Shastri took the first big step to transform India's agriculture, the benefits of which his successors reaped in plenty, says A K Bhattacharya.

The prime minister is aware that whatever be its consequences, a new taxation regime cannot be launched closer to the general elections in 2019. Thus, any date after April 2017 for the launch of GST is risky, says A K Bhattacharya.

Going by the number of changes Mr Jaitley's next Budget is likely to see, he will go down in the history of Budget-making as the finance minister who ushered in the largest number of changes in a single Budget, says A K Bhattacharya.

Reforms under the Modi government will maintain a slow and tentative pace, constantly wary of political opposition. It may not be reform by stealth, but it is reform on the quiet, says A K Bhattacharya.

After Raghuram Rajan leaves, the world for the succeeding RBI governors will be distinctly different.

The overall FDI policy landscape is changing and can do so faster, says

The shortage of skilled workers in India is one of the country's biggest challenges.

The growth has slowed down with exports at $6.7 billion last year.

Columnist A K Bhattacharya wonders why is it that the value of investment proposals in 2015 declined by 23 per cent, but the number of jobs to be created through such investments actually went up by 12 per cent.

The information and broadcasting ministry's business-like and result-oriented handling of several issues has set a template for other ministries to follow, says A K Bhattacharya.

There is no clarity yet on how an estimated 10.9 million new jobs would be created every year.

Doubts over implementation of a Cabinet-approved strategic sale policy are puzzling.

It would perhaps make more sense if the finance ministry gave greater emphasis on the need for a similar exercise to phase out exemptions and concessions in indirect taxes like customs and excise.

There are a couple of proposals, however, whose goals are not easily achievable.

The Budget chose to stick to an ambitious disinvestment programme for 2016-17.

Exports are slowing and economic growth in major markets for Indian goods has taken a hit.

The ministries and departments, where bureaucrats are parked after being moved out of key positions, reflect the priorities of the government.

The year is not yet over and a few more duty hikes are not ruled out.

There are many collateral advantages of taking the tough decision.

Credibility of fiscal promises is a virtue that no finance minister can afford to lose.