Life positive, Budget divine

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">Overall, I think this is a very positive Budget. The FM has achieved the near-impossible task of reining in revenue deficit. In the area of defence, he has focused on modernisation and has also increased the capital expenditure — moves which I welcome.<br /><br />PC has shown a commitment towards rural development.The Employment Gu-arantee scheme, food for work scheme, more funds for mid-day meal and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan are good steps. The textile industry is the largest employer. It has got a boost as customs duty on machinery has been cut. By touching upon implementation and the delivery mechanism, PC has made the government accountable and disciplined, which is good for the common man.<br /><br />The best is the formation of the National Urban Renewal Mission which will create competition among cities and states and will allow more urban development. I also welcome the move to recognise Mumbai as a regional financial centre. Ours is a growth-driven economy and, all in all, I’d say this is a very optimistic Budget.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="" font-style:="" italic="">Milind Deora is a Member of Parliament.</span></div> </div>