It is against this backdrop Union Budget 2017-18 will be presented.The fiscal deficit target for FY17 of 3.5% of GDP should be comfortably achieved. However, to make the government's vision of 'Housing for all by 2022' a reality, further policy measures need to be undertaken. By offering 'Infrastructure' status to affordable housing , the average cost of borrowing for developers could come down. Implementation of GST ­ the single biggest indirecttax reform in recent memory -shall finally become a reality this year. In many ways, I expect this year's Budget to be a continuation of the government's policy for inclusive growth with special focus this time on social sector spending.

Source: Economic Times February 01, 2017 02:38 UTC