If Executed Well, 8% Growth Is Possible

Economists, CEOs, consultants, sector specialists interpret Nirmala Sitharaman’s ‘Never-before’ Budget

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In one of the toughest years to present a Union Budget — when the Indian economy witnessed the sharpest GDP contraction in years due to the Coronavirus outbreak — Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman went all out to increase capital expenditure in infrastructure and healthcare, and unveiled plans to monetise state assets, privatise state-owned banks and insurance companies. Sitharaman had already raised expectations calling it the ‘Never Before Budget’ weeks before it was presented. On Budget day, the BSE Sensex responded with a gain of 2,315 points (5 per cent), its biggest rise after a Union Budget since 1999. Business Today spoke to economists, CEOs, consultants and sector specialists to gauge the mood of the country regarding Budget 2021.