Budget should reflect economic security

The Budget should leverage private investments in the infrastructure sectors through scarce public resources that are linked to social deliverables. For example, in meeting the target of 100% rural electrification, public resources should be used to bid for lowest subsidy demands. This would bring in private participation and efficiencies while providing energy to the poor. Regulatory Commissions should be strengthened to effectively monitor rural energisation programmes. The Budget should reflect the government?s concern for India?s long-term economic security. It should allocate sufficient resources for goal-oriented R&D targeted towards meeting energy and water needs of the poor; securing our energy future and making bio-technology provide solutions for sustainable development. Indians are globally recognised for their expertise in IT applications. The Budget should signal a move towards evidence-based decision-making through a major programme for online data collection on all socio-economic parameters.