The Union Finance Minister delivered an aspirational Budget, given the disruptive effect brought in by the pandemic. In the most difficult year in recent times, this is a Budget focused on six pillars for economic recovery, balancing the easing of procedural norms with a drive towards enabling policy measures. The Budget combines an announcement of major capital expenditure of ₹ 5.54 lakh crores with a sustainable approach towards development infrastructure financing through the announcement of a proposed DFI. In order to revive domestic economic activity under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, customs tariff has been proposed to be rationalized, which will help facilitate export of value-added products from India.
Taking note of the present healthcare scenario, the Government has increased outlay for health and well being with an outlay of ₹2.24 lakh crore which is an unprecedented surge of 137% over previous Budget estimates.
A major point of focus for the Government would be to secure additional funds for the proposed outlays for infrastructure and healthcare sectors, without hurting the household disposable income to a considerable extent.
The Bengal Chamber gives Union Budget 2021 a 7/10.
–Mr. Deb A Mukherjee
President
BCC&I
