CHAPTER - 29

GENERAL BUDGET DISCUSSION

Lok Sabha , 6 March 1982

Shri Yashwantrao Chavan (Satara) : Mr. Deputy Speaker, sir, I rise for a brief participation in the discussion on the Budget on behalf of my party. I would like to start with complimenting the Finance Minister for presenting a Budget at a very difficult time, taking into consideration all the difficulty economic factors in the country. Making a proper assessment of the situation in different sectors of the economy, he has presented a Budget which, I must say will definitely strengthen the process of making our economy, a viable economy and further consolidate it.

Many Members and many newspapers were saying that they were expecting many things from the youngest Finance Minister. And that is very true. I must say this youngest Finance Minister bears a very wise head on his young shoulders.

An. Hon. Member : He has changed (Interruptions)

Shri Yashwantrao Chavan : There is no change in my opinion because whenever I found that the Budget was good, even from those benches I have said that it was good. So, there, is no question of my changing myself.

Prof. Madhu Dandavate : He is right, Sir, he has made up his mind. (interruption)

Mr. Deputy Speaker : Professor, you should not join them.

Shri Yashwantrao Chavan : At least I have made up my mind; but they have no mind at all. (Interruptions)

Mr. Deputy Speaker : It is only a good joke; you should not mind it.

Shri Yashwantrao Chavan : Because I am now discussing the Budget from different plane, I am rather more relaxed than the Finance Minister himself. Hi colleague sitting to his left is also more relaxed.

The Budget proposals are meant for a certain specific purpose in the administrative system of our country. My friend who spoke before me, criticized the Budget as some sort of Budget by installments. Naturally, the economic issues arise from time to time and have to be handled as such. But at the end of a financial year, every administration whether in this country or outside, in a socialist or non-socialist country has to make an assessment about the coming year, take stock of resources and then try to apportion them in a proper manner. Suppose tomorrow there is some unexpected eventuality. Can they say that, any other system than our system, will not change the price system, price structure,  for example? I find that the entire criticism is based on mentally refusing to accept certain realities in the world today.