BUDGET 2006 - Reform Cues Go Missing In Poll Hues

MODEST taxes and modest spending increases marked a Modest budget from a normally immodest finance minister. This don't-rock-the-boat Budget was tailored for the upcoming state elections. Finance Minister P Chidambaram, on Tuesday, steered clear of controversial reforms - some of which had been confidently predicted - that might have raised electorial heat. He didnot utter a word about labour reforms or raising oil prices in line with the Rangarajan committee's suggestions.

The Finance Minister didnot liberalize foreign investment, announce any new disinvestment, tax withdrawals of long-term savings, or impose any new tax. He increased allocations for every conceivable vote bank, but modestly enough to avoid an explosion of pre-election spending that might swell the fiscal deficit. Releived by this prudent populism, sensex shot up by 88 points!

What is cheaper & what is costlier

Cheaper
  • Small cars
  • Soft drinks
  • Shoes
  • Ice cream
  • PVC
  • Alloy Steel
  • Aluminium
  • Tin Sheets
  • Anti-HIV drugs
  • Anti-Cancer drugs
  • Pasta
  • Instant food products
  • LPG stoves
  • Fluorescent lamps
  • DVD drives
  • Flash drives
Costlier
  • Packaged software
  • Umbrella
  • Walking Sticks
  • Kitchenware
  • Tableware
  • ATM services
  • Honey
  • Vanaspati
  • Credit/debit card services
  • Share transfers
  • Internet Telephony
  • International Air Travel
  • Travel by cruise ships
  • Glassware
  • Computer
  • Soaps
  • Cigarettes
  • Biscuits
  • Goggles
  • Henna powder
  • Ceramic items
  • Bricks and tiles
  • Marble slabs
  • Roofing tiles
 

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