We expect budget to be progressive to revive the economy and create positive business sentiments. It should usher in policies that will help in the growth of the overall economy by providing fillip through a boost in consumption. We await a forward-looking budget that would act as a catalyst for higher demands and spur spending across bottom-of-pyramid consumers as well as lower middle class consumers.

Given the widespread poverty levels in India, education needs to play a critical role in bringing about a change across generations with primary public education standing out as the most important area of focus. The upcoming budget needs to take initiatives such as allocating bigger spending on education and push digitalisation in the education sector. It should also look at removing some hurdles in opening schools and higher education institutions in the country and the whole process can be made easier so that we can see more private sector investment flowing in the education sector.

We also expect government to take care of the issues faced by the housing sector and address them systematically to fulfil the mission of “Housing for All by 2022”.

Overall, we feel that the measures should meet the expectations of the common man, which will lead to higher consumption, enhanced liquidity in the market, increase in investment and savings, imperative to fuel India’s growth engine.

Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bengaluru