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An Open Letter to The Finance Minister on the Eve of Budget 2015-16
The Finance Minister
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Economic Affairs,
North Block,
NEW DELHI-110001
Dear Shri. Arun Jaitley,
As once again; it is that time of the year, when on behalf of the
Union of India you are getting ready to deliver the budget 2015-16
amid various challenges.
And you must have realized, that you carry on your able shoulders
the burden of 'Great expectations' of the 1.22 billion Indians who
always wait with bated breath;for a spectacular budget which will bring relief and succour into
their everyday lives.
It is true that now the people of India are not ready to suffer anymore; unemployment, poor
basic amenities, inadequate infrastructure and a decade of indifferent governance gifted by the
last regime.
And being the Finance Minister you are duty bound to usher in a policy regime; that will result
in the desired macro-economic outcome of higher growth, lower inflation, sustained level of
external sector balance and a prudent policy stance.
And hence people are expecting a transformational budget, to get the government's priorities on
track, and we the people of India take this opportunity to present to you our own set of wish
list.
 We applaud the government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, which targets increased
investment in manufacturing sector making us self sustaining, and also generate more
employment, in key sectors such as automobiles, electronics, mining, pharmaceuticals
among others.
We would further ask you to consider incentivising innovation and R&D in
manufacturing,considering its immense potential to increase competitiveness. And also
create specific business zones as it should give a boost to the manufacturing sector.
 There is a long standing demand from the real estate sector to further liberalise norms
and allow foreign direct investment in construction and provide affordable housing
apart from re-introducing tax benefits under section 80 IB (10) of the Income Tax Act.
 We would sincerely hope that the government would take the suitable initiative in the
education sector by offering credit guarantee funds; which would allow banks to give

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loans without collateral, and also expand the reach of Mahila Banks by financing
education loans to girls/women.
 Kudos to the government for collecting more than Rs 24,329 crore, through the
divestment route, and we would like that may it continue as it is.
 We second the opinion of the government's Digital India initiative; but would like the
minister to make provision's for a robust network infrastructure across the country and
build the foundation for India’s digital economy.
 One of our foremost expectation is an exemption in income tax slab. So we propose a
hike in the taxable amount from Rs.2.5 to 3 lakhs for adults under 60 years; which would
increase disposable income and help trigger the investment cycle.
 An earnest request to the minister to revive demand in the automobile sector by
reducing excise duty considerably and also restarting stalled infrastructure projects.
And even incentivizing the manufacturers of hybrid and electric vehicles.
 In the wake of boom in ecommerce based businesses would like you to make suitable
amendment in the Central Sales Tax Act.
 Being the finance minister we would like you to provide further clarity on the issues
related to taxation, GAAR, FDI in various sectors to help long-term investors relax. And
also improve the ease of doing business in India, and further make suitable provisions
for the development of railways, ports, highways and even setting up of airports in
smaller cities.
We know that this will be a litmus test for your government to turn this vision into action, and
one sincerely hopes that you, along with the various other stakeholders would collaborate to
win and put India on a high and inclusive growth trajectory.
We the people of India hope that with your "Super Budget" you will be able to restore justice,
liberty, equality and fraternity into the minds and heart of each of us.
Sincerely Yours
"We the People of India...."