also positive. But it all depends on the implementation. Will these schemes reach those they are meant for or will they be riddled with middlemen?
Will it help the economy, create jobs, restart stalled projects?
While I feel there are some positive points in the Budget, I feel it should have been a little more daring, especially in the area of job creation. I can talk more specifically about the business I am in - cinema. The entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up is not encouraged. I am not saying the entertainment tax should be abolished, but some of it should come back for the development of the industry, to help start-ups and independent film makers.
Will it help UPA win votes in the general elections?
It all depends on the implementation. But I don't think there is enough time to feel the actual impact of the Budget.
Sudhir Mishra, film maker
