Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has presented an inclusive and balanced Budget that seeks to put Indian Economy on a faster growth trajectory. With a plethora of announcements, this government seems all set to take forward the Reforms agenda. Its commitment towards introducing the long-pending Goods & Services Tax (GST), besides increasing focus on the rural development, Infrastructure and Health are positive steps that would not just boost overall confidence, but also go a long way in generating employment.

The announcement that the GST will finally be introduced on Apr. 1, 2016 is definitely rejuvenating for the industry. The increase in Service Tax from 12.36% to 14%, however, could have been avoided at this stage especially with the advent of GST.

His focus has been on empowering the Aam Aadmi and with his Income-Tax proposals, the individual tax payer can now get exemptions of up to Rs 4.4 Lakh. This would provide much needed relief to the salary earners and put more money and more savings in the hands of the common man. This, coupled with the abolition of Wealth Tax, will go a long way in fuelling consumerism.

Commenting on the same, on Union Budget 2015-16, Sunil Duggal, chief executive officer, Dabur India, said, ''The reduction in Corporate Tax is a positive and will help make India Inc more competitive. It is also heartening to see that the new government has stressed on the need to make borrowers more accountable and the intent to introduce a Bankruptcy Law is a good step.

I also welcome Jaitley's renewed focus on improving infrastructure. Providing good infrastructure, particularly improving connectivity to the hinterland, has been mentioned as thrust area for the government. I am quite happy with the government continuing the rural focus and looking at enhancing allocation to MNREGA, besides focusing on skill development for the rural populace. These initiatives would help put more disposable income in the pockets of the rural consumer, improve their standards of living and ensure continued rural demand for branded consumer goods.''