What is the best thing about this Budget?
I think it is difficult to say. It does look like a growth-oriented Budget but whether growth actually happens or not remains to be seen. Corporate tax hasn’t been increased so I am sure that will make a lot of companies happy.
What is the worst thing about this Budget?
Service tax being increased is certainly a disappointment. Small — yet important — things like an increase in mobile phone bills or the cost of eating out doesn’t bode well for the common man. The rich, too, will be disappointed as they will have to shell out more money to buy diamonds or expensive cars.
Do you think this Budget will revive the economy? Or does it lack boldness?
I think the Budget has the right intention in places and has attempted to push things in the direction of a strengthened economy. But, of course, there are some things whose fine print may still need to be understood to see whether they will help to revive the economy or not.
If you were the Finance Minister, what would you have done with the Budget?
If I were the Finance Minister I would have reduced the tax burden on people who earn less than Rs 5 lakh per annum.
Prahlad Kakkar, CEO, Genesis Films
