Union Budget 2015-16

K.Ramesha

Assessment of Union Budget Subir

Gokarn
At a big picture level, I would assess the Budget on four
criteria. First, did it take advantage of the full-term horizon
that the government has and chart out an economic and fiscal
road map for the rest of its term?
Second, did it address significant tax challenges, in terms of
broadening the base and simplifying the overall framework?
Third, did it address critical expenditure issues reducing
subsidies meaningfully?
Fourth, did it adequately accommodate the rather far-reaching
recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, which has
proposed a significant increase in unconditional transfers?

Assessment
Fiscal roadmap is clear
Introduction of GST from next fiscal
JAM National Infrastructure & Investment Fund
Rs.20,000 crores
FFC centralization of revenue and decentralization of
expenditure has both merits and demerits