India Inc welcomes budget

Captains of India Inc today welcomed the Union Budget 2005-06 describing it as growth-oriented.

CII chief mentor Tarun Das said: "We are on a good wicket as far as the economy is concerned, and reforms are on track. There are several positives - it is difficult to find negatives," he said.

MUL MD Jagdish Khattar said: "It is a good budget, and a forward looking one."

"Focus on employment is a welcome step. Bharat Nirman is a step in the right direction," Bharti Televentures' CMD Sunil Mittal said.

Rajiv Karwal of Electrolux India said reduction of excise on air-conditioners from 24 to 16% will help bring down the prices of the product between Rs 500-1,500.