#UnionBudget 2016-2017 – Mr Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Powerprojects

“A welcome budget wherein the Government has addressed challenges being faced by the industry. The Government’s plans to meet the fiscal target is a welcome move as this will allow reduction in interest rates which will benefit all sectors of the economy. The focus on infrastructure spending through Deendayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojna and the Integrated Power Development Schemes is clearly visible with a massive outlay of Rs 221,246 crore for 2016-17. The thrust on connecting the unconnected by May 1, 2018, augurs well for the Country and the sector along with the ‘ease of business’ will catch the attention of the investors for the sectors. This would be another significant goal post that government would have scaled, once UDAY is successfully implemented. The Government has also set itself a target that could be difficult to achieve – double farmers’ income in the next five years and they should have also addressed the skilling issue that is likely to face in the near term with 10 million joining the employment market every year. One must applaud the Government for sticking by its vision and commitment and not get carried away”.