'Corrupt politicians don't care about Budget'

It's budget time again and, as always, the best comments are expected from somebody who's loosely referred to as the common man: his expectations, his dreams, his concerns make up for wonderful gyaan if only the people who matter listen.

Here are a few voices (angry, hopeless, hopeful) of the aam aadmi on what they think should Pranab babu do to lessen their woes.

Interestingly, it seems, the aam aadmi doesn't understand the gobbledygook that is the budget. His only concern is the prices of cooking gas, vegetables, sugar and all those basic essentials that gnaws at his monthly income.

A bio-medical engineering student from Mumbai Harsh Desai feels that the Budget Day is important as we decide 'how our country regulates its money'.

However he is cynical about the way such an important instrument of managing the country's finances is mismanaged. "And I blame it on the corrupt politicians of our country," says he.

He says that our policy makers don't care too much about the budget except for in an election year 'when it magically turns out to be a good Budget'.

His only expectation: let the finance minister encourage research and development institutions in the country.

Ask him about three things he would lay emphasis on if he were to be in the finance minister's shoes and pat comes the reply: "Better road network, good public transport system and, of course, a reduction in tax rates".