Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, said that while the Budget provides for enhanced capital expenditure by the government, it also envisages private sector participation in a big way. She was addressing top CEOs at an interaction with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the Union Budget 2021-22.
The Minister elaborated that though Government will provide some capital for the proposed Development Finance Institution, the DFI will also raise capital from the market. In addition, the DFI Bill will provide legislative space for private DFIs. Similarly, the Asset Reconstruction Company for the management of non-performing assets (NPAs) will be floated as a holding company by the banks themselves, with support from the government.
Sharing the key guiding principles for the budget, Finance Minister emphasised the focus on transparency. Contrary to the expectations of a COVID tax, the Government has chosen to fund the budget stimulus through higher borrowing, rather than increased taxes.
Elaborating on the thrust areas, the Finance Minister expressed that the stress has been on areas with high multipliers such as infrastructure which would facilitate the private sector, such as power, roads, ports, airports, etc. Healthcare and Agriculture have been the other priorities.
Urging for a continued dialogue, Finance Minister said that her interactions with CII have helped bring in ‘contemporary thinking in policy making’. Finance Minister promised a ‘honest leakage free implementation’ of the budget proposals.
Sharing the industry response to the budget proposals, Mr Uday Kotak, President, CII said that the budget was an example of an outstanding policy document which addresses the needs of the economy. He appreciated the boldness of the announcements, and the focus on growth and transparency. He complimented the budget team for the mindset of encouraging private enterprise and respecting the markets, as displayed in the budget proposals.
Mr Kotak reassured the Finance Minister that the private sector will help transform India alongside the Government for the common purpose of building a truly great India.
Shri Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Finance & Revenue Secretary, Dr. T V Somanathan Secretary, Expenditure and Shri Tarun Bajaj, Secretary, Economic Affairs and more than 180 industry captains from across the country, participated in the interaction.
