The Union Budget 2012-13: Reform and Development Perspectives

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012, 2-5pm

India International Centre, Multipurpose Hall, New Wing

The Union Budget provides an annual and unique opportunity to focus attention on the Indian economy and how government policy affects the lives of India's billion plus people.

 

As we have done for the past five years, five of India’s leading economic policy research institutions will come together again this year to present their assessment of the Union Budget 2012-13.  The five institutes, CPR, ICRIER, IDF, NCAER, and NIPFP will join in a panel discussion to provide a more reflective review of the Budget and its implications for the Indian economy.  Mr. T. N. Ninan, Chairman of the Business Standard, will moderate the discussion.

 

The Union Budget this year is not only delayed because of state elections but will also be presented against the clear recognition that the government is off its fiscal targets.  While the advance estimate of GDP growth in 2011-12 of 6.9 percent will not be a surprise against the sluggish industrial output and investment conditions throughout the year, this slower growth is a source of deep concern against the continued fiscal-financial crisis in the Eurozone area and India’s huge poverty reduction agenda.  How will the economy return to high growth in a non-inflationary way?  How will economic policymaking and implementation manage the fiscal situation and increase the effectiveness of public expenditures, including addressing issues of governance that have beguiled public policy in recent years?

 

On behalf of our five institutions, it is our pleasure to invite you to this more considered discussion of Budget 2012-13 on Wednesday, 21^th March, 2012, starting with lunch at 1:15 pm, followed by the Budget seminar from 2 to 5 pm.  Please join us for high tea after the seminar.  The venue is The India International Centre, Multipurpose Hall, New Wing, Max Mueller Marg.  

 

We look forward to your joining and contributing to what should be an exciting discussion.  An email to Ms. Sudesh Bala sbala@ncaer.org  or a call on 011-23452669 confirming your participation would be highly appreciated.

 

With kind regards,

 

Yours sincerely,