BUDGET 5

Mukherjee said the budget aimed at focussing on inclusive
growth and ensuring food security. These concerns for 'aam
admi' have gone hand in hand for credible measures for
improving investment climate, strengthening infrastructure and
fiscal consolidation.
As the country looks to "quickly revert" to high GDP
growth path despite uncertain times, concerns for inclusive
growth targeting the disadvantaged sections form the defining
features of the budget, he said.
Many new initiatives have been introduced for sustained
and inclusive growth. These include the setting up of Mahila
Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (Women Agriculturist
Empowerment Scheme), Financial Stability and Development
Council, Gold Regulatory Authority, National Mission for
Delivery of Justice and Legal Reforms and National Energy
Fund.
As part of improving investment environment, the minister
said a number of steps have been taken to simplify the foreign
direct investment scheme by making it user-friendly by
consolidating all regulations and guidelines into one
comprehensive document.
Towards strengthening the banking system, the Budget
provides for Rs 16,500 crore as Tier-I capital to ensure that
PSU banks are able to attain a minimum eight per cent Tier-I
capital by March 2011.
In agriculture, a four-pronged strategy would be followed
to spur growth in the sector. The budget provides for Rs 400
crore for extending Green Revolution to eastern regions,
including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar
Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa. (MORE) PTI