<b>Ashok Lahiri</b>: FM keeps the excitement alive

The main positive message is that this govt is going to stick to its commitment on fiscal prudence

The run-up to the Union Budget for 2017-18 had plenty going for it all the way.  It had promised to integrate the Railway Budget, presented separately since 1924, with itself. It had planned to abolish the Plan-non-Plan classification of expenditure.  And, it was scheduled to be presented in Parliament at the beginning rather than the end of February. After all the excitement, the Budget 2017-18 with some very positive messages, was quite encouraging.
 
Take, for example, demonetisation.  After the “pain” or inconvenience suffered because of the decision to withdraw the legal status of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency