Socialist sentiment

Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Suit-boot ki sarkarIJ Are you jokingIJ” (March 1). Union Minister for Finance Arun Jaitley’s Budget 2016-17 has come as a whiff of socialist sentiment. Sincere tax-payers have been stifled. Allocation for Defence is the lowest since 1962. However, a cess on diesel and high-end model cars is welcome. Easy access to generic drugs, a new health coverage scheme and a national dialysis service programme are necessary policy actions to entitle citizens to a more dignified life.

With inflation and plans to reduce the rate of interest on deposits, things may get worse. The proposal to tax 60 per cent of one’s Provident Fund at the time of withdrawal, has come as a big blow to many in the salaried class. lastly, the inability to unearth black money is a reminder of the Modi Government’s tall talk.