NirmalaNomics meets ModiPolitics

FY2024 signal the arrival of the politician Sitharaman? Or is it the economist Sitharaman? Seems the positive blend of both, a happier note that enriches the powerhouse of talent in the Union Cabinet.

- Srinath Sridharan

DOES THE UNION BUDGET

Especially at a time when nine Indian states will go to polls. Moreover, India will vote next year (probably around this time) to elect its next Union Government.

The outlook electorally should not be a worry for the ruling party, but for skirmishes of animosity across a few -isms. The structural pillars for socio-economic growth have been put up, devoid of political colour.

Even if that were the case, these Union Budget announcements cannot be faulted as populist, for the Budget did not scatter subsidies or sops. It is a Budget that structurally addresses all segments of the population, and equally has cheer for the employed and the entrepreneur. It is a post-pandemic budget that accepts its fiscal limitations, and nudges the private sector to rise up to the opportunities. But will Corporate India rise up to this opportunity to be a key contributor in the journey toward India becoming a developed nation by 2047?

Amrit Kaal Debut Budget

No budget can please everyone. Sceptics and critics would abound around worries that these announcements would not translate into ground realities. A healthy democracy needs such debate and open discussions, and the only solution is to transparently measure the project milestones and make with granular disclosures.