Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s maiden Budget, coming with an ambitious call for a $5 trillion economy, is a lacklustre exercise filled with slogans and devoid of solutions. It aims to create wealth without giving any scope for creating employment. There is no proposal to reduce the rich-poor gap and bring about more equitable distribution of resources. The call for Public-Private Partnership in Railways is a move to bring the sector into the fold of private entities in due course. A streamlining of labour laws will enthuse the investors but do nothing to satisfy the working class. A disinvestment target of ₹1,05,000 crore will hasten the extinction of Public Sector Undertakings, which are the people’s asset. This is a budget for the rich and offers nothing to the common man

Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

This year’s Budget steered clear of awarding too many sops and instead focussed on the need of the hour for the common man. There was emphasis on areas like construction of houses and electrification. Raising the tax threshold from ₹2.50 lakh to ₹5 lakh would be welcomed by a section of the salaried class. Giving incentives to start-ups is a step towards increasing employment. Further, relaxation in corporate tax slab will be welcomed by companies. There is considerable additional tax deduction available for home-buyers as well. To sum up, the Budget has given every sector a pie in the cake.

Bengaluru

I am unable to share the Chief Economic Adviser’s confidence that the slump in investment has “bottomed out” (Editorial, “Blue-sky visions,” July 5). The banking system and its functioning is the weakest link here. Domestic savings, a vital source of investment, are channelled through banks. The framework under which they operate is anachronistic and not in line with the present-day requirements of the real economy, causing high level of Non-Performing Assets. Further, due to a steady deterioration in their operational profitability, a deep patron-client relationship with the government has developed and independent decision making by senior bankers has all but disappeared. Since their conceptual lending framework itself is flawed, which leads to wrong credit decisions being made and then a periodic monitoring of their functioning, bankers have developed a lot of expertise on how not to take decisions.

Hyderabad

The Congress Party can revamp its strength only through a democratic election of its leaders. The nomination system currently followed acts as a conduit for unpopular leaders to rise to top levels. Rahul Gandhi can give a concept note party workers providing them direction.

Thiruvananthapuram

Rahul Gandhi should be applauded for his far-sighted decision. But the task now before the party is to navigate itself through the impending hurdles to reposition itself as a formidable force. There is no acceptable Congress leader of nationwide appeal to lead the party. There is infighting in almost all States. Its cadre is demoralised and is used to looking up to the Gandhi family for leadership. Further, the organisation is divided between the old and the young generations. Finally, the Congress is confronted with a formidable Hindutva competitor led by a Prime Minister who works with boundless energy. Still, India’s democracy needs a strong Opposition.

Pune

Mr. Gandhi’s resignation has brought the Congress Party to a crossroads — it can now either choose to revive itself by electing a strong and popular leader who has risen from the ranks, or it can have a leader nominated by the present high command and its coterie (Editorial, “Raising the bar”, July 5). If the party chooses the latter option, little change can be expected in its fortunes. It may not be an easy task to find and elect an independent-thinking and strong leader who has an all-India acceptability, given, but it is not impossible. The choice will determine not only the future of the party, but also the future course of democratic politics in the country.

Hyderabad