India Inc. thumbs-up to full ‘Josh’ budget

Industry leaders laud Interim Budget despite not being offered any tax relief

Though the Interim Budget provided no tax relief to the big wigs of India Inc., industry leaders were appreciative of what finance minister Piyush Goyal presented with full ‘Josh’ on Friday.

“Before any discussion on the numbers around the budget, it’s clear that if anyone were to ask ‘How high was Piyush Goyal’s Josh?’ the answer would not be in doubt...” Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, tweeted just after the budget presentation.

Godrej Industries managing director Nadir Godrej believes that the finance minister had presented more of a manifesto than a budget.

“Acting Finance Minister Piyush Goyal was very articulate. He presented more of a manifesto than a budget. Relief for middle class home owners and for farmers would be a boost to agriculture, animal husbandry and the realty sector!,” he said.

Fiscally prudent

Commenting on the budget, Anil Agarwal, executive chairman, Vedanta Resources, said, “The Narendra Modi government must be applauded for a pro-growth and fiscally prudent budget for the financial year 2019-20 without putting the exchequer’s finances under too much pressure.

This is one budget that has not only focussed on giving immediate relief to a large section of the Indian society, but has also clearly outlined the vision for the next decade and building a new India that aims to provide quality life to every Indian.”