The Indian Budget 2009-2010

There will now be numerous notes on the Indian Budget that was announced yesterday. (please click link above to read what the Economic Times has to say).

The budget disappointed those who wanted specific details on the disinvestment plan, on increased Foreign Direct Investment and on reducing the fiscal deficit.

But on the other hand, the government has spelt out clearly how it will focus expenditure on the rural economy, on building infrastructure and creating jobs for the weaker sections of society. The focus is clearly on strengthening the economically weaker sections of society- bridge the very huge gap between the rich and the poor in India.

Penetration of consumer goods in India (apart from TVs) is very low and enriching the weaker sections of society will drive consumption and hence purchase of goods and services. This should succeed in creating a trickle up effect.

We maintain that the huge salary growths of the middle and upper classes in the period 2003-2007 have raised income levels sufficiently and now the focus must be on delivering wealth more directly to the 60% of the population which is dependent on agriculture and is significantly poorer than the average family.

This is our belief. We support the budget.

Ritu and venkat