HOW DO YOU RATE THE BUDGET ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10? PLEASE GIVE REASONS.

AD.K. JOSHI 7/10

It bats for fiscal consolidation and uses limited fiscal space to push capital expenditure

ASHIMA GOYAL 7/10

Because it increases capital expenditure by about 25 per cent and stimulates mass consumption while sticking with fiscal consolidation. It also has some useful reforms for poll funding. Not enough is done to revive private investment and clean bank balance sheets

USHA THORAT

Not sure I can rate. Positive for intention to adhere to fiscal prudence; for boost in public infra spending; steps to boost consumption, especially rural sector; electoral funding reform; restriction on cash payments; and affordable housing.

Disappointment on unclogging stalled projects, electricity boards UDAY (Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana), meagre amount for PSU banks’ recap, which will be totally inadequate to enable them to lend, to take advantage of the liquidity, lower interest rates and budget measures, which will generate more income in the spending class.

Also not very sure of the fiscal arithmetic, as there are some large inexplicable items, like huge increase in securities against small savings, etc. Also, the budget estimates for tax revenue have been repeated for revised estimates. Tax revenue for 2017-18 seems optimistic

ADITI NAYAR 8/10

Based on the balancing act between higher productive spending, modestly lower taxes and continued fiscal consolidation. Lower than expected funds for bank recapitalisation are a disappointment, while the disinvestment target may pose a challenge

N.R. BHANUMURTHY 9/10

In the context of existing uncertainties, both in the domestic as well as the global economy, presenting a budget that balances both growth aspirations as well as development concerns, and at the same time undertakes minor policy reforms is laudable

RAJIV KUMAR 8/10

Because it has avoided populism, taken significant steps to promote investment, including a 24 per cent jump in public capital expenditure, given affordable housing a massive impetus, including giving it infrastructure status, and cut tax on SME incomes to 25 per cent. Also, it has significant employment-generating measures and some targeted to improve infrastructure. Lastly, I appreciate the reduction to Rs 2,000 of individual political donations—a part of the fight against black money

ASHOK GULATI 7/10 NAUSHAD FORBES

The budget is balanced and pragmatic. The focus on critical areas such as infrastructure and the rural economy is noteworthy. The budget has been able to make adequate allocations and yet continues with fiscal consolidation

SAMIRAN CHAKRABORTY

(Did not answer)