Augmenting Ease of Living in India : A Critique of Union Budget 2020-21

This article provides a razor-sharp analysis of the union budget 2020-21. Indeed, the union budget of India for the fiscal year 2020-21 is path-breaking in many ways. More than complicated fiscal issues, it focuses on promoting ease of living and social sector reforms without losing the sight on fiscal prudence and steady economic growth. The budget offers a slew of short-term, medium-term and long-term measures aimed at augmenting ease of living and bringing Indian economy back on the track. This budget has given due consideration to the farm sector, potable water, solar energy, healthcare, infrastructure, education, railways and above all, social security. Nevertheless, the government has consistently failed to implement the welfare schemes adequately and often underspent the funds in the past years. As a result, poverty remains a nation-wide problem without any holistic solution. It will be worthwhile to watch how the benefits of union budget unfold and touch the lives of all the stakeholders in a meaningful manner under the current dispensation