2. Budget 2013, expectations are higher!
• The year 2012 witnessed a terrible show of the UPA
government which found itself stranded in a slew of scandals,
shocks from coalition parties and the opposition along with
certain unfortunate incidents that aroused the anger of the
common people.
• India felt the heat of global pressures in the form of the
ongoing European debt crisis and economic turmoil
worldwide particularly in the US.
• Even the economic condition of our country was dilapidated
as we, the 2nd fastest economy in the world, grew by 5.1% in
2012(World Bank index).
• Thus, as the budget season marks the new innings of the
government, we expect some major reforms; it’s
Chidambaram’s turn to make amends now.
3. • Last year’s budget came as a disappointment for the people
and now we long for some serious relief from the
government.
• The common people of the nation are troubled with rising
prices of essential commodities, mounting inflation and the
recent shattering jolt in the form of hike in rail fares.
• To make matters worse, the policy paralysis and instability
have come as a blow to us.
• All eyes will be on veteran P. Chidambaram who will be
presenting the budget for 2013-14.
• Last year, after he replaced Pranab Mukherjee, he had
definitely shown audacity in taking stiff measures to kick-
start the economy which also reaped certain good results.
4. A common man’s plea
• He does not build castles in the air and just wants that the
government to discharge its duties effectively and work for
the benefit of the public.
• People expect better allocation of funds in productive
expenditures.
• The recently introduced cash transfer scheme which the
government boasts of as a game changer looks promising but
may fail because of poor framework.
• Tax reforms should be changed in favor of the middle class
society.
• Government’s concerns over curbing fiscal deficit and making
it fall to 5.1% are justifiable but the manner is under the
scanner.
5. • Our politicians choose to increase burden on the public by
reducing subsidies.
• India should curtail its heavy expenditures on defense and
unnecessary ventures like Mars mission etc.
• Achieving a pinnacle in space is futile if the people of your
country are leading a miserable life.
• India’s defense expenditure stands at 1.93 lakh crores as per
the Budget 2012-13 which needs to be reduced.
• However, indications have come from the government
relating to increase in prices of oil and petroleum which does
not sounds good.
6. Will we be disappointed again?
• With the recent global recovery, it appears that the worst is
over but still a lot will depend upon the budget as it would be
the last weapon of the Congress to strengthen its chances
again in 2014 polls.
• As a citizen of the nation, I just look for solace from the
government in the form of people friendly measures, better
governance and inclusive development.
• Although most of the times, we are let down but I still hope
the budget comes as a silver lining.
• We can only expect for change and it has become clear that
the platform is set.
7. • Read more on Youth Ki Awaaz at http://bit.ly/WW2o63
