Present system has failed, we are experimenting with a new system, says Arun Jaitley

The system involves the following steps. The donor and the donee will get tax exemptions provided the returns are filed by the political party. Donations of four kinds are encouraged: Donate by cheque, digital mode, cash donation limited to Rs 2,000 per person, and lastly there is a provision of electoral bonds which requires an amendment to the RBI Act. A notified bank will be issuing those bonds. Any donor can buy those bonds using cheque or digital money. These bonds can be given to the political party. Every recognised political party will have to notify one bank account in advance to the Election Commission and these can be redeemed in only that account in a very short time. These bonds will be bearer in character to keep the donor anonymous. The present system has failed and we are experimenting with a new system. The method of enforcement is very simple: you don’t comply with this regulation, you lose your tax exemption.

How does this Budget help in creating employment?

Spending on infrastructure will have an impact on employment, so would a competitive MSME sector. Record expenditure under MNREGA would help employment generation in the informal sector. Employment is an end result of work done in other sectors.

What are the steps being taken to revive private investment?

As far as reviving private sector investment is concerned, every step we have announced is aimed in that direction. There is no one single step that can revive all sectors collectively.

Given that provisioning has been increased by banks, do you expect their NPAs to rise significantly?

Unless settlements take place and acquisitions take place, the interest factor itself would mean NPAs could rise. These are NPAs that are legacy issues. What has risen during our tenure is not additional money, but interest on the existing NPAs.

What would you tell the rating agencies now?

Our record speaks for itself. Two-and-a-half years ago, we inherited an economy with fiscal deficit of 4.6 per cent. We have brought it down year after year. While sticking to the target, we haven’t made budgetary cuts.

You will be spending Rs 5.23 lakh crore, nearly a quarter of total expenditure, in debt servicing in FY18. Isn’t that a major concern for rating agencies? When do you expect the GDP to grow above 9 per cent and create the jobs promised?

I can’t say what rating agency will do. Chief economic adviser has already spoken at length on the issue. When we talk of a very high growth rate, we need to keep the nature of global environment in mind. During global slowdown, maintaining a growth rate of 7-7.5 per cent itself is a challenge.

What is the timeline to abolish FIPB?

As it is, 90 per cent of clearances are automatic, and FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) comes into picture for the rest. Some alternative mechanism would be evolved. In many cases, the parent ministry could take a decision on matters concerning it. That’s one possible mechanism.

The Budget has been silent on Universal Basic Income? Is there any plan for gradual implementation of the same?

This is an agenda for a future debate — whether this can be made an alternative to the current mechanism of subsidy disbursement. It can’t be in addition to the current mechanism or else the question of resources will come in.

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