“The Union Budget 2018 is forward looking and focuses on job creation with an emphasis onrural healthcare, education and employment along with raising disposable income of citizens to revitalize the economy post demonetization thereby encouraging stability and growth. Flagship schemes announced by the Prime Minister earlier in his term such as “Make in India”, “Skill India”, “Digital India” have been strengthened to address the objectives of overall development. Steps taken towards making India a more taxcompliant country are welcome and will boost tax buoyancy and growth.
We applaud the enhanced focus on the agriculture sector that will help provide the resources necessary to help rural communities prosper and provide access to a safe, diverse and nutritious food supply across the country. It is encouraging to note the introduction of Operation Green to help rural farmers’ needs like food storage and crop distribution. Ground water irrigation and subsidies to farmers using solar power are positive steps to accelerate the agri-income support programs. The Minimum Support Price of all crops shall be increased to at least 1.5 times that of the production cost and the government would take some concrete steps towards bringing more efficient farming techniques to farmers located in far flung areas of the country. It will be heartening to see a well-defined program that supports crop insurance along with farmers’ credit.
The 2018 budget promises to boost India’s manufacturing and infrastructure development. We are confident that measures announced by the government today will lead to a better quality of life for all citizens of India.” – Sheril Vaidhyan, President, DuPont South Asia
