-PTI New Delhi: A Rs. 48,000-crore Budget for the national capital was presented today by the AAP Government, laying major focus on improving transport, health, water distribution and education infrastructure. In its third Budget, the Arvind Kejriwal Government abolished the Plan and non-Plan expenditure heads and presented it in terms of revenue and capital classification in line with the Centre’s decision. There was no proposal on levying any new tax. 'Outcome budget' In a first,...

-The Indian Express The auditor also pointed out that there was no provision in the scheme for purchase of laptop bags and mugs. Chandigarh: Finding loopholes in the implementation of Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found diversion of funds meant for the campaign in Panipat district. According to CAG’s latest report, over Rs 3 lakh were spent on “preparation”...

-The Hindu Business Line It should have considered universal basic income. But sadly, budgets are not seen as a means to meet socio-economic goals The Union Budget attracts considerable media hype and debate. Democracy, if understood as a contract between the state and its citizens, may have to use the budgetary process to ensure not only prosperity for all, but justice or fairness to the most disadvantaged among them as well. A rational...

-The Tribune Demonetisation didn’t overly impact the sector, but devitalisation is a concern THERE has been a lot of speculation about the extent of damage due to demonetisation on agriculture. Small farmers suffered most because cash in hand means a lot to them. They were unable to pay for inputs like fertilisers, seeds and farm labour and experienced low demand for their perishable produce. The latest data from government’s agricultural ministry however...

-IANS Kolkata: Lack of policy directions for ensuring quality implementation of programmes makes the Union Budget 2017-18 allocations to ailing core social sectors like education and health inadequate in delivering the benefits, experts say. Schemes like Swachh Bharat-Urban and the National Social Assistance Programme saw no increase, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan got a mere 4.4 per cent rise in allocation, while the Integrated Child Development Services got an enhancement of about five per...