By The Editor

 A widely waited budget is out, corporate sector is feeling optimistic, working class wallets may get a little boost in tax deductions, elders were also though of in medical aid & health care expenses so taking in an overall sense it looks good, government is trying to deliver on its promise of growth. There are few thorns that come with flowers though, families looking to buy gold and couples who spend hours on phone are looking at increased bills and not to forget the hike in service tax but this is the case with every budget, government cannot just serve meal in silver platter.

 This parliament session is also shadowed by couple of events one very significant and completely sidelined by media is the aversion of strike of the national bank employees over pay revisions, negotiations succeeded and government saved both face and fiscal standstill during budget session. The employees of these public banks get a 15% hike and every other Saturday would be off. It’s a great step towards refining the government sector work wheel that lags behind its private counterpart in benefits and efficiency. Another important bill that Modi government has to revisit again is the land ordinance bill. Anna Hazare with score of farmer organizations have showed again that BJP should not tread the road Congress went. In rush to put industrialization in third gear, government should not kick the bellies of those who fill India’s stomach. The consent and social impact study part’s removal should be reconsidered because if the peasant has no say on ownership of his land he’ll be simple at the mercy of babu’s, neta’s and officials who’ll swallow his living in the name of growth. The realities on ground are far uglier than secretariats of Delhi.

 One important and commendable aspect about government attitude is that its showing flexibility on it’s policies and is willing to change tactics according to the public mood.  Government has to maintain a delicate balance between making India an economic giant and also fulfilling the aspirations of the lower and middle class. They have to attract rich but also be careful enough to ignore the poor. They should also take into consideration the policies and laws or the bygone era that are impeding the growth. Ending the loopholes, easing the norms but still safeguarding the national interest should be the way.

 Public will be closely watching both the discussion and outcome of bills like land ordinance and the impact of the budget. Given the recent turmoil in the Delhi elections, public wants leaders who will lend ear to their voice