Aam aadmi reacts

I am happy that the government is concerned about the country’s literacy level and have passed a scheme by which the backward classes and economically weaker sections of the society will benefit. CBSE has started a new software which will benefit students when the results are announced. Being a student I am quite happy with the Budget.

ATUL SHARMA,Senior executive in an exporting companyLOVEDEEP SIDHU,Student of PU School of Communication Studies

Growth of the country is alright but it should not be at the coast of the common man. Now,dining out is expensive,service tax has gone up. Now,not only the common man but even the upper middle class will feel the pinch of rising prices. I feel frustrated.

YATIN DUA,Entrepreneur

Nothing much has been done for the salaried class. We pay taxes and contribute to the national exchequer. But still we do not get relief from black money and corruption. We become defaulters if we do not pay taxes on time. I do not think that our Finance Minister is serious in controlling black money. It seems to have become a part of our democracy. If strict action is not taken,our country will become like Pakistan,where no law is followed.

JATIN SHARMA,MBA student from Symbiosis,Pune

Politicians get high salaries and perks,so,they do not realize the problems of the common man. We have to shell out even more money for food. This budget is not for the common man. Even service tax has been increased.

SHANTA BANERJEE,Retired teacher

I need more subsidiaries from the government. Those who live abroad get so many benefits. I have personally benefited from the budget but as far as the common man is concerned,this is not a aam aadmi budget. Medical check-ups are also costlier because of the increased service tax. I do not mind paying taxes but I should get proportionate benefits from the government.

BIMAL KUMAR BANERJEE,Retired Army officer

You have to bear with the shortcomings of a democracy. The issue of the education has been highlighted,but the government should make sure that they identify the right people for giving these subsidiaries. The Centre should make packages or give incentives to the state government to motivate it to take steps to encourage students to come to school.

SATYA PAL JAIN,bjp leader

The budget was disappointing and directionless. It will increase prices and lead to unemployment. It is also is silent as to how the government will handle problems like corruption and black money. There is nothing special in the budget for the poor. The budget of Chandigarh has also not been increased substantially.

PARDEEP CHHABRA,Congress

The budget is pro-people. There are incentives for all sections of society. The income tax slab has been increased. Retired people are also going to benefit. If we look at Chandigarh,the city has received a substantial grant under the plan head. Projects for overall development will get a boost.

ATUL GROVER,Hotelier

Previously,we had to pay only VAT on food items. Now we also have to pay service tax on AC lounges and hotel rooms. This reduces our profit levels to a considerable extent. Certain impetus should have been given to us since we are the largest industry generating employment. A 10 per cent increase is likely in the services provided by us.

NAVIN MIGLANI,Industrialist

Pranab Mukherjee has not done anything to combat corruption. Steel is our raw material and the custom duty has been the same for so many years. But still prices are rising. Nobody has a check on the Steel Authority of India. It should be given suggestions on how to control rising prices. Steel prices are rising every day and it is not a healthy trend. Even excise exemption has not been not revised.